not confident about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not confident about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing uncertainty or lack of assurance regarding a particular subject or situation. Example: "I am not confident about my ability to complete this project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

HOLT NOT CONFIDENT ABOUT WORLD COURT; He Says Senate Victory Requires Aggressive Leadership by Coolidge.

The New York Times

Archives|HOLT NOT CONFIDENT ABOUT WORLD COURT; He Says Senate Victory Requires Aggressive Leadership by Coolidge.

The New York Times

The world is not confident about the economy.

The New Yorker

I have various hypotheses, which I am not confident about.

The New Yorker

Shadows and prominent eyes: not confident about their looks.

The New York Times

"People are not confident about using hyphens anymore," he said.

The New York Times

2. Ukip is not confident about winning an EU referendum.

The Guardian

They were not confident about their ability to be promoted, despite their interest in advancement.

The New York Times

"In general we are not confident about voluntary systems involving businesses.

The Guardian

She says the Lib Dems are "hopeful but not confident" about Davey's prospects.

The Guardian

The bad news is they are not confident about the American economy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not confident about", ensure the object of your uncertainty is clearly specified. For example, "I am not confident about the project's success" provides more context than "I am not confident."

Common error

Avoid using "not confident about" when a stronger expression of certainty is appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "I'm not confident about whether the Earth is flat", use "I am certain the Earth is not flat" to reflect the near-impossibility of the Earth being flat.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not confident about" functions as an adjectival phrase followed by a preposition, expressing a lack of assurance or certainty regarding a specific subject or situation. According to Ludwig AI, this expression is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not confident about" is a widely used and grammatically correct phrase for expressing a lack of assurance or certainty. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid and versatile, fitting various contexts, although its most frequent use occurs in News & Media and Scientific domains. When using this phrase, clarity is key—ensure the subject of your uncertainty is clearly defined. For alternative expressions, consider phrases such as "uncertain regarding" or "doubtful concerning" to convey similar meanings with subtle nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unsure of

A more general expression of uncertainty.

uncertain regarding

Formal alternative, implying a lack of certainty.

doubtful concerning

Emphasizes skepticism or disbelief.

hesitant about

Suggests reluctance or unwillingness due to uncertainty.

not optimistic regarding

Focuses specifically on a lack of positive expectations.

apprehensive about

Highlights anxiety or worry about a potential outcome.

dubious about

Similar to skeptical, but can also imply ambiguity.

skeptical of

Implies a critical or distrustful attitude.

not convinced by

Expresses a lack of belief or persuasion.

questioning whether

Focuses on the act of doubting a particular outcome.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "not confident about"?

You can use alternatives like "uncertain regarding", "doubtful concerning", or "unsure of" depending on the context.

How to use "not confident about" in a sentence?

You can use "not confident about" to express a lack of assurance or certainty regarding something. For example: "I am not confident about my ability to finish the task on time."

Which is correct, "not confident about" or "unconfident about"?

"Not confident about" is the preferred and more common usage. "Unconfident" is less frequent and can sound awkward to some speakers.

What's the difference between "not confident about" and "not sure about"?

"Not sure about" expresses a general uncertainty, while "not confident about" specifically relates to a lack of self-assurance or belief in a positive outcome. They are often interchangeable but carry slightly different connotations.