not even sure

USAGE SUMMARY

"not even sure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express uncertainty or doubt about something. For example: "I'm not even sure how to begin this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm not even sure I did.

The New York Times

I'm not even sure I noticed.

The New Yorker

I am not even sure ----.

The New York Times

I'm not even sure what that means.

The New York Times

I'm not even sure I believe myself.

The New York Times

I'm not even sure what it means".

The Economist

I'm not even sure we should participate".

The New York Times

"I'm not even sure where it is".

The New York Times - Arts

We're not even sure Haas knows how.

The New York Times

I'm not even sure Lorne [Michaels] did.

The New York Times - Arts

I'm not even sure it cares.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not even sure" to convey a sense of genuine uncertainty, rather than as a weakener or filler. Ensure the context clearly reflects a state of doubt or lack of knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "not even sure" repeatedly in a short piece of writing, as it can make your writing sound hesitant and unconfident. Vary your expressions of uncertainty with alternatives like "highly doubtful" or "quite uncertain" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not even sure" functions as a hedge, expressing a speaker's uncertainty or lack of confidence about a statement. It is commonly used to soften assertions or admit doubt, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not even sure" is a common and acceptable way to express uncertainty or a lack of conviction. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and widespread usage. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves to soften assertions or convey doubt. While versatile, avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "not certain" or "highly doubtful" to diversify your writing and prevent monotony. Remember to use it to convey uncertainty clearly and with purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite uncertain

Offers a slightly more formal way to express a lack of sureness.

not really confident

Expresses a lack of assurance or self-belief, shifting the focus to personal conviction.

not at all certain

Emphasizes a complete lack of certainty, making it a stronger expression of doubt.

not convinced at all

Strengthens the lack of conviction, similar to "not at all certain".

highly doubtful

Focuses on the improbability of something, suggesting a strong degree of skepticism.

rather dubious

Implies suspicion or hesitation, suggesting that something is questionable.

somewhat skeptical

Indicates a questioning attitude, suggesting a reluctance to accept something without proof.

far from convinced

Indicates that one has not been persuaded or swayed, highlighting a resistance to belief.

open to question

Suggests that something is not settled or definite, inviting further examination or debate.

unsure to what extent

Highlights the uncertainty regarding the degree or scope of something, rather than a simple lack of knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "not even sure" in a sentence?

Use "not even sure" to express doubt or uncertainty about something. For example, "I'm "not even sure" I locked the door" indicates the speaker is uncertain whether they locked the door.

What are some alternatives to "not even sure"?

Alternatives include "not certain", "uncertain", or "doubtful". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "not even sure" or "not sure"?

"Not even sure" adds emphasis to the uncertainty. "Not sure" is a more neutral expression. Use "not even sure" when you want to highlight a greater degree of doubt.

What's the difference between "not even sure" and "not really sure"?

"Not even sure" suggests a stronger level of uncertainty than "not really sure". "Not really sure" implies a slight inclination towards uncertainty, while "not even sure" implies a more profound lack of knowledge or conviction.