not quite sure

USAGE SUMMARY

"not quite sure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express uncertainty about a situation or topic. For example: I'm not quite sure how to answer this question.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not quite sure?

Independent

I'm not quite sure.

Yale University

I'm not quite sure why".

The New York Times - Arts

He was not quite sure.

The New York Times

We are not quite sure.

The New York Times

Not quite sure anything can.

The Washington Post

I'm not quite sure what.

The Guardian

We're not quite sure where.

The New York Times - Arts

We're not quite sure," Antonetti said.

The New York Times - Sports

Eavesdroppers craned their necks, not quite sure.

The New York Times

"I'm not quite sure I know.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing uncertainty, follow "not quite sure" with a clarifying statement. For example, "I'm not quite sure how to proceed, but I can research the best options."

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "not quite sure." Vary your language with alternatives like "I'm uncertain" or "I'm unsure" to enrich your writing and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not quite sure" functions as a hedge, softening a statement to express uncertainty or a lack of complete knowledge. Examples from Ludwig, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, show its prevalent use in conveying doubt or tentativeness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

29%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not quite sure" serves as a versatile tool for expressing uncertainty or a lack of complete conviction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, from news reports to academic discussions. While it's generally acceptable, being mindful of more formal alternatives in specific scenarios is advisable. The related phrases and usage tips provided offer valuable insights into refining your expression of uncertainty, ensuring clarity and precision in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bit unsure

Implies a small amount of uncertainty, using more casual language.

not completely certain

Highlights that certainty is lacking.

slightly uncertain

Indicates a marginal degree of doubt, placing emphasis on the slight nature of the uncertainty.

somewhat doubtful

Highlights a moderate level of skepticism or uncertainty, suggesting a degree of disbelief.

not entirely convinced

Suggests that there's remaining doubt or skepticism.

undecided

Directly states a lack of decision.

haven't made up my mind

Indicates that a decision hasn't been reached, focusing on indecision.

in two minds about it

Indicates being undecided or having conflicting opinions.

still on the fence

Suggests a state of indecision, typically regarding two options.

iffy

Suggests uncertainty or doubt, often used informally.

FAQs

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

You can use "not quite sure" to express uncertainty or a lack of complete knowledge, such as in "I'm "not quite sure" how to solve this problem" or "She's "not quite sure" what to expect".

What are some alternatives to "not quite sure"?

Some alternatives include "slightly uncertain", "somewhat doubtful", or "a bit unsure", depending on the context and the degree of uncertainty you want to convey.

Is it better to say "I'm not sure" or "I'm not quite sure"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "I'm "not quite sure"" suggests a slightly lesser degree of uncertainty than "I'm not sure". The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

When should I use "not quite sure" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "I am uncertain" or "I am unsure" in highly formal contexts. "Not "not quite sure"" is more appropriate for neutral or informal settings.