not really sure

USAGE SUMMARY

"not really sure" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is often used to express uncertainty and a lack of confidence in one's opinion or knowledge on a particular topic. For example, "I'm not really sure why he chose that career path."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You're not really sure.

The New York Times

We're not really sure.

Independent

I'm just not really sure".

The New York Times - Magazine

And I'm not really sure.

The New York Times

But I'm not really sure".

The Guardian - Sport

"We're not really sure," he said.

The New York Times - Science

JEFFREY TOOBIN: Hard question, not really sure.

The New Yorker

In L.A. you're not really sure".

The New York Times

I'm not really sure what it was.

Yale University

"I'm not really sure why I started.

The Economist

I'm not really sure what this means.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not really sure" to express uncertainty or lack of definitive knowledge, but avoid overuse in formal writing. Consider stronger, more precise alternatives when appropriate.

Common error

Avoid relying on "not really sure" when specific details or educated guesses are possible. Providing some context or rationale, even if uncertain, can enhance clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not really sure" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It serves to qualify a statement, indicating a degree of uncertainty or lack of complete knowledge on the speaker's part, as illustrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not really sure" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to express uncertainty or a lack of definitive knowledge. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context and choose stronger alternatives when precision is paramount. Its prevalence across diverse sources, like The New York Times, highlights its widespread acceptance in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm uncertain

Directly expresses a lack of certainty.

I'm unsure

Similar to "uncertain", but slightly more informal.

I don't know for sure

Emphasizes the lack of definitive knowledge.

I'm not certain

A more formal way of saying "I'm not sure".

I have no idea

Indicates a complete lack of knowledge.

I'm in doubt

Expresses a feeling of doubt or skepticism.

I couldn't say

Suggests an inability to provide a definite answer.

It's hard to say

Highlights the difficulty in providing a certain answer.

I'm skeptical

Expresses doubt or disbelief.

I'm hesitant to say

Shows reluctance to offer a definitive opinion.

FAQs

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

You can use "not really sure" to express uncertainty or a lack of knowledge. For example, "I'm "not really sure" what the answer is" or "We are "not really sure" why we are being blocked".

What are some alternatives to "not really sure"?

Alternatives include "I'm uncertain", "I'm unsure", or "I don't know for sure", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it acceptable to use "not really sure" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "not really sure" is generally more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider more precise and confident language unless expressing uncertainty is the specific goal.

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

"Not really sure" adds a degree of emphasis, suggesting slightly greater uncertainty than "not sure". The choice between the two often depends on the desired tone and the specific context.