not sure about

USAGE SUMMARY

"not sure about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are expressing uncertainty or lack of knowledge about something. For example, "I'm not sure about which school I should attend next year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not Sure About Content Marketing?

HuffPost

"I'm not sure about it.

The New York Times

I'm not sure about Amazon.

The Economist

Gail: Not sure about that.

The New York Times

I'm not sure about engineering.

Princeton University

"I am not sure about that".

The New York Times - Sports

A: I'm not sure about that.

The New York Times

He's not sure about the artichoke.

The Guardian - Music

I'm not sure about this.

The Guardian

They're not sure about chess.

The Washington Post

I'm not sure about "lingers".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering feedback, use "not sure about" to soften potential criticism. For example, "I like the design, but I'm not sure about the color scheme".

Common error

While "not sure about" is perfectly acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound hesitant. In formal contexts, opt for stronger, more confident expressions unless uncertainty is the key point. Consider alternatives like "it is unclear whether" or "further research is needed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not sure about" functions as a hedge, softening a statement or expressing uncertainty. Ludwig indicates its correctness and usability in written English. It expresses a lack of complete knowledge or confidence regarding a specific topic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

32%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not sure about" is a versatile phrase used to express uncertainty, doubt, or a need for more information. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability across diverse writing styles. Its frequency is very common. While acceptable in most contexts, writers should be mindful of overuse, especially in formal settings, where stronger expressions might be more appropriate. By understanding the nuances and appropriate contexts for its use, you can effectively communicate levels of certainty and maintain clarity in your writing. It is often used to soften criticism and to open a topic for further discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncertain about

Emphasizes a general lack of certainty regarding something.

doubtful about

Highlights a feeling of doubt or skepticism concerning something.

not convinced about

Indicates a lack of persuasion or belief in something.

questioning whether

Presents the uncertainty as an internal questioning of something.

having doubts about

Suggests a more persistent or significant level of uncertainty.

unsure if

A more concise way of expressing uncertainty, often used in conditional statements.

hesitant about

Focuses on a reluctance to act or decide due to uncertainty.

not certain regarding

A more formal way to express uncertainty.

in two minds about

Expresses indecision and conflicting opinions.

on the fence about

Highlights the state of being undecided or neutral.

FAQs

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

"Not sure about" is used to express uncertainty or doubt regarding a particular topic. For example, "I'm not sure about the answer to that question" indicates a lack of knowledge. It can also express an opinion, such as, "I'm not sure about that decision".

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

You can use alternatives like "uncertain about", "doubtful about", or "not convinced about" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "not sure about" or "not sure of"?

Both "not sure about" and "not sure of" are grammatically correct, but "not sure about" is more commonly used in everyday conversation. "Not sure of" might be preferred in more formal writing.

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

"Not sure about" generally indicates a lack of information or a neutral stance, while "not convinced about" suggests a degree of skepticism or disbelief. The latter implies that you require more evidence or a stronger argument to change your mind.