not sure either

USAGE SUMMARY

"not sure either" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It generally means that one does not know or is unsure about a certain thing that has been mentioned. For example: "I don't know what we should do next - I'm not sure either."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Anyway, I'm not sure either of these teams are that good.

The New Yorker

(He's not sure, either, whether "they" are Kean staffers or what he calls "wacktivists").

The New Yorker

He may have got a fingertip on it, I'm not sure; either way it was an exceptionally difficult chance.

The Guardian - Sport

I'm not sure, either, that a butcher's hot food takeaway counter would be my first port of call for a curry or pasta dish.

The Guardian - Travel

I'm not sure either nation holds out especially high hopes for the men's marathon, and both are absent from the crucial rhythmic gymnastics team all-around final.

The Guardian - Sport

As well as a marathon Waters screening session (including an Odorama version of Polyester), expect cabaret and live music performances, a Hairspray-like ball (featuring Corny Collins dance lessons), bizarre competitions, trampolining, an "eat your makeup" stall and a "tea bagging booth" (we're not sure either).

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Jenna said, "I wasn't sure either".

The New York Times

Her friend isn't sure, either, and slowly stirs for some reminder in her beach bag.

The New York Times - Travel

But, if she's being honest, Ragone isn't sure either contestant really bakes too many cookies these days.

The Washington Post

We weren't sure either, so we asked the company.

TechCrunch

Boehner wasn't sure, either, but he speculated that the sagging economy would drag down turnout among minorities.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not sure either" to express agreement with someone else's uncertainty. It's a concise way to show you share their lack of knowledge or confidence on a topic.

Common error

Avoid using "not sure either" when you are the first person expressing uncertainty. It's best used as a response to someone else's statement of doubt or lack of knowledge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not sure either" functions as an adverbial phrase of agreement, indicating that the speaker shares the same state of uncertainty as someone else. This is supported by Ludwig AI, confirming its correct usage in expressing shared doubt.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

9%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not sure either" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for expressing shared uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, primarily in neutral contexts like news and media. While versatile, it's most effective when used to agree with another person's statement of doubt. Consider alternatives like "I don't know either" for variety, but be mindful of the context to maintain clarity and appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm uncertain too

Replaces "not sure" with "uncertain" for a slightly more formal tone.

I don't know either

Uses "don't know" instead of "not sure", focusing on a lack of knowledge.

I'm not certain either

Substitutes "sure" with "certain" for a slightly more formal expression.

I'm also unsure

Emphasizes the state of being unsure, using "also" for agreement.

I have no idea either

Expresses a stronger sense of not knowing.

I'm doubtful too

Expresses doubt alongside another person's uncertainty.

I'm equally clueless

Adds a touch of humor, indicating a similar lack of understanding.

I couldn't say either

Highlights an inability to offer an answer.

I'm in the dark as well

Uses a metaphorical expression to convey a lack of awareness.

It's beyond me too

Indicates that the topic is too difficult to understand.

FAQs

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

You can use "not sure either" to agree with someone else's expression of uncertainty, like in the sentence, "If you don't know the answer, I'm "not sure either"."

What's a more formal way to say "not sure either"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "I am also unsure" or "I am not certain either".

Can "not sure either" be used at the beginning of a sentence?

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with "not sure either" is less common. It usually follows another statement expressing uncertainty.

Is there a difference between "not sure either" and "neither am I"?

"Not sure either" is a direct agreement with a statement of uncertainty. "Neither am I" is more general and can apply to a broader range of situations where you share a similar state or experience.