not sure yet

USAGE SUMMARY

"not sure yet" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you don't have a definite answer to a question yet. For example: Q: When will you be able to send the report? A: I'm not sure yet - I'll have to check my schedule.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

"We're not sure yet".

The New York Times

"Not sure yet".

The New Yorker

So you're not sure yet?

The Washington Post

"I'm just not sure yet".

The New York Times

Not sure yet where I'll end up.

The New York Times

"What're we having?" "Not sure yet.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

But he wasn't sure yet what to say.

The New York Times - Magazine

NSF isn't sure yet either.

Science Magazine

Nintendo president Reggie Fiss-Aime isn't sure yet.

TechCrunch

Hulton and Muller say they aren't sure yet.

Forbes

But going forward, he wasn't sure yet.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not sure yet", provide context or a reason for the uncertainty to give the listener or reader a better understanding of the situation.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "not sure yet" without providing any additional information. Overuse can make you sound indecisive or unprepared. Offer potential options or a timeline for when you might have a clearer answer.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not sure yet" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It indicates a state of uncertainty or indecision at the present time, implying that a resolution might be reached later. Ludwig AI's examples confirm its widespread use to express a temporary lack of clarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

21%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not sure yet" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate uncertainty or indecision about a future event or decision. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. When using this phrase, it's helpful to provide additional context or a reason for the uncertainty. While acceptable in many situations, more precise language may be preferred in formal writing. Consider alternatives such as "undecided for now" or "to be determined" for added clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

haven't decided yet

Directly states that a decision has not been made at the time of speaking.

undecided for now

Emphasizes the current state of being without a decision, implying a temporary lack of certainty.

not yet determined

Similar to 'to be determined' but phrased in the passive voice, emphasizing the lack of a decision.

cannot say for sure now

Expresses an inability to provide a definite answer at the current time.

still in the air

Suggests that the matter is unresolved and outcomes are uncertain.

to be determined

Highlights that a decision or outcome is pending and has not yet been established.

it's uncertain at this time

States that the situation is not clear or predictable in the present moment.

yet to be seen

Implies that the outcome is in the future and currently unknown.

remains to be seen

Similar to 'yet to be seen' but carries a slightly more formal tone.

no idea at this point

Indicates a complete lack of knowledge or certainty about a future event or decision.

FAQs

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

You can use "not sure yet" to express uncertainty about a future decision or event. For example, "I'm "not sure yet" if I'll attend the meeting next week."

What are some alternatives to saying "not sure yet"?

Instead of saying "not sure yet", you could use phrases like "undecided for now", "still in the air", or "to be determined" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "not sure yet" in formal writing?

While "not sure yet" is generally acceptable, it may be more suitable for informal communication. In formal writing, consider using more precise language such as "the decision is pending" or "the outcome is uncertain."

What's the difference between ""not sure yet"" and "unsure"?

"Not sure yet" implies that the uncertainty is temporary and that a decision or answer may be available in the future. "Unsure" is a more general term for lacking confidence or certainty.