one cannot be sure if

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "one cannot be sure if" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing uncertainty about a situation or outcome. Example: "One cannot be sure if the event will take place as planned due to the unpredictable weather conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The disadvantage of using intentions instead of actual migration is that one cannot be sure if these intentions materialize, nevertheless, we find a high correlation between intentions and actual migration at the aggregate level.

Harvard University

Others note that in mouse studies one just counts the numbers of dead mice without asking what they died of, and the same procedure should be followed with monkeys, since one cannot be sure if a death under anesthesia might have been age related.

The New York Times - Science

In conclusion, several epidemiological studies mention migraine with aura occurring menstrually, but clinical details are usually lacking and one cannot be sure if these papers refer to PMM or instead to MRM.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Third, the study did not include a control group and one cannot be sure if the significant reduction in panic symptomatology observed in the present cohort might be due to passage of time rather than to CBT treatment per se.

BMC Psychiatry

The TFI, on the contrary, has been designed to cover multiple tinnitus severity domains panelists noted that it has not been validated in the United Kingdom; therefore, one cannot be sure if it is appropriate for the UK population.

Ear and Hearing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Even if a tumor is localized by imaging, or if there are multiple masses in different locations, one cannot be sure which tumor is responsible for increased production of FGF23.

CKJ: Clinical Kidney Journal

One cannot be sure about Brecht.

The New Yorker

The point is that one cannot be sure.

The New Yorker

Therefore, one cannot be sure that it accurately portrays atmospheric dynamics.

Harvard University

Academic research suggests that this effect will be quite small, although one cannot be sure.

The Guardian - Opinion

In fact, one cannot be sure of 'detection without localisation' without examining the error trials carefully.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "one cannot be sure if", ensure that the context clearly defines what the uncertainty pertains to, providing sufficient information for the reader to understand the scope of the doubt.

Common error

While grammatically sound, excessively using "one cannot be sure if" can make writing sound hesitant or lacking in confidence. Vary sentence structure with stronger declarative statements when appropriate to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one cannot be sure if" functions as an epistemic hedge, expressing uncertainty or a lack of definitive knowledge. Ludwig examples show it qualifying statements across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "one cannot be sure if" is a grammatically sound way to express uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts and functions as an epistemic hedge. While versatile, avoid overuse for a stronger writing style. Alternatives include "it is uncertain whether" and "it's not clear whether". Consider context and audience for optimal impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is uncertain whether

Replaces "one cannot be sure" with a more direct statement of uncertainty; slightly more formal.

it's not clear whether

Directly states a lack of clarity; a simple and common alternative.

it is difficult to ascertain if

Uses "ascertain" to emphasize the difficulty in determining the truth; more formal and technical.

it is questionable whether

Highlights doubt about the truth or validity of something; emphasizes skepticism.

we cannot determine whether

Similar meaning but stresses the inability to come to a conclusion.

it's hard to say whether

More informal and conversational alternative; emphasizes the difficulty in making a determination.

it remains to be seen if

Indicates that the outcome is still in the future and not yet determined; focuses on the passage of time.

it's open to question whether

Highlights that the matter is still under debate or consideration; implies ongoing discussion.

the possibility remains that

Shifts the focus to the potential for something to be true, rather than expressing complete uncertainty.

there is no guarantee that

Emphasizes the absence of assurance about a particular outcome; focuses on lack of certainty.

FAQs

What does "one cannot be sure if" mean?

The phrase "one cannot be sure if" expresses uncertainty about a particular outcome or situation. It indicates that there is no definitive way to know something for certain.

How to use "one cannot be sure if" in a sentence?

You can use "one cannot be sure if" to introduce a possibility that is not confirmed. Example: "One cannot be sure if the project will be successful, but we are optimistic."

What can I say instead of "one cannot be sure if"?

You can use alternatives like "it is uncertain whether", "it's not clear whether", or "it remains to be seen if" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "we cannot be sure if" instead of "one cannot be sure if"?

Using "we cannot be sure if" is more appropriate when referring to a specific group or team, whereas "one cannot be sure if" is a more general statement about the lack of certainty. The choice depends on the specific context and perspective.