shadow of uncertainty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shadow of uncertainty" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a feeling of doubt or uncertainty that lingers in a situation. Example: The company's future hung in the balance, with the shadow of uncertainty casting a pall over the employees' morale.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

But a shadow of uncertainty hangs over Napa.

Independent

By contrast, no shadow of uncertainty surrounded the other discovery seen at Bonhams.

The New York Times - Arts

Graduation has cast a rare shadow of uncertainty over UConn this season.

The New York Times - Sports

Defense secretary Chuck Hagel asked Congress to pass a budget and "remove this shadow of uncertainty" over the Pentagon.

The Guardian

Carbon-dioxide levels are still rising; the shadow of uncertainty and risk they cast into the future is getting deeper and longer.

The Economist

The import levies have raised costs for businesses that buy parts from Chinese factories and cast a shadow of uncertainty over future investment plans.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

The Alpha Centauri B planet is hardly the first promising world to slip into the shadows of uncertainty.

The New York Times - Science

Prime Minister David Cameron has warned that failure to act swiftly over Eurozone indebtedness would "lengthen the shadows of uncertainty" looming over the global economy.

Independent

"Endlessly putting off what has to be done doesn't help, in fact it makes the problem worse, lengthening the shadows of uncertainty that looms over the world economy," Mr Cameron said.

Independent

Bargaining in corporate reorganizations takes place in the shadow of this uncertainty, and standard models of litigation and settlement show that valuation uncertainty alone can explain many of the departures from absolute priority in large corporate reorganizations.

University of Chicago

It also cast a shadow of political uncertainty over the country.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "shadow of uncertainty" to effectively convey a sense of unease or doubt about future outcomes, particularly when discussing situations with potentially negative consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "shadow of uncertainty" when a situation involves clear risks or definitive outcomes. The phrase is best suited for describing situations where the future is unclear, not when specific negative consequences are already known.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shadow of uncertainty" functions as a noun phrase that often acts as a subject or object in a sentence. It's used to describe a situation or feeling where the future is unclear and potential negative outcomes are anticipated. This is supported by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shadow of uncertainty" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe situations where the future is unclear and doubt prevails. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and widely accepted in English writing. Analysis of the examples shows that it's frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, indicating its versatility. Alternatives like ""atmosphere of doubt"" or ""cloud of ambiguity"" can be used to provide a different nuance. When using the phrase, be mindful to apply it when genuine uncertainty exists, rather than in situations with already known outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

atmosphere of doubt

Shifts the focus to a pervading feeling of skepticism.

cloud of ambiguity

Emphasizes the lack of clarity surrounding a topic or situation.

air of unpredictability

Focuses on the unpredictable nature of the situation, rather than the feeling of doubt.

risk of instability

Focuses on the potential for instability, highlighting the associated danger.

climate of insecurity

Highlights the feeling of being unsafe or unstable.

era of unpredictability

Stresses the unpredictable nature of an extended period.

sense of apprehension

Emphasizes the feeling of anxiety or fear about what might happen.

threat of disruption

Emphasizes the potential for something to be interrupted or thrown into chaos.

period of instability

Focuses on the lack of stability rather than the feeling of doubt.

time of transition

Highlights the changing nature of a situation and the resulting uncertainty.

FAQs

How can I use "shadow of uncertainty" in a sentence?

You can use "shadow of uncertainty" to describe situations where the outcome is unclear and there is a sense of unease or doubt. For example: "The ongoing negotiations cast a "shadow of uncertainty" over the company's future."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "shadow of uncertainty"?

Alternatives include "atmosphere of doubt", "cloud of ambiguity", or "air of unpredictability" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "shadow of uncertainty" or "cloud of uncertainty"?

Both phrases are correct, but "cloud of uncertainty" often implies a broader, more pervasive sense of doubt, while ""shadow of uncertainty"" suggests a more looming, impending sense of doubt.

What does it mean to say something is happening "under the shadow of uncertainty"?

When something occurs "under the "shadow of uncertainty"", it means that it's happening in an environment where the future is unclear and there are significant doubts or worries about what might happen. This can affect decisions and outcomes.