showing uncertainty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "showing uncertainty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation, behavior, or expression that indicates doubt or lack of confidence. Example: "Her tone was hesitant, showing uncertainty about the decision they had to make."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

When thinking about showing uncertainty we think mostly about two types.

Harvard Business Review

While the issue is getting less attention, Congress is also showing uncertainty over whether and how to pursue a broad investigation into the causes of the economic crisis.

The New York Times

About 10 minutes later, apropos of nothing, Beckett leaned across the table, looked me in the eye and said, 'You really thought it was good?' Here was my god showing uncertainty and doubt.

The New York Times - Books

This rapid change in the ionosphere is mainly due to solar ionizing irradiation, solar heating, wind and electric currents showing uncertainty in hour-to-hour connectivity for the three GNSS stations.

Earth, Planets and Space

More fluent language use Functional Level 1. Appeal for help from the teacher 2. Gestures showing uncertainty 2. No more reliance on the teacher and students provide their own justification even in L1 2. Gestures showing satisfaction with task performance 3. Arguments between the partners almost like a fight.

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

In addition to these high-quality data sets showing uncertainty regarding the antiarrhythmic effect of omega-3 PUFA, several large studies followed up on the initial positive GISSI-P results.

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

A series of geotherms at 1000 iterations were plotted showing uncertainties in temperature with depth (Fig. 11).

Geothermal Energy

If America shows uncertainty or weakness in this decade, the world will drift toward tragedy.

The New York Times

If America shows uncertainty and weakness in this decade the world will drift towards tragedy.

The Guardian

Shaded areas show uncertainty intervals about the final vote margin, based on historical polling patterns.

The New York Times

Problems in which fiber angles showed uncertainty were considered.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "showing uncertainty" to describe a tangible expression of doubt, whether through body language, speech, or actions. It's most effective when you can specify how the uncertainty is being shown.

Common error

Avoid using "showing uncertainty" in overly abstract or philosophical contexts where a more precise term might be more appropriate. Vague use weakens the impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "showing uncertainty" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, often acting as part of a predicate to describe a subject's state or action. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in depicting observable behaviors, like gestures or tone, that reveal doubt.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "showing uncertainty" is a verb phrase used to describe the external expression of doubt or a lack of confidence. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct, though relatively rare in occurrence. It commonly appears in news and media contexts, as well as in scientific writing. When using "showing uncertainty", ensure that you're describing a tangible manifestation of doubt. Consider alternatives like "displaying hesitation" or "revealing doubt" to add nuance. Avoid overly abstract uses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstrating a lack of confidence

Directly points to the absence of self-assurance or certainty.

appearing hesitant

Highlights the outward appearance of being reluctant or slow to act.

displaying hesitation

Focuses on the act of visibly hesitating, emphasizing the pause or delay in action or speech.

revealing doubt

Emphasizes the unveiling or making known of an underlying feeling of doubt.

giving the impression of doubt

Focuses on the perceived effect of the behavior, rather than the internal state.

exhibiting skepticism

Highlights a questioning attitude or a lack of willingness to believe something.

projecting indecision

Focuses on the communication of an inability to make a firm choice or judgment.

conveying a sense of unease

Shifts the focus to communicating a feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

suggesting ambiguity

Shifts the focus to the presence of vagueness or a lack of clarity.

expressing reservation

Highlights the communication of a concern or qualification about something.

FAQs

How can I use "showing uncertainty" in a sentence?

You can use "showing uncertainty" to describe actions or expressions. For example, "Her tone was hesitant, "showing uncertainty" about the decision."

What are some alternatives to "showing uncertainty"?

Alternatives include "displaying hesitation", "revealing doubt", or "exhibiting skepticism", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "showing uncertainty" in writing?

It is appropriate when describing a specific instance where someone's actions, words, or expressions indicate a lack of confidence or certainty about something.

What's the difference between "showing uncertainty" and "being uncertain"?

"Showing uncertainty" describes an outward display, while "being uncertain" refers to an internal state. You can be uncertain without "showing uncertainty".