slight uncertainty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slight uncertainty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a minor level of doubt or lack of confidence about a situation or outcome. Example: "There is a slight uncertainty regarding the project's timeline due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

There is a further slight uncertainty about the system of "sortition from an elected shortlist".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Their two-song interlude began in slight uncertainty, with a tentative "In a Sentimental Mood".

The New York Times - Arts

Mississippi Grind is a premium showcase for his gifts: the charisma to burn, the smile of a man who seems born lucky, the slight uncertainty beneath.

The Guardian - Film

Some slight uncertainty about Enceladus' orbit means that the Cassini might have passed three or four miles closer or farther away than predicted.

The New York Times

He isn't weak, yet something in him makes him hold back — and that something (a slight uncertainty? the fear of a commitment? a mixture of ardor and idealism?) makes him more exciting.

The New Yorker

Her slight uncertainty and all-out enthusiasm in the period dance numbers (by the show's director and choreographer, Kathleen Marshall) engagingly underscore the notion of an urban newcomer still finding her feet.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"Rain is then expected to push through from Thursday into Friday, with slight uncertainties continuing on a windy theme," the spokesperson added.

Independent

Thus, although there exist slight uncertainties in dust yields, we can discuss the activation mechanism for dust mass growth in the ISM without ambiguity.

Earth, Planets and Space

Reliability sensitivities provide useful information to increase the safety level and can be also exploited in the context of first-order interval Taylor series expansion to estimate the bounds of interval reliability when slight uncertainties are involved.

Structural Safety

When queried about his feel for marketing and public relations, Lamoriello expressed only a slight hint of uncertainty.

The New York Times - Sports

There was "a glimmer that danced across her round, dark eyes whenever I looked at her," he writes, "the slightest hint of uncertainty, as if, deep inside, she knew how fragile things really were, and that if she ever let go, even for a moment, all her plans might quickly unravel".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slight uncertainty", ensure the context clearly indicates what the uncertainty pertains to. Being specific helps avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "slight uncertainty" when the situation involves significant unknowns. Using it in contexts with high ambiguity can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slight uncertainty" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a situation where there's a minor degree of doubt or lack of confidence. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slight uncertainty" is a grammatically sound and usable noun phrase used to express a minor level of doubt or ambiguity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science, its neutral to formal register makes it suitable for various contexts. When employing this phrase, be sure the context clearly indicates the subject of the uncertainty. Alternatives such as "minor ambiguity" or "small doubt" may be used to provide similar meaning. However, it's crucial to avoid using it in situations with substantial unknowns, as that could negatively impact credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor ambiguity

Replaces "uncertainty" with "ambiguity", suggesting a lack of clarity rather than doubt.

small doubt

Uses "doubt" instead of "uncertainty", focusing on a feeling of disbelief.

mild apprehension

Substitutes "uncertainty" with "apprehension", emphasizing a feeling of anxiety or unease.

limited ambiguity

Replaces "slight" with "limited", maintaining a focus on the scope of the ambiguity.

marginal uncertainty

Uses "marginal" to describe the degree of uncertainty, implying a small or negligible level.

subtle doubt

Highlights the subtlety of the doubt, suggesting it might be hard to detect.

mere uncertainty

Downplays the significance of the uncertainty.

trace of uncertainty

Indicates a very small amount of uncertainty.

faint uncertainty

Implies that the uncertainty is barely perceptible.

minimal ambiguity

Uses "minimal" to further emphasize how small is the ambiguity instead of uncertainty.

FAQs

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

You can use "slight uncertainty" to describe a minor degree of doubt or lack of confidence about something. For example: "There is a slight uncertainty regarding the project's completion date."

What are some alternatives to "slight uncertainty"?

Alternatives include "minor ambiguity", "small doubt", or "mild apprehension", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "slight uncertainty" in formal writing?

Yes, "slight uncertainty" is appropriate for formal writing as it is grammatically correct and widely understood. However, consider more precise language if available.

What's the difference between "slight uncertainty" and "significant uncertainty"?

"Slight uncertainty" indicates a minor level of doubt or ambiguity, whereas "significant uncertainty" implies a much greater degree of unknown or unpredictability.