slightest uncertainty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightest uncertainty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a minimal level of doubt or hesitation regarding a situation or statement. Example: "I have the slightest uncertainty about the accuracy of the data presented in the report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The slightest uncertainty can set the process in motion, sending prices through the roof.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 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

I can't help thinking of him as a young man pretending to be older, who has put some flour on his hair, until I notice a slight uncertainty in his stride and recognize an old man's walk.

The New York Times - Magazine

Most of the drugs in development are two to five years away from possible regulatory approval, federal officials say, and even once approved there would still be some slight uncertainty about how well they would work in people.

The New York Times

"And there was also the fact that I'm doing it at home, we're not – though we have all of the information as to how much bleeding is too much bleeding, you know, or that, there's always that slight uncertainty of, like, I don't really know what I'm doing".

The Guardian

However, the experimental data for Re 1 million are affected by a slight uncertainty in the stall angle as evidenced in Fig. 6 (right).

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slightest uncertainty" when you want to emphasize a minimal level of doubt or hesitation. It is suitable for formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "slightest uncertainty" when a more significant level of doubt exists. Using stronger terms like "considerable uncertainty" or "significant doubt" is more appropriate in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightest uncertainty" functions as a noun phrase expressing a minimal degree of doubt or lack of certainty. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a grammatically correct and usable phrase. Examples show it modifying actions or beliefs, indicating a weak level of doubt.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slightest uncertainty" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to convey a minimal degree of doubt or hesitation. It commonly appears in news articles, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. While the phrase is more frequent in the News & Media context, Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness in various situations. To emphasize the minimal nature of the uncertainty, alternatives such as "minimal doubt", "least bit of doubt", and "smallest uncertainty" can be used. Be careful not to use the phrase when describing a significant level of doubt, as that would be inappropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimal doubt

Emphasizes the very small degree of doubt involved.

least bit of doubt

Focuses on the smallest possible amount of doubt.

smallest uncertainty

Directly replaces "slightest" with "smallest", keeping the meaning nearly identical.

faintest doubt

Uses "faintest" to highlight the weak presence of doubt.

trace of uncertainty

Implies that uncertainty exists only as a subtle indication.

hint of uncertainty

Suggests uncertainty is present but not overtly obvious.

a touch of doubt

Emphasizes how subtle the uncertainty is.

speck of uncertainty

Uses "speck" to convey a tiny amount of uncertainty.

marginal uncertainty

Highlights that uncertainty is at the margins.

minor uncertainty

Indicates uncertainty is not significant.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightest uncertainty" to express a minimal level of doubt or hesitation about something. For example, "I have the "slightest uncertainty" about the accuracy of the data".

What are some alternatives to "slightest uncertainty"?

Alternatives include "minimal doubt", "least bit of doubt", or "smallest uncertainty".

Is it better to say "slightest uncertainty" or "smallest uncertainty"?

Both "slightest uncertainty" and "smallest uncertainty" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context.

What does "slightest uncertainty" imply about the level of doubt?

"Slightest uncertainty" implies that the level of doubt is very small, almost negligible. It suggests a minimal hesitation or lack of confidence.