slightly uncertain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly uncertain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a state of mild doubt or lack of confidence about something. Example: "I felt slightly uncertain about my decision to change jobs, but I knew it was the right choice in the long run."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Banks looked determined but slightly uncertain.

The New Yorker

And they are slightly uncertain as to which way to vote".

The Guardian

A year ago England were hopeful but slightly uncertain of their best way forward.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's, it's... .. one said, slightly uncertain as to who he was or, more likely, how to pronounce his first name.

The Times

It both is and isn't a home gig, leaving them – consciously or otherwise – in a slightly uncertain place.

The Guardian

It was not until Ms. Stafford's slightly uncertain curtain bows that one realized fully how young she is.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The dynamics of a recall election may be slightly more uncertain.

The New York Times

Things get (slightly) more uncertain in the coming days, when Biles will try to sweep the remaining three individual events and become the first female gymnast to win five gold medals at a single Games.

The New Yorker

Being an entrepreneur is always dicey, but only slightly more uncertain than life in the corporate world where the constant pressure to cut costs and remain competitive creates endless churn.

Forbes

The situation for the smaller particles (30 nm × 15 nm) might be slightly more uncertain because the particle size approaches the average grain size and questions related to the thermodynamic stability of, e.g., a grain boundary or even a dislocation, might become relevant.

Advanced Materials

If his head tilts slightly, he is uncertain about your meaning, so try to clarify.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slightly uncertain" to convey a nuanced sense of doubt or lack of confidence without implying strong negativity. This is particularly useful when describing feelings, predictions, or assessments where absolute certainty is not possible or appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly uncertain" when the situation calls for a stronger expression of doubt or risk. In scenarios involving significant consequences or high stakes, opt for more decisive language that accurately reflects the severity of the uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly uncertain" functions primarily as a modifier, specifically an adjectival phrase, that qualifies a noun or pronoun by expressing a state of mild doubt or lack of confidence. Ludwig indicates that this is a common and grammatically sound expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slightly uncertain" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to convey a mild degree of doubt or lack of confidence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently in various contexts, especially in news and media, science and less frequently in other types of sources. While appropriate for both formal and informal writing, it's crucial to use it judiciously, ensuring it accurately reflects the intended level of uncertainty. For more precise or stronger expressions of doubt, consider alternatives like ""somewhat unsure"" or ""a bit hesitant"".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat unsure

Replaces "slightly" with "somewhat", indicating a similar level of uncertainty.

a bit hesitant

Uses "a bit" instead of "slightly" and "hesitant" for "uncertain", conveying a similar sense of mild reservation.

marginally doubtful

Substitutes "slightly" with "marginally" and "uncertain" with "doubtful", maintaining a comparable level of mild skepticism.

mildly dubious

Replaces "slightly" with "mildly" and "uncertain" with "dubious", suggesting a gentle sense of doubt.

somewhat skeptical

Uses "somewhat" in place of "slightly" and "skeptical" instead of "uncertain", indicating a similar level of mild disbelief.

a little ambivalent

Replaces "slightly uncertain" with "a little ambivalent", expressing a similar feeling of mixed emotions or indecision.

fairly unconfident

Uses "fairly" instead of "slightly" and "unconfident" for "uncertain", suggesting a similar level of mild lack of assurance.

moderately hesitant

Replaces "slightly" with "moderately" and "uncertain" with "hesitant", conveying a similar sense of mild reluctance.

a touch unsure

Uses "a touch" in place of "slightly" and "unsure" for "uncertain", indicating a subtle level of lacking confidence.

rather tentative

Replaces "slightly uncertain" with "rather tentative", expressing a comparable feeling of being provisional or hesitant.

FAQs

How can I use "slightly uncertain" in a sentence?

You can use "slightly uncertain" to describe a mild lack of confidence or doubt about something. For example, "I felt slightly uncertain about the new project's timeline."

What are some alternatives to "slightly uncertain"?

Some alternatives include "somewhat unsure", "a bit hesitant", or "marginally doubtful", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "slightly uncertain" in formal writing?

Yes, "slightly uncertain" is appropriate for formal writing when you need to express a mild degree of doubt without being overly negative or critical. However, consider whether another more precise term might be more suitable depending on the context.

What is the difference between "slightly uncertain" and "very uncertain"?

"Slightly uncertain" indicates a mild level of doubt or lack of confidence, whereas "very uncertain" suggests a much stronger and more significant degree of doubt or unpredictability.