somewhat uncertain

USAGE SUMMARY

"somewhat uncertain" is correct and is usable in written English.
You can use it when you are unsure of something, but not completely certain. For example, "I'm feeling somewhat uncertain about the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It's of course still somewhat uncertain.

The New York Times - Science

The origin of the name Ballina is somewhat uncertain.

Britannica

"We have a somewhat uncertain trumpet in the Senate".

The New York Times

Mr. bin Laden's precise role remains somewhat uncertain.

The New York Times

Moreover, the accord's status is still somewhat uncertain.

The Economist

I do not write for posterity - in any case the outlook for that is somewhat uncertain.

The Guardian - Music

Thus, the actual representation of the catalyst behaviour neglecting radial temperature gradients is somewhat uncertain.

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

Rodriguez ultimately took a somewhat uncertain step across home plate before the ball arrived.

The New York Times

Mr. Smith said he remained somewhat uncertain, and was keeping his options open for November.

The New York Times

Their feet were bare, their faces somber, their voices somewhat uncertain.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Further, since we are always somewhat uncertain about the microscopic state, this straightening can never be perfect.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat uncertain" to express a moderate level of doubt or lack of clarity, avoiding stronger terms when complete certainty is not required.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat uncertain" when a higher degree of uncertainty is warranted. Choose stronger terms like "highly uncertain" or "speculative" if the situation merits it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat uncertain" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a moderate degree of uncertainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts to express a lack of complete clarity or confidence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "somewhat uncertain" is a versatile expression used to convey a moderate level of doubt or lack of clarity across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Its prevalence in news and media, scientific literature, and encyclopedias indicates its broad applicability. While it's essential to avoid overstating uncertainty, this phrase serves as a valuable tool for expressing qualified opinions and tempered judgments. Alternatives like "slightly doubtful" or "not entirely convinced" offer subtle variations in meaning, allowing for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not quite certain

This phrase offers a slightly more direct way of expressing uncertainty, focusing on the speaker's state of mind.

slightly doubtful

This phrase suggests a minimal level of doubt, less pronounced than "somewhat uncertain".

a bit unsure

This alternative indicates a mild lack of confidence, emphasizing personal feeling.

not entirely convinced

This phrase highlights a lack of complete agreement or belief.

partially indefinite

This emphasizes the lack of clear definition of something.

rather vague

Indicates a lack of precision or clarity.

moderately questionable

Suggests that something's reliability is in doubt to a degree.

somewhat speculative

This alternative conveys that something is based on conjecture rather than firm evidence.

marginally ambiguous

This emphasizes the lack of clear definition, but it is less strong.

a little precarious

This alternative focuses on the instability or risk associated with the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "somewhat uncertain" to express a moderate level of doubt or lack of clarity, for example: "The project's future is "somewhat uncertain" due to budget constraints."

What are some alternatives to "somewhat uncertain"?

Alternatives include "slightly doubtful", "a bit unsure", or "not entirely convinced", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

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

Yes, "somewhat uncertain" is suitable for formal writing. It provides a measured way to express doubt or ambiguity without being overly informal.

What's the difference between "somewhat uncertain" and "very uncertain"?

"Somewhat uncertain" indicates a moderate level of doubt or lack of clarity, whereas "very uncertain" suggests a significantly higher degree of uncertainty or unpredictability.