substantial uncertainty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial uncertainty" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to indicate when there is a lack of clarity or understanding about a certain situation, and the degree of that uncertainty is significant. For example: "The economic outcome of the pandemic still remains in substantial uncertainty."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is this situation creating substantial uncertainty and hurting the economy?

The Economist

But they also both involve substantial uncertainty related to timing and severity.

The New York Times

Sifma warned Finra, Wall Street's self-regulator, that the suspense was causing "substantial uncertainty" in the industry.

The New York Times

Most mainstream scientists are dubious that clouds could have such a large damping effect, but they do acknowledge substantial uncertainty.

The New York Times

The Bank of Japan said that industrial output and exports continued to slow and that there was substantial uncertainty about the current recovery.

The New York Times

However, the continued risk that a cap might be imposed in the future means substantial uncertainty remains for both residents and housing associations.

The Guardian

And Franklin R. Edwards, a professor of economics and finance at Columbia, said, "There is substantial uncertainty about what the price should be".

The New York Times

"It's too early to say if the surveys will remain in such weak territory in coming months, leaving substantial uncertainty over the extent of any potential downturn.

The Guardian - Business

The shaft of the "stick" has a lot of wiggles and warps and still comes with substantial uncertainty, but the general pattern is well established.

The New York Times

Of course, CBO Director Douglas Elmendorf notes that these preliminary estimates are subject to "substantial uncertainty".

Forbes

There is substantial uncertainty regarding the efficacy of antidepressants in the treatment of bipolar disorders.

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "substantial uncertainty", quantify the uncertainty if possible. For example, specify the range of potential outcomes or the level of confidence in a prediction.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial uncertainty" to dismiss valid concerns or to justify inaction. Acknowledge the uncertainty while still exploring possible solutions and mitigation strategies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial uncertainty" functions as a noun phrase, where "substantial" modifies the noun "uncertainty", emphasizing the significant degree of doubt or unpredictability present. Ludwig shows that this phrase is commonly used to describe situations where outcomes are difficult to predict with confidence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, “substantial uncertainty” is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that indicates a significant lack of clarity or predictability. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for formal contexts like academic, scientific, and news reporting. When employing it, be mindful to quantify the uncertainty if possible and avoid using it to dismiss legitimate concerns. Remember that alternatives like "considerable doubt" or "significant ambiguity" can offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas. While the phrase is commonly used, providing specific context and potential implications strengthens its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerable doubt

Emphasizes the significant level of doubt surrounding a situation.

significant ambiguity

Highlights the presence of multiple possible interpretations, increasing uncertainty.

notable unpredictability

Focuses on the inability to foresee future outcomes or events.

marked instability

Suggests a lack of stability, which can contribute to uncertainty.

pronounced risk

Emphasizes the potential for negative consequences due to the uncertainty.

appreciable vagueness

Highlights a lack of clarity or precision, creating uncertainty.

genuine imprecision

Focuses on the lack of exactness or accuracy, leading to uncertainty.

real ambiguity

Highlights a lack of clarity or precision, creating uncertainty.

high degree of speculation

Underlines the reliance on conjecture rather than solid evidence.

unclear outlook

Focuses on the uncertain future prospects or possibilities.

FAQs

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

You can use "substantial uncertainty" to indicate a significant lack of clarity or predictability regarding a situation. For example: "There is "substantial uncertainty" about the long-term effects of the new policy."

What's a good alternative to "substantial uncertainty"?

Alternatives include "considerable doubt", "significant ambiguity", or "notable unpredictability". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. For example, consider using "considerable doubt" when you need to indicate serious skepticism.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "substantial uncertainty"?

It's appropriate when the degree of uncertainty is significant and has potential implications for decision-making or understanding. It suggests that outcomes are difficult to predict accurately. For instance: "Due to the novel nature of the virus, there remains "substantial uncertainty" regarding the optimal treatment strategies."

Is "substantial uncertainty" a formal or informal expression?

"Substantial uncertainty" is a relatively formal expression suitable for academic, business, and news contexts. In more informal settings, you might opt for phrases like "a lot of uncertainty" or "major unknowns".