the outcome is still uncertain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the outcome is still uncertain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing situations where the results or consequences are not yet clear or decided. Example: "Despite the extensive research, the outcome is still uncertain, and we must wait for further analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The outcome is still uncertain, however.

The New York Times

The ELCA's assembly in August marked a turning point, and the outcome is still uncertain.

The Economist

While the outcome is still uncertain, it seems increasingly likely that the United States will have to choose between accepting Mr. Koch-Weser or using its standing at the I.M.F. to oppose him, perhaps in alliance with some developing countries.

The New York Times

The outcome is still uncertain, says Worenka. "It is hard to say where this is going because we don't know what the rules are going to be.

Forbes

Even if these factors are accounted for, the outcome is still uncertain given the existence of other legal applications that could be utilized by the SEC, the economic reality test, and the operational nature of widely held ventures.

Duke University

Not all have voted yet, so the outcome is still uncertain.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Given the different time zones, the outcome was still uncertain.

The New York Times

On the morning of the Senate vote, the outcome was still uncertain.

The New Yorker

If the coalition talks collapse (the outcome was still uncertain when The Economist went to press), the government in London will have to pray that the opposition parties find their promise too difficult to implement.

The Economist

The feasibility, energy savings, and economics of such systems have been assessed and proven in data centers and commercial buildings, but the outcomes are still uncertain for the residential sector.

Applied Energy

Though the military outcome is still uncertain, the strategy adopted (a slow advance, a reliance on heavy weapons, and tight news management) makes most Russians think the war is going splendidly.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase, consider adding context about why the outcome remains uncertain. Explaining the contributing factors can enhance the clarity and impact of your message.

Common error

Avoid using "the outcome is still uncertain" when discussing events that have already concluded. The phrase indicates present uncertainty about a future event, not past ambiguity. For completed events, use phrases like "the consequences remain debated" or "the long-term effects are still being assessed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the outcome is still uncertain" functions as a statement expressing a lack of definitive knowledge about a future result or resolution. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. It commonly introduces clauses that elaborate on the reasons for the uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the outcome is still uncertain" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express that the final result of a situation is not yet known. Ludwig confirms this. It appears most frequently in news and media, science and academic contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to provide context for why the outcome is uncertain and avoid using it in retrospect. Consider alternatives such as "the result remains to be seen" or "the future is unclear" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The result remains to be seen

Focuses on the future revealing of the outcome, emphasizing the waiting aspect.

The end is not yet known

Highlights the unknown nature of the conclusion or final state.

The final result is pending

Emphasizes the ongoing status and expectation of a future resolution.

The conclusion is yet to be determined

Stresses that the decision or final assessment has not been made.

The situation is up in the air

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey a lack of resolution or certainty.

The matter is unresolved

Highlights the lack of a decision or solution to the issue.

It's too early to tell

Indicates that sufficient time has not passed to make an accurate prediction.

The future is unclear

Focuses on the ambiguous nature of what will happen.

The situation is fluid

Emphasizes the changeable and unstable nature of the circumstances.

The die is not yet cast

Uses a more formal, somewhat archaic idiom to suggest that the final decision has not been made.

FAQs

How can I use "the outcome is still uncertain" in a sentence?

You can use "the outcome is still uncertain" to describe situations where the final result is not yet known. For instance, "Despite the negotiations, "the outcome is still uncertain" due to ongoing disagreements".

What are some alternatives to "the outcome is still uncertain"?

Alternatives include "the result remains to be seen", "the future is unclear", or "it's too early to tell", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the outcome was still uncertain"?

Yes, "the outcome was still uncertain" is grammatically correct when referring to a past situation where the result was not yet known at that time. For example, "On election night, "the outcome was still uncertain" until the final votes were counted".

What's the difference between "the outcome is uncertain" and "the outcome is still uncertain"?

"The outcome is uncertain" generally describes a situation where the result is unpredictable. Adding "still" as in ""the outcome is still uncertain"" implies that the uncertainty has persisted over a period of time or despite certain efforts to resolve it.