uncertain about

USAGE SUMMARY

"uncertain about" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is most often used to express doubt, as in "He was uncertain about the outcome of the election."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was uncertain about Barr.

The New Yorker

I feel uncertain about all this.

The New York Times

Osborne is equally uncertain about the future.

Independent

But she was uncertain about the causes.

The Guardian

He often felt uncertain about roles.

The Economist

I'm uncertain about my relationships.

The New York Times - Arts

They are uncertain about certain key issues.

The Guardian - Opinion

I feel uncertain about my financial future.

The Guardian - Money

Uncertain about their income or home environment".

The Guardian

Even more uncertain about Aafrin's role.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

She was still uncertain about the painting.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing uncertainty, be specific about the source or reason for your doubt. For instance, instead of saying "I'm uncertain about the project", specify "I'm uncertain about the project's feasibility given the budget constraints".

Common error

Avoid using "uncertain about" directly followed by a verb. It is more grammatically sound to use a gerund (verb + -ing) or a 'that' clause. For example, instead of "I'm uncertain about do it", use "I'm uncertain about doing it" or "I'm uncertain about whether I should do it".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uncertain about" functions as a prepositional phrase acting as an adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun. It expresses a state of doubt, hesitation, or lack of conviction regarding something. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which indicates correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "uncertain about" is a versatile and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to express doubt, hesitation, or a lack of confidence regarding something. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it’s deemed a correct and usable phrase in written English. With a neutral register, it fits seamlessly into both formal and informal contexts. When using "uncertain about", remember to be specific about the source of your uncertainty and to follow it with a gerund or a 'that' clause for grammatical correctness. Common alternatives include "unsure of", "doubtful about", and "hesitant about", offering slight nuances to express different degrees of uncertainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unsure of

Replaces "about" with "of", maintaining a similar level of uncertainty.

doubtful about

Emphasizes a stronger sense of disbelief or skepticism.

hesitant about

Highlights a reluctance or pause before acting or deciding.

dubious about

Suggests a questioning or suspicious attitude.

skeptical of

Indicates a tendency to question claims or assertions.

wavering on

Implies indecision and fluctuation between different options.

ambivalent toward

Highlights mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something.

in two minds about

Expresses being undecided between two options or courses of action.

having reservations about

Indicates some level of concern or disapproval.

not entirely convinced about

Suggests partial belief with lingering doubts.

FAQs

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

You can use "uncertain about" to express doubt or lack of confidence regarding a particular topic. For example, "I am uncertain about the new policy changes".

What's a more formal way to say "uncertain about"?

In more formal contexts, you could use phrases such as "dubious about" or "skeptical of" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "uncertain of" instead of "uncertain about"?

Yes, both "uncertain about" and "uncertain of" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably in many contexts, though "uncertain about" is slightly more common.

What's the difference between "uncertain about" and "unclear about"?

"Uncertain about" implies a feeling of doubt or lack of confidence, while "unclear about" suggests a lack of understanding or comprehension. The former relates to feelings, the latter to knowledge.