uncertain about what

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uncertain about what" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing doubt or lack of clarity regarding a specific subject or issue. Example: "I am uncertain about what the next steps should be in this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mr. Castro became frustrated, uncertain about what to say.

The New York Times

The dissident investors are also uncertain about what happens next.

The New York Times

"I was uncertain about what was being accomplished".

The New York Times - Sports

Some anchors seemed uncertain about what had just happened.

The New York Times

"Yet other government agencies were uncertain about what was occurring".

The New York Times

Mr. Markowitz said he had been uncertain about what he was expected to pay for.

The New York Times

Mr. Bailey cannot remember ever feeling so uncertain about what the weather might bring.

The New York Times

"But they are more uncertain about what the nature of the good is.

The New York Times

He said manufacturers were now uncertain about what products they needed to make.

The New York Times - Tech

After much study, he said, he remained uncertain about what restrictions should be employed.

The New York Times

Parents regularly arrive at the shop uncertain about what kind of stick to buy their children.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "uncertain about what", ensure the context clearly defines the source or cause of the uncertainty to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify whether the uncertainty stems from a lack of information, conflicting opinions, or unpredictable factors.

Common error

Avoid using "that" instead of "what" after "uncertain about". The correct phrase is "uncertain about what", not "uncertain about that", to properly introduce the specific subject of uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uncertain about what" functions as an adjectival phrase, specifically describing a state of doubt or lack of clarity regarding a particular subject or course of action. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "uncertain about what" is a grammatically correct and widely used adjectival phrase that expresses a state of doubt or lack of clarity. As Ludwig confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific discussions. While several alternative phrases exist, such as "unsure of what" or "doubtful about what", it’s essential to maintain clarity by specifying the source or cause of uncertainty. Avoiding common errors, such as using "that" instead of "what", ensures accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unsure of what

Replaces "uncertain" with "unsure", maintaining the same meaning but with a slightly less formal tone.

doubtful about what

Substitutes "uncertain" with "doubtful", emphasizing a sense of disbelief or skepticism.

unclear on what

Replaces "uncertain" with "unclear", focusing on the lack of understanding.

unsure about the course of action

Replaces "what" with "the course of action", specifying that uncertainty is about the way forward.

confused about what

Changes "uncertain" to "confused", highlighting a lack of understanding and clarity.

hesitant about what

Changes "uncertain" to "hesitant", highlighting a reluctance to proceed due to a lack of clarity.

not knowing what

Simplifies the phrase to a more direct expression of lacking knowledge.

vague on what

Uses "vague" instead of "uncertain", suggesting a lack of specificity or detail.

perplexed about what

Substitutes "uncertain" with "perplexed", indicating a state of confusion.

at a loss regarding what

Expresses a state of being unable to determine what to do or think.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "uncertain about what" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives like "unsure of what", "doubtful about what", or "unclear on what" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "uncertain about what"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "uncertain about what" is commonly used to express a lack of clarity or confidence regarding a specific issue.

What's the difference between "uncertain about what" and "unsure about what"?

The difference between "uncertain about what" and "unsure about what" is minimal. Both phrases convey a similar meaning, with "uncertain" being slightly more formal than "unsure".

How to use "uncertain about what" in a professional context?

In a professional context, use "uncertain about what" to express a lack of clarity or direction regarding tasks, strategies, or decisions. For example, "The team is uncertain about what steps to take next in the project".