uncertain details

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uncertain details" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to information that is not clear or is subject to doubt. Example: "The report contained uncertain details about the project's timeline, making it difficult to plan effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

We first got a peek at the device back in June, though we were pretty uncertain on details at that point.

TechCrunch

As Andersen braced for its increasingly uncertain future, details of its past with Enron continued to emerge.

The New York Times

Mr. Go said the shipping company was uncertain about details of the accident because it had not made radio contact with the ferry since about 8 P.M. Sunday.

The New York Times

On Monday, Johnson seemed uncertain of details surrounding this testimony, and her recollection of the time line of events was inconsistent.

The New Yorker

But as for the story LAPD had traded for: France was vague and uncertain on details, he didn't have names of victims or dates of the murders, and, most disturbingly, he kept contradicting himself.

Los Angeles Times

Goodluck Diigbo was well named, but when asked about the circumstances of his birth, he is uncertain of the details.

The New York Times

The origin of his name ("The Genius of Dhubyān") is uncertain, as are details of his early life.

Britannica

Even she was uncertain of the details, as her mother carried five different birth certificates to circumvent a patchwork of child labor laws.

The Washington Post

Some environmentalists said the potential impact of the plan was huge but uncertain, because no details had been worked out, especially concerning how restrictive the caps would be and how many of the states expressing interest would ultimately participate.

The New York Times

In the transcript, Ms. Hobson said, Mr. Bout seemed uncertain of the details of a plan to sell airplanes to the purported members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC.

The New York Times

Demy is uncertain about many details of California life — like how long it takes to cook a hamburger, or why it's unwise to roll a joint in a moving convertible — but these little missteps seem only to add to the film's air of unreality.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "uncertain details", ensure the context clearly indicates what aspects are uncertain and why. Providing additional information about the nature of the uncertainty enhances clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "uncertain details" when the information is definitively false or incorrect. "Uncertain" implies a lack of clarity, not a known error.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uncertain details" functions as a noun phrase, where "uncertain" modifies the noun "details". As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. This phrase often acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence, describing the state of specific information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "uncertain details" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to indicate a lack of clarity or certainty about specific information. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic writing. While it's considered a neutral expression, its suitability depends on the overall tone and the need to acknowledge imprecision. When using this phrase, ensure you clarify which aspects are uncertain and consider alternative phrasings like "vague particulars" or "unclear specifics" for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vague particulars

Focuses on the lack of clarity or precision in the specifics.

unclear specifics

Emphasizes the lack of clarity regarding particular aspects.

ambiguous facts

Highlights the presence of doubt or multiple interpretations in the factual information.

indefinite information

Stresses the lack of defined or precise information.

tenuous data

Suggests that the available data is weak or unreliable.

sketchy facts

Implies the facts are incomplete or lack substance.

dubious specifics

Highlights the questionable or doubtful nature of the particulars.

imprecise particulars

Emphasizes the lack of exactness or accuracy in the specifics.

unconfirmed facts

Highlights that the facts have not been verified or validated.

unsubstantiated data

Indicates the data lacks supporting evidence or proof.

FAQs

How to use "uncertain details" in a sentence?

You can use "uncertain details" to describe situations where specific information is not clear or is subject to doubt. For example, "The report contained "uncertain details" about the project's timeline."

What can I say instead of "uncertain details"?

You can use alternatives like "vague particulars", "unclear specifics", or "ambiguous facts" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "uncertain details" or "unclear details"?

Both ""uncertain details"" and "unclear details" are grammatically correct, but "uncertain" suggests doubt or lack of sureness, while "unclear" implies a lack of clarity or understanding. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "uncertain details" and "unconfirmed details"?

"Uncertain details" suggests that the specifics are not clear or are subject to doubt, while "unconfirmed details" means that the specifics have not been verified or validated. The latter implies a need for further investigation.