uncertain expression

USAGE SUMMARY

"uncertain expression" is a correct phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a phrase or word that conveys uncertainty or lack of assurance. For example, "He uttered an uncertain expression when asked how he felt about his future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It is an odd painting, as much for the uncertain expression on the child's face as for its murky mixture of 17th-century Spanish and Dutch influences.

The New York Times

This picture is classic Beckmann, showing its subject as young and vigorous but with a penetrating, uncertain expression and a misshapen right hand, a reference to the partial paralysis that afflicted him for much of his later life.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Former President Bill Clinton elicited laughter, applause and a few uncertain expressions as he recalled his decadeslong friendship with Aretha Franklin at her funeral celebration in Detroit on Friday.

HuffPost

It remains uncertain whether expression of these biomarkers is altered after smoking cessation.

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

Unfortunately, PI-based Tg mice show uncertain transgene expression due to random transgene insertion in the genome, usually with multiple copies.

BMC Genomics

Although the precise mechanism of immune evasion remains uncertain, the expression of EBAG9/RCAS1 may be a factor related to the escape mechanism of cancer cells from the host immune system.

British Journal of Cancer

Her face turned uncertain, an uncharacteristic expression, after the judge asked her to spell "parochial". She struggled through the word and to her surprise, the judge's bell never dinged to signal an incorrect spelling.

Los Angeles Times

She looks delighted, then seeing his triumphant expression, uncertain.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The function of ET in the brain is uncertain, however OCTN1 expression had been observed in the brain and various neuronal cells54,55.

Nature

The uncertainties in the matrix and the reinforcement propagate to the bending and shear stiffnesses which, in turn, lead to an uncertain buckling load expression.

Composites Part B: Engineering

Different with previous models that contain some uncertain parameters, an expression of the stroke amplitude that only based on easily obtainable parameters has been deduced for the first time.

Applied Thermal Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "uncertain expression" when you want to describe a statement or communication that lacks clarity, certainty, or conviction. This phrase is suitable when referring to both verbal and non-verbal forms of expression.

Common error

Avoid using "uncertain expression" when you simply mean "uncertainty". "Uncertain expression" refers to a specific instance of communication, while "uncertainty" is a general state of doubt or lack of knowledge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uncertain expression" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "uncertain" modifies the noun "expression". Ludwig indicates it's a valid and grammatically sound phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Academia

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "uncertain expression" is a grammatically correct and valid way to describe a communication that lacks clarity or certainty. As per Ludwig, the phrase follows standard English grammar rules. Though relatively rare, it appears in both news media and scientific publications. To enhance your writing, use "uncertain expression" when precisely depicting hesitant or ambiguous communication, and be mindful of its distinction from general "uncertainty". Alternatives such as "ambiguous statement" or "doubtful remark" can provide nuanced options depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ambiguous statement

Replaces 'expression' with a more formal term while maintaining the sense of uncertainty.

doubtful remark

Emphasizes the feeling of doubt associated with the expression.

hesitant utterance

Highlights the hesitancy in the way something is expressed.

vague communication

Focuses on the lack of clarity in the communication itself.

indefinite declaration

Uses a more formal tone to describe a statement lacking clear definition.

equivocal articulation

Replaces both words with more complex synonyms, emphasizing the ambiguity.

unclear formulation

Highlights the lack of clarity in how something is formulated or expressed.

tenative assertion

Focuses on the lack of confidence in making a statement.

questionable phrasing

Emphasizes the doubtfulness of the specific wording used.

dubious phrasing

Replaces 'uncertain' with a synonym indicating skepticism about the expression.

FAQs

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

You can use "uncertain expression" to describe a facial expression, statement, or any form of communication that lacks clarity or certainty. For example: "His face held an "uncertain expression" as he considered the offer."

What's a good substitute for "uncertain expression"?

Alternatives to "uncertain expression" include "ambiguous statement", "doubtful remark", or "vague communication", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "an expression of uncertainty" instead of "uncertain expression"?

Yes, "an expression of uncertainty" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning, though it emphasizes the act of expressing uncertainty rather than the quality of the expression itself. It depends on which of these aspects you want to highlight.

When is it appropriate to use "uncertain expression" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "uncertain expression" when you are describing a specific instance where someone conveys doubt, hesitancy, or lack of clarity through their words or actions. For example, you might use it when describing a character's reaction in a story or a speaker's tone in a debate.