uncertain if

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uncertain if" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing doubt or lack of clarity about a particular situation or condition. Example: "I am uncertain if the meeting will take place as scheduled due to the weather conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Robert was uncertain if she was kidding.

The New Yorker

It is uncertain if he will return this season.

The New York Times - Sports

But he was uncertain if it would pass.

The New York Times

Others are uncertain if they can survive without their job.

The New York Times

It was uncertain if he would play Sunday.

The New York Times - Sports

Some were uncertain if it was a joke.

The New York Times - Magazine

I am uncertain if my car will make the trip.

The Guardian - Opinion

She is uncertain if she wants to move.

The Guardian

Torre said he was uncertain if Sheffield would start Wednesday.

The New York Times - Sports

It is uncertain if he will return to the team.

The New York Times

"I was uncertain if she would hear me, that she would process my words.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "uncertain if" when you want to express doubt or a lack of definitive knowledge about a particular condition or situation. Ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being questioned.

Common error

Avoid using "uncertain if" in direct questions. It's more appropriate for expressing internal doubt or reporting uncertainty rather than directly questioning someone. For direct inquiries, use "Are you uncertain whether...?" or "Do you know if...?"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uncertain if" functions as a conjunction phrase, connecting a state of uncertainty to a conditional clause. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

36%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "uncertain if" is a grammatically correct and frequently used conjunction phrase that serves to express doubt or a lack of clear knowledge about a particular condition. As noted by Ludwig AI, its use is widely accepted. While suitable for various writing contexts, it appears most often in news articles, scientific publications, and encyclopedic entries. When using this phrase, ensure that the clause it introduces is clear and provides sufficient context. Alternative phrases such as "unsure whether" or "doubtful whether" can be used to add variety or adjust the level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unsure whether

Replaces "uncertain if" with "unsure whether", maintaining the expression of doubt but using different wording.

not certain if

A straightforward alternative that directly states the lack of certainty.

doubtful whether

Substitutes "uncertain" with "doubtful", emphasizing the skepticism regarding a specific outcome or condition.

not sure if

A more informal way to express uncertainty, replacing "uncertain" with the simpler "not sure".

questionable whether

Uses "questionable" to highlight that the truth or validity of something is being doubted.

dubious whether

Similar to "doubtful", it indicates a strong sense of disbelief or skepticism.

it is unclear if

Shifts the focus to the lack of clarity surrounding a situation.

it remains to be seen if

Implies that the outcome is still pending and not yet known.

open to question whether

Suggests that the matter is still being discussed and is not definitively resolved.

subject to doubt whether

Indicates that there are reasons to doubt the validity or likelihood of something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "uncertain if" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "doubtful whether", "questionable whether", or "it is unclear if", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always necessary to follow "uncertain if" with a complete clause?

Yes, "uncertain if" typically introduces a subordinate clause expressing the condition or situation about which there is uncertainty. Ensure that the clause provides enough context to be clear.

What's the difference between "unsure if" and "uncertain if"?

While both phrases express doubt, "uncertain if" tends to be slightly more formal than "unsure if". The choice between them often depends on the overall tone and register of your writing.

Can "uncertain if" be used to express hope rather than doubt?

No, "uncertain if" primarily conveys doubt or a lack of knowledge. To express hope, use phrases like "hopeful that", "optimistic that", or "anticipating that".