uncertain of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uncertain of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing doubt or lack of confidence about something specific. Example: "She was uncertain of her decision to move to a new city for work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Tim was uncertain of what to do.

The New York Times - Magazine

She seems, now, uncertain of its future.

The New York Times - Books

They seemed uncertain of themselves.

The New York Times

Uncertain of her own health.

The New York Times

Your mind is very uncertain of time.

The Guardian

It's messy, endless and uncertain of success.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even now we're uncertain of its size.

The New York Times

(He's still uncertain of all the legalities).

The New York Times - Magazine

Yates seemed uncertain of where to go to eat.

The New York Times - Magazine

The Army is still uncertain of the toll.

The New York Times

He is not uncertain of what he thinks.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "uncertain of" when you want to express a lack of confidence or knowledge about a specific fact, outcome, or situation. Ensure the object of uncertainty is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "uncertain of" with overly broad or undefined subjects. For instance, instead of saying "He was uncertain of things", specify what he was uncertain about to provide clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uncertain of" functions as a predicate adjective describing a state of doubt or lack of conviction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable expression. Examples show it modifying individuals or entities, indicating their state of uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "uncertain of" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express a state of doubt or lack of conviction. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is frequently found in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki sources, indicating its widespread acceptance across various registers. For alternative phrasing, consider "unsure about", or "doubtful regarding", depending on the nuance you want to convey. When using "uncertain of", ensure the subject of uncertainty is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unsure about

Emphasizes a lack of sureness or confidence about something.

doubtful regarding

Highlights skepticism or disbelief concerning a particular matter.

questioning concerning

Suggests an active process of inquiry and uncertainty about something.

dubious about

Implies a degree of suspicion or reservation about something.

hesitant regarding

Indicates a pause or reluctance due to uncertainty.

wavering on

Conveys indecision or fluctuation in opinion.

unsettled about

Suggests a lack of resolution or peace of mind regarding something.

in doubt about

Highlights the presence of uncertainty or skepticism.

undecided on

Focuses on the lack of a firm decision regarding a choice or option.

speculating about

Suggests forming a theory or conjecture without firm evidence.

FAQs

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

You can use "uncertain of" to express a lack of confidence or knowledge about something. For example, "She was "uncertain of" the correct answer" or "They were "uncertain of" the outcome of the experiment".

What are some alternatives to "uncertain of"?

Some alternatives to "uncertain of" include "unsure about", "doubtful regarding", or "questioning concerning". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "uncertain of" or "unsure of"?

Both "uncertain of" and "unsure of" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Unsure of" is slightly more informal, while "uncertain of" can sound more formal. Choose the one that best fits the tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "uncertain of" and "doubtful about"?

"Uncertain of" generally implies a lack of knowledge or confidence, while "doubtful about" suggests skepticism or disbelief. You might be "uncertain of" the weather forecast, but "doubtful about" someone's honesty.