uncertain statements

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uncertain statements" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe statements that lack clarity or confidence, often in contexts involving ambiguity or doubt. Example: "The report contained several uncertain statements that left the audience confused about the findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Whenever possible, health states should avoid statements involving uncertainty, which could increase variance and error because respondents' interpretations of the uncertain statements could vary.

European Journal of Health Economics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

'Working class' respondents were more likely to be uncertain about statements 1 and 3 (P<0.001 in both cases).

European Journal of Human Genetics

In terms of science literacy, existing measures of this construct do not test comprehension of scientific uncertainty; therefore, the public's ability to process uncertain scientific statements is still largely unknown [ 34].

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

As techno's most successful enigma, Ricardo Villalobos has mastered the art of the uncertain artistic statement.

Vice

The continuing fighting on Sunday left the ultimate significance of the statement uncertain, said Qassim Daoud, a former national security adviser who leads a secular Shiite party that has supported Mr. Maliki in the past.

The New York Times

While it is uncertain whether this statement was meant as a simple musing or, rather, as a challenge- it seems to be an idea whose time has come.

Cell and Bioscience

Muslim clerics condemn homosexuality in no uncertain terms, though similar statements can be heard from Arab Christian leaders too, such as the Coptic Pope in Egypt who once declared that "so-called human rights" for gay people were "unthinkable".

The Guardian

Lee was "surprised and delighted" by the find, said the statement, but uncertain of whether the draft deserved publication.

The Guardian - Books

But I mean, Ben Graham used to say, "the future is uncertain," which is a statement that sounds obvious.

Forbes

After the meeting, agreement levels (disagree, uncertain, agree) for each statement were calculated as the median panel score.

European Urology

The document, though, contains few clues that even such statements may be uncertain.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "uncertain statements", ensure the context clearly indicates the source and nature of the uncertainty. Specify who is uncertain and what aspects of the statements are doubtful to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "uncertain statements" as a blanket term without specifying the reasons for uncertainty. Provide details about the lack of evidence, conflicting information, or other factors contributing to the doubt.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uncertain statements" functions as an adjective-noun combination. The adjective "uncertain" modifies the noun "statements", describing the nature of the statements as lacking definiteness or clarity. Ludwig AI suggests that this phrase is usable and correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "uncertain statements" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote assertions lacking clarity or definiteness. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is appropriate for use. It's versatile, fitting seamlessly into news reports, scientific discussions, and formal business communications. When wielding this phrase, remember to specify the source and nature of the uncertainty to avoid vagueness. While alternatives like "ambiguous claims" or "vague pronouncements" exist, "uncertain statements" retains a neutral tone suitable for various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ambiguous claims

Replaces "statements" with "claims", highlighting the assertive nature of the expressions but emphasizing their lack of clarity.

vague pronouncements

Substitutes "statements" with "pronouncements", implying a more formal declaration that lacks specificity.

dubious assertions

Replaces both words to emphasize the questionable nature and lack of supporting evidence in the claims.

questionable declarations

Similar to "dubious assertions", but focuses on the act of declaring something that is open to doubt.

tenuous remarks

Replaces "statements" with "remarks", indicating a weaker and less substantial expression of an idea.

unconfirmed reports

Shifts the focus to the lack of verification or validation of the information presented.

unsubstantiated allegations

Emphasizes the lack of factual basis for the claims being made.

speculative remarks

Highlights the conjectural and uncertain nature of the comments.

tentative pronouncements

Focuses on the provisional and hesitant quality of the declarations.

conditional statements

Indicates that the statements are dependent on certain conditions being met, introducing uncertainty.

FAQs

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

You can use "uncertain statements" to describe assertions that lack clarity or are open to doubt. For example, "The report contained several uncertain statements about the project's financial viability."

What are some alternatives to "uncertain statements"?

Alternatives include "ambiguous claims", "vague pronouncements", or "dubious assertions", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "uncertain statements" and "questionable statements"?

"Uncertain statements" emphasize a lack of clarity or definiteness, while "questionable statements" imply that the assertions are likely to be incorrect or untrue.

Is it always negative to describe something as "uncertain statements"?

Not necessarily. While it often suggests a weakness or lack of confidence, it can also be used neutrally to acknowledge the inherent uncertainty in a situation, especially in scientific or exploratory contexts.