uncertain things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uncertain things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to items, situations, or concepts that lack clarity or certainty. Example: "In life, we often have to navigate through uncertain things, making decisions without all the information we desire."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

I think that by making spaces where uncertain things can happen, uncertain things will happen.

The New York Times - Magazine

But the more uncertain things become, the more brightly gold will shine.

The Guardian - Business

"You can't go to trial on every issue, and in international courts the outcome is uncertain, things are not so easy".

The Guardian - Arts

Now with Alastair a thousand miles away and my heart leaden and the future drearily uncertain, things are not as they were.

Independent

"To be a good human being," she has said, "is to have a kind of openness to the world, the ability to trust uncertain things beyond your own control that can lead you to be shattered".

The New Yorker

Any New Yorker who thought that laws governing term limits had been made final a decade ago need look only to events of the last month to see how uncertain things remain, not only for six City Council members whose terms could end this year but also for dozens of candidates who hope to succeed them.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

But certitude is an uncertain thing.

The New York Times

For Boswell and many of his contemporaries, morals were "an uncertain thing".

The Economist

"Game development is an uncertain thing, you're only ever one milestone away from getting cancelled.

The Guardian - Tech

I am not a climate scientist and the mapping between carbon emissions and temperatures itself is highly ill-defined and uncertain thing.

The Guardian - Business

"Programming allows us to bring the perception of certainty to an uncertain thing". Some apps were built to give a more serene, controlled climate to those wanting to try out the exercise in a romantic setting.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic or scientific writing, clarify what specific factors contribute to the uncertainty when discussing "uncertain things".

Common error

Avoid using "uncertain things" as a catch-all phrase. Instead, specify the nature of the uncertainty and the specific aspects that are unclear.

Linguistic Context

"Uncertain things" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. It typically acts as the object of a verb or preposition, referring to matters or situations that are not clearly defined or predictable. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

23%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "uncertain things" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote aspects lacking clarity or predictability. While versatile, it benefits from context-specific alternatives for enhanced clarity, as noted by Ludwig AI. Its usage spans from news reports to scientific discussions, indicating a neutral register. When using "uncertain things", strive for specificity to avoid overgeneralization and to improve the informative value. Pay attention to its frequency among the top authoritative sources in this analysis like The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ambiguous matters

Replaces "things" with a more formal term emphasizing the lack of clarity.

vague issues

Similar to "ambiguous matters" but can suggest problems that are not well-defined.

unpredictable events

Focuses on the future and the inability to foresee what will happen.

risky propositions

Highlights the element of potential negative outcomes or failure.

tenuous situations

Implies fragility and a lack of stability in the circumstances.

dubious aspects

Suggests that certain elements are questionable or unreliable.

unsettled affairs

Conveys a sense of incompleteness and potential for change.

iffy prospects

An informal term indicating doubt about the likelihood of success.

contingent outcomes

Highlights that the results depend on other factors that are not certain.

murky details

Focuses on the obscurity and difficulty in understanding the specifics.

FAQs

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

You can use "uncertain things" to refer to situations or aspects that lack clarity or predictability. For example: "Navigating life involves making decisions in the face of "uncertain things"."

What are some alternatives to saying "uncertain things"?

Alternatives include phrases like "ambiguous matters", "vague issues", or "unpredictable events", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to be specific instead of using "uncertain things"?

While "uncertain things" is grammatically correct, being more specific about the nature of the uncertainty can often improve clarity. Consider using phrases that highlight particular aspects of uncertainty, such as "risky propositions" or "tenuous situations".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "uncertain things"?

It's appropriate when you want to generally refer to aspects that are not definite or predictable. However, consider whether a more precise phrase might better convey the specific nuance of the uncertainty you are discussing.