uncertain with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uncertain with" is not commonly used in standard written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when expressing a lack of confidence or clarity regarding a specific situation or subject, but it is better to use more conventional phrases. Example: "I feel uncertain with the new software we are using for the project."

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The cause of the streaks is uncertain, with both dry and wet processes being proposed.

The Guardian

The economic & social outlook is uncertain with discontent over social and political inequities rising.

The New Yorker

The immediate future for Greece now looks very uncertain with several plausible scenarios.

The Guardian - Opinion

China's Olympic prospects remain uncertain with the Summer Games beginning in two months.

The New York Times - Sports

The decor of their restaurants becomes more uncertain with every new one opened.

The New Yorker

His continued place on the roster appears uncertain with World Cup qualifying ahead.

The New York Times - Sports

The England manager's future is currently uncertain with his contract set to expire in July.

Independent

The blocking is dull and uncertain, with much of the action obscured by a desk.

The New York Times - Arts

The decor of their restaurants becomes more uncertain with every new one….

The New Yorker

The affinities of Vitaceae have long been uncertain, with no obvious close relatives to the family.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Investors remained uncertain, with signs of an expected recovery still absent and corporate profits in dismal shape.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "uncertain with", consider if a more specific phrase like "uncertain about" or "unsure of" might provide greater clarity and precision in your writing.

Common error

A common mistake is using "uncertain with" when "uncertain about" or "uncertain of" would be more appropriate and grammatically standard. Always double-check the preposition to ensure it aligns with the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uncertain with" functions primarily as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a lack of certainty or confidence. Ludwig indicates that while not incorrect, it's less conventional.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

36%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "uncertain with" is used to express a lack of certainty or confidence. While grammatical, Ludwig suggests it's less conventional than alternatives like "uncertain about" or "unsure of". The phrase appears frequently in news and scientific contexts and carries a neutral tone. To improve clarity and precision, consider using more specific alternatives, and always double-check your preposition choice. While frequently used, there may be better options available depending on the audience and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unsure about

Replaces "with" with "about", focusing on a general feeling of doubt or lack of confidence.

unsure of

Replaces "with" with "of", emphasizing a lack of certainty about something.

doubtful regarding

Substitutes "uncertain" with "doubtful" and "with" with "regarding", indicating a stronger sense of skepticism.

unsure regarding

Replaces "with" with "regarding", emphasizing a lack of certainty about something.

unclear regarding

Replaces "uncertain" with "unclear", emphasizing a lack of clarity and replaces "with" with "regarding".

dubious about

Emphasizes skepticism or doubt using "dubious" instead of "uncertain" and "about" instead of "with".

in doubt about

Emphasizes the state of uncertainty using "in doubt" instead of "uncertain" and "about" instead of "with".

questionable concerning

Uses "questionable" to highlight doubt and replaces "with" with "concerning", adding a formal tone.

not confident about

Expresses a lack of confidence directly, replacing "uncertain" with "not confident" and "with" with "about".

skeptical of

Conveys a sense of disbelief or doubt using "skeptical" and replaces "with" with "of".

FAQs

What's the difference between "uncertain with" and "uncertain about"?

"Uncertain with" is less common and can sound awkward to native English speakers. "Uncertain about" is a more standard and widely accepted way to express doubt or a lack of knowledge regarding a specific topic or situation.

What prepositions can I use with "uncertain"?

While "uncertain with" is possible, "uncertain about" and "uncertain of" are more common and generally preferred. The choice depends on the specific context, but "about" and "of" are typically safer choices.

Is "uncertain with" grammatically incorrect?

While not strictly incorrect, "uncertain with" is less conventional and may not be the best choice for formal writing. It's often perceived as less polished compared to alternatives like "uncertain about" or "unsure of".

What are some alternatives to "uncertain with"?

You can use alternatives like "unsure of", "doubtful about", "questionable concerning", or "in doubt about" depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.