uncertainty about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uncertainty about" is a perfectly valid and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that there is an unknown or uncertain factor in a given situation. For example: "The prime minister expressed his uncertainty about the future of the economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Does uncertainty about deposit insurance concern you?

The New York Times

Take the uncertainty about the derivatives markets.

The New York Times

Uncertainty about how to succeed.

Harvard Business Review

There is no uncertainty about this.

Harvard University

Measuring Uncertainty about Long-Run Predictions.

Princeton University

What it eliminated was uncertainty about next year.

The New York Times

There was so much uncertainty about it".

The Guardian

The uncertainty about Heisenberg may be eternal.

The New York Times - Science

Uncertainty about the lineup also abounds.

The Guardian - Sport

Every uncertainty about Labour undermines that.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is no uncertainty about the remains.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "uncertainty about", ensure the subject of the uncertainty is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "There is uncertainty", specify "There is "uncertainty about" the project's funding".

Common error

Avoid using vague pronouns like "it" or "this" directly after "uncertainty about". Always clarify what the uncertainty refers to. Instead of "There's "uncertainty about" it", specify "There's "uncertainty about" the new policy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uncertainty about" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, indicating a lack of definite knowledge or predictability. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to express doubt or a lack of clarity regarding a specific subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

38%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "uncertainty about" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to express a lack of clarity, doubt, or unpredictability regarding a specific topic. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various domains, including news, science, and academia. While seemingly straightforward, it is essential to define the subject of uncertainty clearly to avoid vagueness. By considering related phrases and avoiding common errors, writers can effectively convey the intended meaning. Given its prevalence and utility, mastering the use of "uncertainty about" is essential for clear and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doubt concerning

This alternative highlights the feeling of doubt related to a specific subject.

reservations about

This highlights hesitations or doubts regarding a particular subject.

lack of clarity regarding

This phrase emphasizes the absence of clear information or understanding.

apprehension regarding

This alternative focuses on the feeling of anxiety or unease about something.

skepticism regarding

This emphasizes a doubting or questioning attitude.

indecisiveness concerning

This phrase refers to the inability to make a firm decision about something.

ambivalence toward

This suggests having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone.

lack of conviction about

This suggests not being fully persuaded or convinced about something.

unpredictability concerning

This highlights the inability to know or say what will happen in the future.

question marks surrounding

This alternative uses a metaphor to indicate unresolved issues or doubts.

FAQs

How do I use "uncertainty about" in a sentence?

Use "uncertainty about" to express a lack of sureness or clarity regarding a particular subject. For example, "There is "uncertainty about" the long-term effects of the treatment".

What are some alternatives to "uncertainty about"?

You can use alternatives like "doubt concerning", "lack of clarity regarding", or "reservations about" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "uncertainty of" instead of "uncertainty about"?

While "uncertainty of" can be grammatically correct in different contexts (e.g., "the uncertainty of life"), "uncertainty about" is more appropriate when referring to a specific topic or situation causing the uncertainty. For instance: "uncertainty about the future" is better than "uncertainty of the future".

What's the difference between "uncertainty about" and "concern about"?

"Uncertainty about" refers to a lack of knowledge or predictability, while "concern about" implies worry or anxiety. You might have "uncertainty about" a project's timeline and, as a result, have "concern about" its success.