unsure

USAGE SUMMARY

"unsure" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it in a variety of contexts to mean "not certain or confident". For example, you might say "I'm unsure of which direction to take."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She says it is possible to detect poor leadership simply by observing your organisation's environment: a room of employees experiencing poor leadership will look unhappy, demotivated, and unsure of what they are doing.

The Guardian

He claimed people from his label were "shaken up" after getting the call and were unsure whether to offer him a record deal.

The Guardian - Music

"Read the tenancy agreement carefully and if you're unsure, speak to your university housing department or student's union adviser.

The Guardian

Distraught and unsure what to do, he said he drifted down to London and began sleeping in parks and on night buses and begging for £1 from passers-by to buy chips.

The Guardian

The simple eloquence of that vulnerable foot in its scuffed shoe reminds me of the profound eloquence of the cow's eye, the photograph with which Jane discovered her calling all those years ago as a student just out of the Wrens, alone and unsure of where life would take her.

The Guardian - Arts

To be disabled in post-2010 Brisain is to be unsure when and whether your benefits will be paid because the new system keeps chopping and changing and growing historic backlogs – so that even a parliamentary select committee describes the switch-over as a "fiasco".

The Guardian - Opinion

A commission investigation declared itself "unsure" whether the reactor would resolve the UK's security of supply issues, and was unconvinced that 'diversification' of supplies, on its own, would justify the monies involved.

The Guardian

If the boat passengers are unsure about Italy before they arrived in Lampedusa, the facilities on the island are not, at the moment, likely to change their minds.

The Guardian

This is a very cool way of working.' But after a while I was unsure how best to use my time.

The Guardian - Sport

Ziegler, who was beside him, seemed unsure which weapon to use; in the space of seven seconds he returned his handgun to its holster, replaced it with a Taser-style stun gun that cast a red laser dot on Jeanetta's torso, only to put it away and switch back to his handgun.

The Guardian

He is unsure if the start-ups would help or hurt his group's members.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing uncertainty, follow "unsure" with "of" or "about" depending on whether you're referring to a specific thing or a general concept. For example: "I'm unsure of the details" versus "I'm unsure about the whole project."

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions after "unsure". While "unsure of" and "unsure about" are correct, phrases like "unsure on" or "unsure with" are grammatically incorrect and should be avoided.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "unsure" is as a predicate adjective. It describes the subject's state of uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage, showing it typically modifies nouns or pronouns expressing a state of doubt or lack of confidence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unsure" functions as a predicate adjective used to express doubt, lack of confidence, or uncertainty. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage. It appears very commonly in neutral registers like news and media, and less so in more formal academic contexts. When using "unsure", remember to follow it with "of" or "about", depending on the specificity of the uncertainty. Alternatives include "uncertain", "doubtful", and "hesitant", which offer slightly different nuances. Understanding these subtleties will help you express uncertainty with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncertain

Implies a lack of sureness about something; interchangeable with "unsure" but may carry a slightly more formal tone.

undecided

Directly states that a decision has not been made, focusing on the unresolved nature of a choice.

doubtful

Suggests skepticism or disbelief, adding a layer of questioning that "unsure" doesn't always convey.

in two minds

Expresses being torn between two options or opinions, indicating internal conflict and uncertainty.

hesitant

Indicates a reluctance or pause before acting, highlighting a wavering state of mind.

not confident

Emphasizes the lack of self-assurance or trust in one's abilities or knowledge.

dubious

Highlights a feeling of uncertainty or suspicion, often regarding the truth or reliability of something.

having doubts

Highlights the presence of questions or reservations, suggesting a questioning attitude.

wavering

Conveys a sense of indecision or fluctuating between options, emphasizing the instability of one's stance.

questioning

Implies an active state of inquiry or scrutiny, focusing on the process of seeking clarity.

FAQs

How can I use "unsure" in a sentence?

You can use "unsure" to express a lack of certainty or confidence. For example, "I am unsure whether to accept the offer" or "She seemed unsure of her answer".

What can I say instead of "unsure"?

You can use alternatives like "uncertain", "doubtful", or "hesitant" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "unsure of" or "unsure about"?

Both "unsure of" and "unsure about" are grammatically correct and commonly used. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey. "Unsure of" typically refers to specific details, while "unsure about" refers to a more general idea.

What's the difference between "unsure" and "insecure"?

"Unsure" primarily indicates a lack of certainty or confidence regarding a specific matter. "Insecure", on the other hand, suggests a general lack of confidence in oneself or one's abilities, often tied to emotional or psychological factors.