unsure about

USAGE SUMMARY

"unsure about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to show that you have doubts about something. For example: "I am unsure about whether or not I should take this job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She was unsure about this.

The New Yorker

I felt unsure about leaving it there.

The New York Times

We were still unsure about that.

Independent

He's unsure about my power.

The New York Times - Sports

Unsure about the sound system?

The New York Times

I'm unsure about pretty much everything else.

The New York Times

Do you still feel unsure about it?

The Guardian - Music

Analysts are unsure about the repercussions.

The Guardian - Opinion

Always ask if you're unsure about something.

The Guardian

Still unsure about whether to order a glass of wine?

The New York Times - Travel

On no account eat something that you are unsure about.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unsure about" when indicating a feeling of uncertainty or lack of confidence regarding a particular topic or decision.

Common error

While "unsure about" is perfectly acceptable, excessive use can make your writing sound less confident. Vary your language with synonyms like "uncertain", "doubtful", or "hesitant" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unsure about" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of uncertainty or doubt. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment, and examples showcase its descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

23%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unsure about" is a common phrase used to express uncertainty or doubt. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely applicable. Analysis of various sources reveals its frequent presence in news & media, scientific, and wiki contexts. While versatile, varying your vocabulary with synonyms like "uncertain regarding" or "doubtful concerning" can enrich your writing. Remember, specificity enhances clarity when conveying your hesitations. It's also important to avoid overuse in formal writing to maintain a confident tone. Always check specific instances against the wealth of examples that Ludwig provides.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncertain regarding

Replaces "unsure" with "uncertain" and "about" with "regarding", slightly more formal.

doubtful concerning

Substitutes "unsure" with "doubtful" and "about" with "concerning", adding a stronger sense of skepticism.

hesitant regarding

Emphasizes the reluctance aspect of uncertainty, replacing "unsure" with "hesitant" and "about" with "regarding".

dubious about

Replaces "unsure" with "dubious", conveying a sense of suspicion or disbelief.

skeptical of

Indicates a questioning attitude, replacing "unsure" with "skeptical" and "about" with "of".

questioning whether

Focuses on the act of questioning, expressing doubt about a specific possibility.

in doubt about

Uses a prepositional phrase to convey uncertainty, slightly altering the sentence structure.

having reservations about

Highlights the presence of concerns or objections, indicating a more negative form of uncertainty.

not convinced about

Expresses a lack of belief or certainty, often implying a need for further evidence or persuasion.

undecided on

Conveys the state of not having made a decision, highlighting the aspect of being in a state of limbo.

FAQs

What does "unsure about" mean?

The phrase "unsure about" means feeling uncertain or doubtful regarding something. It indicates a lack of confidence or clarity about a particular topic, decision, or situation.

How can I use "unsure about" in a sentence?

You can use "unsure about" to express uncertainty. For example: "I am "uncertain about" whether to accept the job offer" or "She was "doubtful about" the accuracy of the data".

What are some synonyms for "unsure about"?

Alternatives to "unsure about" include "uncertain regarding", "doubtful concerning", "hesitant regarding", or "skeptical of" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "unsure about" or "uncertain about"?

Both "unsure about" and "uncertain about" are grammatically correct and generally interchangeable. "Uncertain" is often perceived as slightly more formal, but the choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.