very uncertain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very uncertain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition where there is a lack of certainty or clarity. Example: "The outcome of the experiment remains very uncertain, and further testing is required to draw any conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I feel very uncertain".

The New York Times - Arts

Supplies remain very uncertain.

The Guardian

It's very uncertain," he said.

The Guardian - Business

One organisation responded: "Very uncertain.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I was very uncertain," she said.

The New York Times

"The environment is still very uncertain".

The New York Times

We are living in very uncertain times.

The New York Times

Your mind is very uncertain of time.

The Guardian

In general, Shang chronology is still very uncertain.

Britannica

Meanwhile, the protests' political effect seems very uncertain.

The Economist

I'd disentangled myself from a very uncertain future.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very uncertain" to describe situations where outcomes are difficult to predict or where information is lacking. For example, "The economic impact of the new policy remains very uncertain."

Common error

While "very uncertain" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider replacing it with stronger synonyms like "dubious" or "precarious" for a more impactful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very uncertain" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe a state of unpredictability or lack of clarity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Many examples show "very uncertain" describing "times", "future", "prospects", "situation" etc.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very uncertain" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase expressing doubt and unpredictability. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts. Found predominantly in news and media, science, and academic sources, it maintains a neutral register. When using "very uncertain", consider synonyms like "highly doubtful" or "quite unpredictable" to enrich your writing. Avoid overuse in formal writing. The ubiquity of "very uncertain" underscores its importance in conveying the lack of confidence in potential outcomes across diverse fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly doubtful

Emphasizes a strong degree of skepticism or disbelief.

substantially unclear

Indicates a significant lack of clarity or definition.

quite unpredictable

Focuses on the inability to foresee future events or outcomes.

really unsettled

Emphasizes the lack of stability or resolution.

extremely precarious

Highlights the instability and potential for negative outcomes.

considerably ambiguous

Implies the presence of multiple interpretations or meanings.

largely unknown

Stresses the lack of information or understanding about something.

genuinely indefinite

Highlights the lack of specific limits or boundaries.

decidedly unresolved

Focuses on the lack of a final decision or outcome.

truly speculative

Suggests that something is based on conjecture rather than evidence.

FAQs

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

You can use "very uncertain" to describe situations or outcomes where the result is unpredictable or unknown. For example: "The project's success is "very uncertain" due to the changing market conditions."

What phrases are similar to "very uncertain"?

Alternatives include "highly doubtful", "extremely precarious", or "quite unpredictable". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "uncertain" or "very uncertain"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "very uncertain" emphasizes the degree of uncertainty. Use "very uncertain" when you want to strongly highlight the lack of predictability or knowledge. For instance, if you want to convey a milder degree of doubt, simply use "uncertain".

What's the difference between "uncertain" and "very uncertain"?

"Uncertain" indicates a lack of certainty, while ""very uncertain"" amplifies this lack of certainty. "Very uncertain" emphasizes a higher degree of doubt or unpredictability compared to just "uncertain".