very unsure

USAGE SUMMARY

"very unsure" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling or state of uncertainty or doubt that is stronger than simply being "unsure." Example: "Samantha was very unsure about accepting the job offer. She wasn't sure if it was the right career path for her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Very unsure.

The Guardian - Sport

He was very unsure about it.

The New York Times - Arts

I felt disappointed and very unsure about my future".

The Guardian - Film

As a matter of fact, I'm very unsure".

The New York Times - Sports

In general, respondents felt very unsure about A2A, and they were uncertain about personal involvement in the planning process.

Journal of Environmental Management

I think a lot of us come in feeling very vulnerable, feeling very unsure.

University of California, Berkeley

I'm still very unsure about the long term effects of HRT.

Harvard University

You feel lonely, and guilty because you feel lonely, and very unsure about where you stand.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I'm very unsure of myself as a person, and I know I'm quite anonymous as me".

The Guardian

Only 17% expressed any confidence in the future, 38% were undecided, 40% were very unsure.

The Guardian

"I was very unsure about taking up my place at Oxford, because I felt it was elitist.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very unsure" to express a heightened sense of uncertainty or doubt, especially when a simple "unsure" doesn't adequately convey the intensity of the feeling. For instance, "I was "very unsure" about investing in such a risky venture."

Common error

While "very unsure" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your tone seem less confident. Instead, opt for stronger, more decisive language like "doubtful", "uncertain", or "skeptical" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very unsure" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun. It intensifies the adjective "unsure", indicating a stronger degree of doubt or lack of confidence. As Ludwig states, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

30%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very unsure" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase to express a strong feeling of uncertainty or doubt. As Ludwig confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English. While it is versatile across many contexts, you might opt for a more decisive language in formal settings. When choosing alternatives, consider phrases like "very uncertain" or "highly dubious" to convey similar meanings with nuanced emphasis. Be sure to avoid overuse, and consider stronger alternatives in formal writing to project confidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very uncertain

Direct synonym, emphasizing the lack of certainty.

very doubtful

Indicates a strong sense of disbelief or skepticism.

highly dubious

Suggests considerable doubt or suspicion.

deeply skeptical

Implies a profound sense of doubt.

extremely hesitant

Highlights reluctance due to uncertainty.

totally unconvinced

Expresses a complete lack of belief or persuasion.

quite precarious

Suggests instability and a lack of confidence.

seriously wavering

Indicates a strong fluctuation of mind and a lack of resolution.

utterly indecisive

Emphasizes the inability to make a firm decision.

incredibly unsettled

Highlights a state of unease and lack of stability.

FAQs

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

You can use "very unsure" to describe your feelings or level of confidence about something. For example, "I am "very unsure" whether I should accept the new job offer."

What are some alternatives to saying "very unsure"?

Alternatives to "very unsure" include "very uncertain", "highly dubious", or "extremely hesitant". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "unsure" or "very unsure"?

"Very unsure" emphasizes a stronger degree of uncertainty than simply "unsure". Use "very unsure" when you want to convey a heightened sense of doubt or lack of confidence.

In what situations is "very unsure" most appropriate?

"Very unsure" is appropriate in situations where you want to express a significant lack of confidence or certainty, such as when making a difficult decision or evaluating a risky situation.