was uncertain about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was uncertain about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing doubt or lack of clarity regarding a specific topic or situation. Example: "She was uncertain about her decision to move to a new city for work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

But she was uncertain about the causes.

The Guardian

"I was uncertain about what was being accomplished".

The New York Times - Sports

A year ago, I was uncertain about the Lasix issue.

The New York Times

Leonardo was uncertain about the technique he should use.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So I am, or was, uncertain about Cornwall.

Independent

Poor Alfred was uncertain about the right way to act.

The New Yorker

Initially, he was uncertain about whether his strategy would work.

The New York Times

Stark's chief planner, David Kemp, was uncertain about this.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Coach Leslie Frazier was uncertain about Simpson's availability for Sunday's game in Seattle.

The New York Times - Sports

She was uncertain about the author's name but thought it was something like A. Handsome Nut.

The New Yorker

But Ms. Wilinski was uncertain about the dated interior and the unfamiliar neighborhood.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was uncertain about", ensure the subject and object of uncertainty are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "was uncertain about" with highly abstract nouns that denote general qualities or conditions. It's more effective to specify what aspect of the abstract concept the uncertainty pertains to. Instead of "was uncertain about freedom", say "was uncertain about the extent of their freedom".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was uncertain about" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun by expressing a state of doubt or lack of clarity regarding a specific topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common and grammatically sound construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was uncertain about" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to express doubt or a lack of clarity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its versatility allows it to fit seamlessly into various contexts, ranging from news reporting to encyclopedic entries. When employing this phrase, ensuring clarity and avoiding misuse with abstract nouns leads to a more impactful message. Alternatives like "was doubtful about" or "was unsure about" offer similar meanings but may suit different contexts. The high frequency of the phrase in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability in formal and informal communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was doubtful about

Replaces "uncertain" with "doubtful", emphasizing a feeling of disbelief or skepticism.

was unsure about

Uses "unsure" instead of "uncertain", conveying a lack of confidence or sureness.

had doubts about

Shifts the focus to possessing doubts, indicating a questioning attitude.

felt apprehensive about

Introduces a sense of anxiety or worry about something.

was hesitant about

Suggests a reluctance or unwillingness to do something due to uncertainty.

was indecisive about

Highlights the inability to make a firm decision regarding something.

lacked confidence in

Focuses on the absence of self-assurance or trust in something.

was ambivalent toward

Implies mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something.

felt conflicted about

Emphasizes an internal struggle or disagreement about something.

was skeptical of

Indicates a questioning or doubting attitude towards something's validity or truth.

FAQs

How can I use "was uncertain about" in a sentence?

Use "was uncertain about" to express doubt or lack of clarity regarding a specific topic. For example, "She was uncertain about the new policy's effectiveness".

What are some alternatives to "was uncertain about"?

You can use alternatives such as "was doubtful about", "was unsure about", or "had doubts about depending on the context.

Is it better to use "was uncertain about" or "was unsure about"?

Both "was uncertain about" and "was unsure about" are correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "was uncertain about" and "was confused about"?

"Was uncertain about" implies a lack of clarity or doubt, while "was confused about" suggests a state of bewilderment or inability to understand. The first indicates a lack of clarity, and the second, a lack of comprehension.