was unsure

USAGE SUMMARY

'was unsure' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone was uncertain about something. For example, "She was unsure how to react to the news."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Sid was unsure.

The New Yorker

He was unsure.

The New York Times - Sports

Even he was unsure.

The New York Times

His footing was unsure.

The New Yorker

I was unsure how.

The New York Times

The AFL was unsure.

The Guardian - Sport

Farida was unsure.

The New York Times

She was unsure about this.

The New Yorker

I was unsure and afraid.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

(She said yes; he was unsure).

The New York Times

He was unsure if he would live till daybreak.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was unsure," provide context to clarify the reason for the uncertainty. This helps the reader understand the situation fully.

Common error

Avoid using "was unsure" repeatedly in a short span without providing specific reasons for the uncertainty. This can make your writing seem vague or indecisive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was unsure" functions as a copular verb followed by an adjective, describing a state of being. It expresses a condition of uncertainty, doubt, or lack of confidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically sound and widely accepted in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was unsure" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a state of uncertainty or doubt. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile and can be used in various contexts. It is frequently found in News & Media, but also present in Science publications, indicating its broad applicability. When using "was unsure", providing context helps ensure clarity. While alternatives like "felt uncertain" or "remained doubtful" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Therefore, while "was unsure" is a perfectly acceptable phrase, consider the context to ensure it's the most precise choice for expressing uncertainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was hesitant

Direct synonym, replacing 'unsure' with 'hesitant'.

felt uncertain

Focuses on the feeling of uncertainty, rather than a state of being.

remained doubtful

Emphasizes a continuing state of doubt.

lacked confidence

Highlights the absence of self-assurance.

had reservations

Indicates hesitations or doubts about something.

felt hesitant

Stresses a pause or reluctance due to uncertainty.

was skeptical

Similar to 'expressed skepticism' but focuses on the state of being.

expressed doubt

Shifts focus to the act of voicing uncertainty.

questioned the idea

Highlights the act of scrutinizing or doubting a concept.

expressed skepticism

Indicates a general tendency to doubt or disbelieve.

FAQs

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

You can use "was unsure" to describe a state of uncertainty or doubt. For example, "She "was unsure" whether to accept the job offer."

What are some alternatives to "was unsure"?

Some alternatives include "felt uncertain", "remained doubtful", or "lacked confidence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "was unsure" formal or informal?

"Was unsure" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "was unsure" and "was uncertain"?

While "was unsure" and "was uncertain" are largely interchangeable, "was unsure" might imply a more personal or subjective lack of certainty, whereas "was uncertain" can also refer to objective ambiguity. Context usually determines the best choice.