we are not certain

USAGE SUMMARY

"we are not certain" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express uncertainty or lack of confidence about a particular statement or situation. You can use it in a variety of contexts, such as when you are unsure about a fact, a decision, or a prediction. Example: We are not certain whether the new policy will have a positive impact on our company's profits.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yet we are not certain from whom we expect this.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We are not certain that this is quite accurate.

The New York Times

"We are not certain we understand your message.

The New York Times

"We are not certain they had any revenues," a commission lawyer, Richard C. Sauer, said.

The New York Times

Then she disclosed a goal so astonishing, we are not certain we heard it correctly.

The New York Times

We are not certain about how Toyota's damaged reputation will affect its earnings in the future.

The Guardian - Business

We are not certain if this was a response to the procedure, the medicine or other complications," Dr. Fossum said.

The New York Times - Health

"We are not certain if the survey will find anything," Kazuhiko Kawauchi, a health ministry official, told Associated Press.

The Guardian

Though we are not certain how Ponkin intends to target people who have committed suicide, he certainly seems determined.

The Guardian - Music

He said there was clear evidence of the use of chlorine, but "we are not certain about sarin right now".

The Guardian

"We are not certain whether the soldiers were responding to a perceived threat," the African Union force commander, Maj.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing uncertainty, use "we are not certain" to maintain a professional tone, especially in formal writing. However, in casual conversations, consider alternatives like "we aren't sure".

Common error

Avoid using overly casual language immediately after "we are not certain". Maintain a consistent level of formality throughout the sentence and surrounding text.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are not certain" functions as a statement of uncertainty or a disclaimer of definitive knowledge. As shown in Ludwig, it is commonly used in various contexts to express a lack of complete confidence in a particular claim or prediction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we are not certain" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express uncertainty or a lack of complete knowledge. According to Ludwig, this phrase appears frequently in contexts like news, scientific studies, and academic discussions. While it can be used interchangeably with phrases like "we are not sure", it often carries a slightly more formal tone. When using this phrase, maintaining a consistent level of formality is important to avoid stylistic inconsistencies. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is standard English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are unsure

This alternative is a more concise and informal way to express uncertainty.

we are not sure

This alternative is slightly more common and interchangeable in most contexts.

we have doubts

This alternative emphasizes the presence of doubts regarding a matter.

we lack certainty

This alternative uses a more formal tone and emphasizes the absence of certainty.

it is uncertain to us

This alternative shifts the focus to the uncertainty of the situation rather than the speakers' state.

we cannot confirm

This alternative suggests an inability to verify the truth of something.

we don't know for sure

This alternative is more conversational and emphasizes a lack of definitive knowledge.

we are in doubt

This alternative expresses uncertainty or hesitation about a fact or situation.

we are unconvinced

This alternative suggests a state of skepticism or disbelief.

we find it doubtful

This alternative phrase suggests that something is unlikely or improbable.

FAQs

What does "we are not certain" mean?

The phrase "we are not certain" indicates a lack of complete knowledge or conviction about something. It conveys uncertainty or doubt.

How can I use "we are not certain" in a sentence?

You can use "we are not certain" to express doubt or uncertainty about a fact, prediction, or decision. For example, "We are not certain if the project will be successful."

What can I say instead of "we are not certain"?

You can use alternatives like "we are unsure", "we are not sure", or "we have doubts" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "we are not certain" or "we are not sure"?

"We are not certain" and "we are not sure" are often interchangeable. However, "we are not certain" may sound slightly more formal, while "we are not sure" is more commonly used in everyday conversation.