we are unsure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are unsure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing uncertainty or lack of confidence about a particular situation or outcome. Example: "After reviewing the data, we are unsure if the results are statistically significant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We are unsure".

The New York Times

Instead we are unsure of ourselves".

The Guardian - Sport

As for my uncle, we are unsure of his whereabouts.

The Guardian

Unconscious Bias: We know this is important, but we are unsure what it is.

The New Yorker

And even then we are unsure what is dream and what is reality.

The Guardian - Film

"We are still using money he saved but we are unsure about the future".

The Guardian

We are unsure how far advanced these plans are, for Johnson has made no comment.

The Guardian - Business

What we are unsure of is what, exactly, I am in charge of in return.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This is our family's first second marriage, so we are unsure how to handle this.

The New York Times

We are unsure if that phrase has ever been previously written.

The New York Times - Sports

One reason we are unsure why the slowdown began when it did is that hardly anyone was looking back then.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing uncertainty, use "we are unsure" to convey a lack of definite knowledge, especially when presenting preliminary findings or discussing future possibilities. Avoid overusing it in contexts requiring strong confidence.

Common error

Avoid using "we are unsure" when the context requires a stronger expression of confidence or a more definitive statement. In those cases, opt for phrases that convey a higher degree of certainty or resolution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are unsure" functions as a statement expressing a lack of certainty or definite knowledge. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and common in various contexts. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its use in expressing uncertainty about facts, outcomes, or decisions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are unsure" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey a lack of certainty. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. The phrase serves to communicate uncertainty or a lack of confidence, acknowledging limitations or expressing reservations. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using the phrase, it's important to avoid overstating uncertainty when a stronger expression of confidence is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are uncertain

Replaces "unsure" with its direct synonym, "uncertain", maintaining the same meaning.

we are not sure

Uses a more explicit negation to express the lack of certainty.

we lack certainty

Shifts the focus to the absence of certainty rather than the state of being unsure.

we are unclear

Focuses on the lack of clarity surrounding a situation or information.

we are in doubt

Expresses uncertainty as a state of doubt, implying a stronger sense of questioning.

we are hesitant

Indicates a reluctance to commit due to uncertainty.

we cannot confirm

Indicates an inability to verify or validate something due to uncertainty.

we are unable to ascertain

Highlights the inability to determine something definitively.

we are not convinced

Expresses a lack of belief or persuasion regarding something.

we have reservations

Implies a degree of doubt or hesitation about something.

FAQs

How can I use "we are unsure" in a sentence?

You can use "we are unsure" to express uncertainty about a fact, outcome, or decision. For example, "We are unsure of the exact consequences of this policy change."

What can I say instead of "we are unsure"?

You can use alternatives like "we are uncertain", "we are not sure", or "we have doubts" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "we are unsure" formal or informal?

"We are unsure" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile phrase. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication.

What's the difference between "we are unsure" and "we are unaware"?

"We are unsure" implies a lack of certainty or knowledge about something, while "we are unaware" indicates a lack of knowledge or consciousness of something. "Unsure" suggests doubt, while "unaware" suggests a complete absence of knowledge.