we aren't sure

USAGE SUMMARY

"We aren't sure" is a perfectly valid and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you need to express uncertainty about something. For example, "We aren't sure if this is the right course of action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We aren't sure quite why we lost our protective fur.

The Guardian

"The essential issue is the same: We aren't sure 'they' belong with God at all.

The New York Times

Then we aren't sure whether the Nupe strike starting next Monday will affect the schools.

The Guardian

"The only problem is we aren't sure if our insurance covers the medical bill".

Independent

We aren't sure how and why Hamilton accomplished what he did.

The New York Times

"We haven't taken the collateral yet, and we aren't sure that we want it".

The New York Times

We aren't sure we understand the Process, but we feel in safe hands.

The Guardian - Books

This is why eventually we will have to accept that we've lost, because we aren't sure what winning means.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Now we are not sure".

The New York Times

But we are not sure".

The New York Times

"Maybe, but we are not sure".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When conveying uncertainty, use "we aren't sure" to express a lack of complete knowledge or confidence about a particular matter. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile phrase in various writing scenarios.

Common error

Avoid using "we aren't sure" when you actually intend to offer a tentative suggestion or hypothesis. Instead, use phrases like "we suspect", "it is possible", or "we believe" to indicate a degree of likelihood rather than complete uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we aren't sure" functions as a statement of uncertainty. It typically introduces a clause expressing doubt or lack of knowledge, similar to what Ludwig AI has detected, and is a common way to express a lack of definitive information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we aren't sure" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express uncertainty or a lack of knowledge. According to Ludwig AI, it's prevalent in news and media, making it suitable for conveying uncertainty in various contexts. To enhance your writing, consider alternatives like "we are uncertain" or "we don't know" for variety, and avoid misusing the phrase for tentative suggestions. Remember to express a direct lack of knowledge by using the expression, and not to suggest possibilities that need other specific expressions. "We aren't sure" clearly communicates to your audience that a definitive answer or understanding is lacking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are uncertain

Replaces "sure" with its direct synonym "uncertain", maintaining the same grammatical structure and meaning.

we are unsure

A more concise alternative, replacing "aren't sure" with "are unsure".

we are not certain

Uses "not certain" instead of "aren't sure", offering a slightly more formal tone but retaining the core meaning.

we don't know

A more direct and informal way of expressing a lack of knowledge. It simplifies the phrasing while retaining the core message.

we have no idea

Emphasizes a complete lack of understanding or knowledge, adding a bit more force to the expression of uncertainty.

it's unclear to us

Shifts the focus to the lack of clarity, implying that the uncertainty stems from the situation rather than a personal lack of knowledge.

we lack certainty

A more formal and emphatic way of expressing a lack of sureness.

we cannot confirm

Implies an inability to verify or validate something, highlighting the lack of concrete evidence.

the answer eludes us

A more figurative way of expressing that the answer is not readily available or understandable.

we haven't determined

Indicates that a decision or conclusion has not yet been reached, suggesting ongoing investigation or consideration.

FAQs

What does "we aren't sure" mean?

The phrase "we aren't sure" indicates a lack of certainty or complete knowledge about something. It's used to convey that the speaker or writer is uncertain about a particular fact, outcome, or situation.

How can I use "we aren't sure" in a sentence?

You can use "we aren't sure" to express uncertainty in various contexts. For example, "We aren't sure if the project will be completed on time", or "We aren't sure how to proceed with the next steps."

What's a more formal way to say "we aren't sure"?

A more formal alternative to "we aren't sure" is "we are uncertain" or "we are not certain". These options are suitable for professional or academic writing where a higher level of formality is expected.

What are some similar phrases to "we aren't sure" that I can use?

Similar phrases include "we don't know", "we have no idea", and "it's unclear to us". The best alternative depends on the specific context and the degree of uncertainty you wish to convey.