we were unsure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were unsure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to express uncertainty about something. For example, "We were unsure of what to do next, so we decided to speak to an expert for advice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We were unsure they could be resolved.

The New York Times - Arts

We were unsure whether to be celebratory or critical.

The New York Times

Finally, we were unsure if the PWM, oscillated fast enough to produce a well averaged output.

Cornell University

We were unsure about speaking out about our very private relationship.

The Guardian

Having not read a book by David Walliams we were unsure what to expect.

The Guardian

"We were unsure if one of us was hit or going to get in trouble".

The New York Times - Sports

"We were unsure if the wing would snap, so we all climbed off the boat".

Independent

Secondly, we were unsure of whether we were sampling fast enough to hear the important features that make distinguishable music.

Cornell University

We hadn't trialled this with an e-cigarette before we got there, so we were unsure what would happen.

The Guardian

By the end of the second series, we were unsure if they were going to stay together at all.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Meanwhile, A-list reaction floated in via the Twittersphere: Hours earlier, we were unsure the game would even be played.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were unsure", clearly state the object of your uncertainty to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid mistaking "unsure" (expressing doubt or uncertainty) with "unsafe" (implying danger or risk). Using the wrong term can drastically alter the intended meaning of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were unsure" functions as a statement of uncertainty or a lack of confidence regarding a specific issue or situation. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

23%

Science

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were unsure" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express a past state of uncertainty or doubt. As Ludwig confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reports and academic papers to general conversations. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Science, using "we were unsure" effectively communicates a lack of confidence or clarity regarding a specific subject. For stylistic variation, consider alternatives like "we felt uncertain" or "we had doubts". Be mindful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words like "unsafe".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we felt uncertain

Replaces "unsure" with "uncertain", offering a direct synonym with similar connotations.

we were doubtful

Mirrors the original phrase but uses the adjective "doubtful" instead of "unsure".

we weren't certain

Offers a direct antonym of "certain", expressing a lack of definiteness.

we couldn't be sure

Emphasizes the inability to confirm something, implying uncertainty.

we lacked confidence

Focuses on the absence of confidence, implying a lack of certainty.

we had doubts

Highlights the presence of doubts, suggesting a level of skepticism.

we weren't convinced

Indicates a lack of persuasion or belief, suggesting uncertainty about validity.

we hesitated

Focuses on the act of hesitating, driven by uncertainty or indecision.

we felt apprehensive

Highlights feelings of anxiety or unease due to uncertainty about potential outcomes.

we were in two minds

Expresses indecision and conflicting thoughts, indicating uncertainty about which option to choose.

FAQs

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

Use "we were unsure" to express a lack of certainty or confidence about something. For example, "We were unsure about the best course of action, so we consulted with experts".

What are some alternatives to "we were unsure"?

You can use alternatives like "we felt uncertain", "we had doubts", or "we weren't certain" depending on the context.

Is "we were unsure" grammatically correct?

Yes, "we were unsure" is grammatically correct. It uses the past tense of the verb "to be" with the adjective "unsure" to express a state of uncertainty in the past.

What is the difference between "we were unsure" and "we are unsure"?

"We were unsure" indicates uncertainty in the past, while "we are unsure" indicates present uncertainty. The choice depends on the timeframe you are referring to.