we were unsure about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were unsure about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing doubt or uncertainty regarding a specific topic or situation. Example: "During the meeting, we were unsure about the project's timeline and needed further clarification."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

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

The Guardian

When we were unsure about what we would have to change, our producer told us: "The show will tell you". I had no idea the show was going to be quite so blunt about it.

The Guardian

Only binge and chronic drinkers needed to worry, and in case we were unsure about whom that included, binge drinkers were categorised as mostly men who "drink to get drunk and are likely to be aged under 25", consuming in large groups, after work or on a Friday or Saturday evening.

The Guardian

Since it is the first survey we were trying to do, we were unsure about how to get started.

Duke University

As we were unsure about root-tear repair in a degenerated meniscus and the effectiveness of partial meniscectomy, which we feel has no role in a root tear, we did not have a group for comparison with surgical aspects of management.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

We were unsure about what the landscape of this series would be.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

What we're unsure about is whether or not your friend will carry your projector in their purse.

Vice

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

The Guardian

Hassli's status is the only one that we're unsure about, but that's not my main concern going into this game.

The Guardian - Sport

When we are not happy with a diagnosis we ask for more tests or when we are unsure about one person's argument we look for a second opinion.

The Guardian

We're unsure about the manner in which western society would treat a group like ours". Patel insists that Hizb is no threat to the west, but part of it.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For formal writing, consider replacing "we were unsure about" with "we had reservations regarding" to convey a more professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "we were unsure about" as a filler phrase. Be specific about the reasons for your uncertainty. Instead of saying "we were unsure about the results", specify "we were unsure about the validity of the results due to the small sample size".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were unsure about" functions as a declarative statement expressing uncertainty or lack of confidence regarding a specific topic or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound and commonly used expression. The phrase indicates a state of doubt or hesitation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were unsure about" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express a lack of certainty or confidence. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is a valid and usable expression across various contexts. Analysis of example sentences reveals frequent usage in news, scientific, and academic settings. While versatile, opting for more formal alternatives such as "we had reservations regarding" may be appropriate in certain professional contexts. Understanding these nuances empowers effective communication while accurately portraying uncertainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were uncertain about

Replaces 'unsure' with 'uncertain', maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

we were doubtful about

Substitutes 'unsure' with 'doubtful', suggesting a stronger degree of skepticism.

we were hesitant about

Replaces 'unsure' with 'hesitant', emphasizing reluctance to proceed due to uncertainty.

we lacked confidence in

Expresses the absence of confidence more directly, shifting the focus to a lack of assurance.

we felt dubious about

Uses 'dubious' to convey a sense of doubt or suspicion regarding something.

we had reservations about

Indicates that there were concerns or hesitations that made them unsure.

we questioned whether

Focuses on the act of questioning, implying uncertainty about a specific outcome or possibility.

we weren't convinced about

Highlights a lack of persuasion or certainty regarding something.

we had our doubts about

Emphasizes the presence of doubts, suggesting a level of skepticism or uncertainty.

we felt uneasy about

Conveys a sense of discomfort or anxiety related to the uncertainty.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "we were unsure about"?

You can use alternatives like "we were uncertain about", "we were doubtful about", or "we had reservations about" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "we were unsure about"?

Yes, "we were unsure about" is grammatically correct. It uses the past tense of the verb "to be" followed by the adjective "unsure" and the preposition "about", creating a valid and commonly used phrase.

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

You can use "we were unsure about" to express a lack of certainty or confidence regarding a specific topic. For example, "We were unsure about the project's feasibility given the limited resources."

What's the difference between "we were unsure about" and "we were unaware of"?

"We were unsure about" indicates a lack of certainty or confidence, whereas "we were unaware of" means a lack of knowledge or information. For example, "We were unsure about the details" (lack of certainty) vs "We were unaware of the details" (lack of knowledge).