widespread uncertainty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "widespread uncertainty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a general lack of clarity or confidence among a large group of people or in a particular context. Example: "The recent economic changes have led to widespread uncertainty among investors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

That spawned widespread uncertainty.

The New York Times

There is widespread uncertainty among people in our countries.

The Guardian - Opinion

Given widespread uncertainty, these estimates should be taken with a pinch of salt.

The Guardian - Opinion

But for E.P.A. and state regulators, the decisions have created widespread uncertainty.

The New York Times

The widespread uncertainty has frozen parts of the commercial paper market and led to days of turbulent trading.

The New York Times

There is widespread uncertainty over who is really in control of the country and where the military's loyalty lies.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

"Honda must protect its core business activities and secure the long term as widespread uncertainties in the economies around the globe continue to mount," said Takeo Fukui, the chief executive of Honda, Japan's No. 2 automaker, at a news conference in Tokyo.

The New York Times - Sports

This already resulted in widespread uncertainties among stakeholders regarding the continuation of heat supply to the district heating grid.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

We hope that these barriers will be overcome, by providing proof of concept for a streamlined simple framework for undertaking REACT trials, in which recognition of widespread uncertainties about the effects of treatments will motivate clinicians and patients to participate in randomised evaluations as a matter of routine.

British Medical Journal

Jopling's buoyancy exists despite widespread economic uncertainty.

Independent

Rio's chief executive, Sam Walsh, said the deterioration of the global economy had generated widespread market uncertainty.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "widespread uncertainty", clarify the specific area or group affected to provide context and avoid vagueness. For example, instead of just stating "widespread uncertainty", specify "widespread uncertainty among investors" or "widespread uncertainty regarding the new policy".

Common error

Avoid using "widespread uncertainty" when the uncertainty is limited to a small group or a specific situation. Using it in a context where the uncertainty isn't truly broad diminishes the phrase's impact and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "widespread uncertainty" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "widespread" modifies the noun "uncertainty". Ludwig AI examples confirm that it typically acts as a subject or object, describing a state or condition. Ludwig AI also confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "widespread uncertainty" is a valid and frequently used phrase to describe a broad lack of clarity or predictability. Ludwig AI confirms this. It's most commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. When using this phrase, it's best to specify the area or group affected to provide clarity. While alternatives like "general uncertainty" or "pervasive uncertainty" exist, "widespread uncertainty" effectively communicates a sense of instability and doubt across a broad scope. The key is to use it accurately and avoid redundancy to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

general uncertainty

This alternative replaces "widespread" with "general", indicating a lack of specificity in the scope of uncertainty.

pervasive uncertainty

This alternative uses "pervasive" to emphasize the extent to which the uncertainty affects different areas.

broad uncertainty

This alternative replaces "widespread" with "broad", suggesting a wide range of uncertainty across different elements.

extensive uncertainty

This alternative replaces "widespread" with "extensive", highlighting a broad area covered by uncertainty.

considerable uncertainty

This alternative focuses on the magnitude of the uncertainty, rather than its reach.

large-scale uncertainty

This alternative replaces "widespread" with "large-scale", indicating the uncertainty is present in something massive.

rampant uncertainty

This alternative emphasizes uncontrolled and widespread negative feelings or uncertainty.

ubiquitous uncertainty

This alternative replaces "widespread" with "ubiquitous", highlighting the presence of uncertainty everywhere or in many contexts.

common uncertainty

This alternative emphasizes that the uncertainty is experienced by a large number of individuals.

prevailing uncertainty

This alternative changes "widespread" to "prevailing", suggesting that uncertainty is the dominant condition.

FAQs

How can I use "widespread uncertainty" in a sentence?

You can use "widespread uncertainty" to describe situations where there is a general lack of clarity or confidence. For example: "The new regulations caused "widespread uncertainty" in the market."

What can I say instead of "widespread uncertainty"?

Alternatives to "widespread uncertainty" include "general uncertainty", "pervasive uncertainty", or "broad uncertainty", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very widespread uncertainty"?

Yes, saying "very widespread uncertainty" can be redundant. The term "widespread" already implies a large extent. Using an intensifier like "very" doesn't significantly enhance the meaning and can sound awkward.

Which is the most appropriate context to use "widespread uncertainty"?

The phrase "widespread uncertainty" is best used when describing situations affecting a large group or area, such as economic shifts, policy changes, or global events. It suggests that many people or entities are unsure about future outcomes or impacts.