Ways to Express Uncertainty

Ways to Express Uncertainty

Hello, English learners. Welcome to a new lesson. Today, we will look at different ways to express uncertainty. You can look at ways to express certainty here.

Here is the list:

• Not certain/uncertain
• Not sure/unsure
• Unconvinced
• Have doubts
• Doubtful
• Dubious
• Sceptical
• Tentative
• Bewildered
• Be in two minds
• Inclined to think
• It remains to be seen

Not certain/uncertain

Meaning: feeling unsure about what to do.

• Scientists are not certain whether we are alone in the universe.
• Celia didn’t want to rush into marriage because she was uncertain about her feelings for Greg. 
• Mark stopped the car, not certain whether to turn left or right.

Not sure/unsure

Meaning: feeling uncertain about what to do.

• Will you give me a hand? I’m not sure how to mount this Ikea shelf.
• Stephen was a bit unsure how to answer the question.
• I’m not sure whether to go to the party or study for my exam. Ways to express uncertainty

Unconvinced

Meaning: not sure about something despite what you’ve been told.

• The jury seemed unconvinced that the suspect was innocent.
• The engineer was unconvinced that the project would be cost-effective,
• Although she seemed skilled and experienced, the manager was still unconvinced she was the right person for the job.

Have doubts

Meaning: to not be sure about something.

• If you have any doubts about the offer, don’t accept it.
• The citizens have doubts about the new law’s effectiveness.
• I have doubts about his ability to fix the car engine. Why don’t we call a real mechanic?

Ways to Express Uncertainty

 

Doubtful

Meaning: to be uncertain about something; have doubts.

• It now seems doubtful whether they will pay us the money back or not.
• The committee was doubtful about the suggestion to organize a music festival in the village from the very beginning.
• I’m doubtful about that job offer. I’m not going to accept it.

Dubious

Meaning: suspecting that something might be wrong, uncertain of something.

• I think that these facts are dubious and not scientifically proven.
• I feel rather dubious about John’s ability to run his father’s business.
• The results of his actions remain dubious to this day.

Sceptical

Meaning: to be doubtful about something.

• The doctor seems sceptical about the injured man’s chances of living through the night.
• My wife thinks it’s a good idea to buy that heavily discounted air-conditioning, but I’m a bit sceptical.
• I admit I’m feeling sceptical about the tennis player’s chances of winning the match.

Ways to express uncertainty

Tentative

Meaning: not certain.

• My family and I have a tentative plan to go skiing in January.
• The board reached a tentative agreement. They’ll discuss it further in the months to come.
• The results seem rather tentative but mostly positive.

Bewildered

Meaning: confused and uncertain.

• When he realised no one was waiting for him at the airport, Dean felt quite bewildered.
• Too many questions made him feel bewildered.
• The customs officer demanded to look at the suitcase of a bewildered passenger.

Be in two minds

Meaning: indecisive.

• I’m in two minds whether to go on holiday to the mountains or the seaside.
• When he woke up this morning feeling sick, Jeremy was in two minds whether to go to work or not.
• Jeniffer was in two minds about leaving her hometown. She was afraid she would miss her friends and family.

Ways to express uncertainty

Be inclined to think/believe

Meaning: to have an opinion about something, but not a strong one.

• I’m inclined to think it is not a very good idea to go on a trip in this weather.
• The building’s residents were not inclined to think the new post boxes were very secure.
• I’m inclined to believe you, but I’ll still ask for a second opinion.

It remains to be seen

Meaning: it is not yet certain.

• It remains to be seen whether the new environmental law is effective.
• Whether we’ll win the match remains to be seen.
• It remains to be seen whether the new flu vaccines will protect us.

Ways to express uncertainty

If you really want to learn English but don’t know how to do it and where to start, don’t hesitate to contact us. Book an online English lesson with one of our certified and experienced English teachers and take a test and consultation! Tap the banner to learn more!