It is uncertain whether
Hedging expression to soften claims
Use this phrase to sound professional and cautious when you cannot guarantee a specific outcome or fact.
15秒でわかる
- A polite way to express doubt or lack of certainty.
- Commonly used in professional, academic, or journalistic writing.
- Protects the speaker from being wrong by softening a claim.
意味
This phrase is a polite way to say you are not 100% sure about something. It helps you sound professional and cautious instead of sounding like you are guessing or being too blunt.
主な例文
3 / 6Discussing a business merger
It is uncertain whether the two companies will reach an agreement by Friday.
It is uncertain whether the two companies will reach an agreement by Friday.
Talking about the weather for a picnic
It is uncertain whether the sun will come out today, so bring an umbrella.
It is uncertain whether the sun will come out today, so bring an umbrella.
A scientist explaining research results
It is uncertain whether these results can be replicated in a larger study.
It is uncertain whether these results can be replicated in a larger study.
文化的背景
This expression is deeply rooted in the Anglo-American tradition of 'hedging,' which prioritizes accuracy and politeness over bluntness. It is a hallmark of 'Academic English' and 'Legalese,' where making a false claim can have serious professional or legal consequences. It reflects a cultural value of intellectual humility.
The 'Whether' vs 'If' Rule
In formal writing, always use `whether` instead of `if` after 'uncertain'. It sounds much more polished.
Don't Over-Hedge
If you use this phrase in every sentence, you will sound like you don't know anything at all. Use it only for the big unknowns!
15秒でわかる
- A polite way to express doubt or lack of certainty.
- Commonly used in professional, academic, or journalistic writing.
- Protects the speaker from being wrong by softening a claim.
What It Means
It is uncertain whether is a classic 'hedging' phrase. It acts like a safety net for your statements. Instead of saying 'I don't know,' you use this to show that a situation is complex. It suggests that there are multiple possibilities. You are essentially saying that the jury is still out on a specific topic.
How To Use It
Place this phrase at the start of your sentence to set the tone. Follow it with a subject and a verb. For example, It is uncertain whether the rain will stop. You can also use it in the middle of a report. It works best when discussing future events or scientific facts. Think of it as a more elegant version of 'Maybe.' It makes you sound like an expert who respects the data.
When To Use It
Use it in the office when a project deadline is shaky. Use it when discussing the weather or sports results. It is perfect for academic writing or news reporting. If you are texting a friend about a party, it adds a touch of playful drama. In a meeting, it protects you if things go wrong later. It shows you have considered all the angles carefully.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase for simple, personal facts. Don't say It is uncertain whether I like pizza. That just sounds robotic and slightly weird. If your house is on fire, don't use it. Just yell 'Fire!' It is too slow for emergencies. Also, avoid it if you want to sound bold and decisive. Overusing it can make you seem like you are hiding something.
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in the UK and US, love 'understatement.' We often avoid being too direct to remain polite. This phrase comes from a tradition of 'cautious optimism' and scientific skepticism. It became a staple in 20th-century journalism and legal writing. It reflects a culture that values evidence over raw opinion. It is the linguistic equivalent of a shrug while wearing a suit.
Common Variations
If you want to mix it up, try It remains to be seen if. For a slightly more casual vibe, use It's hard to say if. In very formal papers, you might see It is questionable whether. If you are feeling fancy, try The jury is still out on whether. All of these keep you safe from being proven wrong later. They all serve the same goal: keeping your options open.
使い方のコツ
This is a high-level (C1) expression primarily used in formal writing and professional speech. Avoid using it for trivial personal preferences to prevent sounding overly robotic.
The 'Whether' vs 'If' Rule
In formal writing, always use `whether` instead of `if` after 'uncertain'. It sounds much more polished.
Don't Over-Hedge
If you use this phrase in every sentence, you will sound like you don't know anything at all. Use it only for the big unknowns!
The 'Polite No'
Sometimes, British speakers use this phrase to gently suggest that something probably *won't* happen without being rude.
例文
6It is uncertain whether the two companies will reach an agreement by Friday.
It is uncertain whether the two companies will reach an agreement by Friday.
Used here to manage expectations in a professional setting.
It is uncertain whether the sun will come out today, so bring an umbrella.
It is uncertain whether the sun will come out today, so bring an umbrella.
A polite way to warn someone about unpredictable conditions.
It is uncertain whether these results can be replicated in a larger study.
It is uncertain whether these results can be replicated in a larger study.
Shows scientific caution and integrity.
It is uncertain whether Dave will actually show up to the party tonight.
It is uncertain whether Dave will actually show up to the party tonight.
Adds a slightly formal, humorous tone to a casual complaint.
It is uncertain whether the treatment has worked yet, but we are hopeful.
It is uncertain whether the treatment has worked yet, but we are hopeful.
Softens difficult news while maintaining a bit of hope.
It is uncertain whether the star player will recover in time for the finals.
It is uncertain whether the star player will recover in time for the finals.
Standard way to discuss sports injuries and timelines.
自分をテスト
Choose the best word to complete the professional hedging phrase.
It is ___ whether the budget will be approved this quarter.
The standard formal expression is 'It is uncertain whether'.
Complete the sentence to express doubt about a future event.
It is uncertain ___ the new software will be compatible with our old hardware.
'Whether' is the most grammatically appropriate choice for this formal structure.
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ビジュアル学習ツール
Formality of Expressing Doubt
Used with friends
Who knows if...
Standard daily use
I'm not sure if...
Professional/Academic
It is uncertain whether...
Where to use 'It is uncertain whether'
News Report
It is uncertain whether the law will pass.
Office Meeting
It is uncertain whether we have the funds.
Science Lab
It is uncertain whether the cells will react.
Weather Forecast
It is uncertain whether the storm will turn.
よくある質問
10 問It means that a specific outcome or fact is not yet known or decided. For example, It is uncertain whether he will arrive means we don't know his arrival status.
Essentially yes, but it is much more formal. It shifts the focus from your personal ignorance to the objective state of the situation.
You can, but it might sound a bit dramatic or stiff. Use it with friends if you want to sound jokingly serious, like It is uncertain whether I can survive this Monday.
In formal English, whether is preferred. It is uncertain if is common in speech, but whether is the gold standard for writing.
It almost always appears at the very beginning of a sentence to introduce a doubtful topic.
It is used in both! It is a universal feature of formal English across the globe.
Not necessarily. It is neutral. It just means the information is missing, whether that information is good or bad.
Yes, you can say It is uncertain whether the Vikings ever reached this far south. It works for any time period.
You could say We're not sure if or It's up in the air.
Yes, it is great for answering difficult questions where you don't want to over-promise. For example, It is uncertain whether we can hit that target, but we will try.
関連フレーズ
It remains to be seen
We will only know the answer in the future.
Up in the air
An informal way to say a decision hasn't been made yet.
The jury is still out
People haven't decided yet if something is good or true.
Open to question
Something that is not certain and might be wrong.
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