Meaning & use

I'm unsure

phrase·Everyday

Last updated

UK/aɪm ʌnˈʃɔː/
US/aɪm ʌnˈʃʊr/

Meaning

  1. phrasefixed phrase

    A way of saying you lack confidence or certainty about something, or cannot decide.

    Grammar: Followed by about, of, or whether: I'm unsure about the date; I'm unsure whether to go.

    Patterns

    • I'm unsure about something
    • I'm unsure whether to do something
    • I'm unsure if something is true

    I'm unsure about the answer, so I will check the book.

    I'm unsure whether we should leave now or wait.

    I'm unsure of the way, so let me look at the map.

Common combinations

I'm unsure about
I'm unsure about the schedule for next week.
I'm unsure whether
I'm unsure whether she received the email.
I'm unsure if
I'm unsure if the shop is open.
I'm still unsure
I'm still unsure which option is best.
I'm a little unsure
I'm a little unsure of my plan.

Synonyms and how they differ

I'm not sure
I'm not sure is the more common and conversational form, while I'm unsure sounds slightly more formal.
I'm uncertain
I'm uncertain is more formal and often used about results or the future.
I'm undecided
I'm undecided is about a choice not yet made, not about doubt over facts.
I have my doubts
I have my doubts suggests you lean toward disbelief, whereas I'm unsure is neutral.

Opposites

I'm certainI'm sure

Word family

unsure adjective
not certain or confident
unsurely adverb
in an uncertain manner, rare
unsureness noun
a feeling of doubt, rare
sure adjective
certain or confident

Commonly confused: I'm unsure or insure?

I'm unsure vs insure

Insure means to buy protection against loss and is not related to doubt.

Practice

Which pattern correctly follows I'm unsure?

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