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HOW TO EXPRESS UNCERTAINTY, DOUBT OR LACK OF KNOWLEDGE | Effective Communication

Gabrielle Love Acero
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Have you ever felt uncertain before but do not know how to express it in words? Especially, in a formal meeting where you do not know what to say or seem not sure, and you do not want to sound rude or sarcastic.

Through this article, you will learn how to express it confidently. More than expressing it, you will learn the right words to say and the tone when you express it because it is part of having effective communication.

Uncertainty, doubt, or lack of knowledge means that a person is being unsure of something. It can be expressed in different ways. It can be expressed through phrases, modal verbs, and adverbs.

Phrases

Phrases such as “I think”, “I guess”, “I suppose”, “It’s possible”, or “I reckon” are used to express uncertainty. This perspective is “first person”. It is more about expressing how you feel about it.

Sentence Examples:

  1. I think I am falling for you.
  2. I guess that you went to school to check on your crush if he is around.
  3. It is possible that they will go to Hawaii next year.
  4. I reckon that we will have to leave early for the trip.
  5. I suppose he will be around later or tomorrow.
  6. I think I will go to the supermarket later to buy vegetables.
  7. I guess you are interested to know her.

Adverbs

Adverbs can be used to express uncertainty, such as “apparently”, “probably”, and “possibly”. By using this, you are uncertain about something or someone and it shows the level of uncertainty.

Apparently

  • Apparently, the supermarket will close at 8 o’clock in the evening.
  • Apparently, it is too difficult to think of.

Probably

  • My Lazada order will probably arrive this evening or tomorrow morning.
  • He’s probably going to Malaybalay City to attend a seminar.

Possibly

  • Possibly, we will be going to Hawaii for a vacation.
  • I will possibly start my thesis introduction tonight.

If phrases are more on expressing feelings and adverbs are more on the level of uncertainty, modal verbs will be more on “when”. Is it the past, present, future, or general?

Modal form

 Formula:

Past – modal + “have” + verb

Sentence Examples:

  1. Lanie is not around. She must have gotten sick.
  2. My father must have taken our cat to the veterinary.
  3. The little boy is playing around. He must have gotten bored waiting for his mom.

Present – modal + “be” + verb-ing

  1. I might be going to the gym tonight.
  2. Matthew might be surveying for our research paper tomorrow morning.
  3. My boyfriend is busy tomorrow. He might be studying for his midterm exam on Wednesday.

Future – modal + verb

  1. Maybe someday, he might work in New York City.
  2. Laura told me that they might migrate to London next year.
  3. My brother asked me if I am in a relationship with someone, he might want to know the name of the person.

When going through that process, you might want to discuss your doubts with others or ask for additional time to consider it. When in doubt, use the appropriate words.

 

 

 

 

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Gabrielle Love Acero

Gabrielle Love Acero loves to write in any form since she was still a little girl. Her writing skills were enhanced through reading books, articles, and informative materials such as Reader’s Digest. They are also her hobbies. She began her blog site at the age of 11. She wrote her experiences in life. With her experiences, she became a scriptwriter during her High School years. One of her movies that she directed and produced won 2nd place against 7 high school institutions (public and private) in the city where she is living. The interschool competition was hosted by Commission on Population (PopCom) – Region X. She puts effort into doing these things because it is her passion. She is one of the top of the class during her Elementary and High School years. She graduated as the Class Valedictorian in Junior High School. At the age of 9, Gabrielle Love Acero started participating and engaging in voluntary activities, especially at church. She entered the kids’ choir and joined “Sidewalk Saturday School (SSS)” as a volunteer. She taught indigenous children about God and His love for them in a certain area, including skit-playing and Bible-reading. With those experiences, she continued being a volunteer at heart until the present day. At the age of 13, she became a Worship leader in the church where she is currently attending since 2007. Her dedication, commitment, and love for God and His people made her become one of the assets of the church. She is one of the youth leaders. Gabrielle Love Acero is currently a junior student of Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Medical Biology at Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan, where she continues to work towards her dream of becoming a doctor in the near future. She is also involved in extracurricular organizations. She is currently the President of Xavier University Red Cross Youth (XU – RCY), where she plans, organizes, and implements humanitarian activities for the community with her team. Also, she is a 1st class Cadet Officer at Xavier University Philippine Air Force - Reserve Officer Training Corps (XU PAF ROTC), where she teaches basic military trainings based on her military training experiences. Also, she implies military leadership to her lower classes. Not despising her Biology degree, she put her efforts into her studies and get involved in Biophilic (Biology) Society activities with her colleagues. Many people are awed by her experiences and involvements, especially her time management skills, but with humility, she believes that her life is not her own, but with a purpose. Gabrielle Love Acero hopes to learn more about life and the field she is currently in. She is goal-oriented and exemplifies excellence in everything she does, not because of herself, but because of the greater One living inside her.

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