Unsure what to do vs Unsure about what to do

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Unsure what to do' is more concise and informal, while 'unsure about what to do' is a bit more formal and explicit. The choice between them depends on the level of formality you want to convey.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 3748 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in informal contexts.

"Unsure what to do"

This phrase is used when someone is uncertain or indecisive about the course of action to take.

Examples:

I'm unsure what to do in this situation.
She was unsure what to do next.

Show examples from the web [+]

Unsure what to do, Adrian contacted Tim Webster, a friend and former Army counterintelligence agent.
Now listen, if you're unsure what to do,
Whatever the budget, the European project is stuttering, unsure what to do about the faltering eurozone and unable to come to terms with Anglo-Saxon enterprise that the countries of Asia have made their own.
Enough of Europe being unsure of what to do.
I'm just a little unsure of what to do here.
He's clearly frightened and unsure of what to do - don't push him.
If you are unsure about what to do, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
After lying there a few seconds, maybe a few minutes, unsure, not knowing what to do, staring straight ahead into space.
Actually, we are little unsure what we doing here.
Definition of reliable contraception and the need to seek expert advice if unsure what is suitable for an individual patient.
Definiti on of reliable contraception and the need to seek expert advice if unsure what is suitable for an individual patient.
Family sources tell News Channel 4 Robert Durst relocated to Galveston, Texas, but they were unsure what he was doing there.
Are unsure what to call this, whether it was a calculated alien attack or an experiment gone wrong.
We are unsure what threat there may be waiting in the marshes.
'Doctors are unsure what has caused the unusual marks on their bodies, 'although it has been suggested they may indicate a rare tropical disease.
Scientists are still unsure what started the 2008 landslide... near the north pole of Mars.
We do not understand Amendment No 9, since we are unsure what the objective criteria for designating priority categories of producers, rather than products or orchards, will be.
Intelligence is unsure of the enemy position.
This morning, you seemed totally unsure.
Arthur grew unsure of my motives.

Alternatives:

uncertain what to do
confused about what to do
indecisive about what to do
not sure what to do
puzzled about what to do

This phrase is correct and slightly more formal than the first option.

"Unsure about what to do"

This phrase is used when someone is uncertain or indecisive about the course of action to take, with a bit more emphasis on the 'about' preposition.

Examples:

She was unsure about what to do in that situation.
I'm still unsure about what to do next.

Show examples from the web [+]

If you are unsure about what to do, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
There is a killer on trial, and if I look at all unsure about what happened, - he might walk.
It is no good banning something if you are unsure about what will replace it.
A little unsure about a few things.
I'm unsure about things between us.
A little unsure about how to live in all this right now.
Discuss with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you are unsure about anything.
If you are unsure about anything, ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
I was still unsure about the boy.
There's a section here I was rather unsure about.
If unsure about compatibility, contact the product manufacturer.
People still are unsure about exactly who she is.
If you are unsure about what treatments you have received or any illnesses you have had, discuss these with your doctor.
Anything we're unsure about, we can put in the keep-for-now pile.
If there's anything you are unsure about, just say.
That's why I'm a bit unsure about some other bits.
I've been mostly unsure about my abilities on my own.
Discuss with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you are unsure about anything.
If you are unsure about this, ask your doctor.
If you are unsure about this, ask your doctor.

Alternatives:

uncertain about what to do
confused about what to do
indecisive about what to do
not sure about what to do
puzzled about what to do

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Unsure what to do vs Unsure about what to do

"Unsure what to do"

"Unsure about what to do"

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