a degree of unpredictability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a degree of unpredictability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations, events, or outcomes that are not entirely certain or can vary in their results. Example: "The weather forecast indicates a degree of unpredictability this week, so it's best to be prepared for any conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Wells's aversion to familiarity has also ensured a degree of unpredictability, as with last year's surprise collaboration with industrial legends Einstürzende Neubauten.

Vice

People feel insecure when there is a degree of unpredictability in a situation.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Increased impulsivity, ADHD-like traits, novelty-seeking like traits [reviewed in [ 25]], aggression [ 56, 57], violence [ 26] and/or activity levels [ 58, 59] may help nomads obtain food resources, or exhibit a degree of behavioural unpredictability [ 60] that is protective against interpersonal violence or robberies [ 61, 62].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

In particular, RESs show a high degree of unpredictability while EH devices provide an extremely variable efficiency.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

The reason first impressions seem to be almost indelible is that they carry an excessive amount of new information, which has a high degree of unpredictability.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is based on a perception that managed ecosystems are complex, dynamic systems with a large degree of unpredictability.

Encyclopedia of Ecology

As Thompson pointed out, human beings are not machines, and a certain degree of unpredictability has to be allowed for.

The New York Times

Needless to say, there's a high degree of unpredictability about what will happen including in the country itself.

BBC

Residential customers as opposed to industrial customers show a high degree of unpredictability due to multitudes of non-correlated personal and household activities.

Electric Power Systems Research

According to this approach, positive KS-entropy entails a certain degree of unpredictability, which is sufficiently high to deserve the title chaotic.[25] In a recent paper Werndl (2009b) argues that a careful review of all systems that one commonly regards as chaotic shows that strong mixing is the crucial criterion: a system is chaotic just in case it is strong mixing.

SEP

Surgery differs in that there is a large degree of unpredictability with each new case.

Advances in Health Sciences Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a degree of unpredictability", ensure that the context clearly establishes what is unpredictable. Provide specific examples or details to clarify the nature and scope of the unpredictability you're describing.

Common error

Avoid using "a degree of unpredictability" when the situation is actually completely random or chaotic. The phrase implies some limitations to the unpredictability, suggesting it's not absolute.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a degree of unpredictability" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It quantifies the extent to which something cannot be reliably predicted. As Ludwig AI underlines, the expression is deemed correct and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a degree of unpredictability" is a versatile phrase used to express the presence of uncertainty or randomness in various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While frequently found in news, science, and wiki sources, it maintains a generally neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal settings. To enhance clarity, always specify the source or nature of the unpredictability. Consider alternatives such as "a level of uncertainty" or "an element of surprise" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a level of uncertainty

Replaces 'unpredictability' with 'uncertainty', focusing on the lack of sureness about outcomes.

a certain amount of uncertainty

Emphasizes the indefinite quantity of uncertainty involved.

a touch of randomness

Highlights the presence of chance or haphazardness.

an element of surprise

Focuses on the unexpected and startling nature of events.

a hint of volatility

Suggests instability and the potential for sudden changes.

a shade of contingency

Underscores the dependence of outcomes on unforeseen circumstances.

a flavor of haphazardness

Conveys a sense of lacking order or planning.

a dash of the unknown

Emphasizes the mysterious or unexplored aspects of a situation.

a quantum of chance

Indicates a small but significant amount of possibility or risk.

an air of capriciousness

Implies a tendency toward sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "a degree of unpredictability" in a sentence?

You can use "a degree of unpredictability" to describe situations where outcomes are not entirely certain or easily predicted. For example: "The project's success carries "a degree of unpredictability" due to market fluctuations."

What's the difference between "a degree of uncertainty" and "a degree of unpredictability"?

"A degree of uncertainty" refers to the lack of knowledge or confidence about something, while ""a degree of unpredictability"" suggests that even with knowledge, the outcome is hard to foresee.

What are some alternatives to "a degree of unpredictability"?

Alternatives include "a level of uncertainty", "an element of surprise", or "a touch of randomness", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is "a degree of unpredictability" most commonly used?

"A degree of unpredictability" is frequently used in contexts relating to business, finance, science, and general discussions where future outcomes are uncertain, as these fields often involve elements that are difficult to foresee or control.