as erratic as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as erratic as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the unpredictability or inconsistency of one thing to another. Example: "His behavior was as erratic as a rollercoaster ride, leaving everyone around him confused."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

The government's pursuit was as erratic as its quarry.

The New York Times

— Sergio García's play was as erratic as the weather Thursday at the United States Open.

The New York Times - Sports

"As erratic as I was, I kind of took us out of the game," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

He oscillates between warmth and wrath, as erratic as the needle on the Singer sewing machine.

The New York Times

The performance of Wall Street was a major factor, and proved as erratic as London.

The Guardian - Business

Its arid weather is as erratic as its bus timetables, with sharp temperature fluctuations of 10C even in summer.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

But His Impulsive Majesty was as erratic in this as in everything else.

The Guardian - Books

PLAYER TO WATCH If Sanchez's passes are as erratic here as they were against the Colts, the Steelers' opportunistic defense could make him pay.

The New York Times

Listen to Szechuan from new album Asiatisch here Nations as mythologies, as fantasies, as erratic aggregations of commerce, junk-media, fabricated fictions: all these feed into Al Qadiri's debut album Asiatisch.

The Guardian - Music

"In a market as erratic and inconsistent as this, there is some consistency: house prices in the south are proving infinitely more resilient than those in the north.

The Guardian - Money

If he can walk offstage with people thinking he is not quite as erratic or rude as they thought, then it could make all the difference.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "as erratic as", ensure that the comparison is clear and easily understood by your audience. The object of comparison should be something known for its inconsistency or unpredictability.

Common error

Avoid using "as erratic as" with comparisons that are inherently stable or predictable. For example, saying "as erratic as a rock" doesn't make sense because rocks are generally stable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as erratic as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, used to describe something that lacks a predictable pattern or consistency. According to Ludwig, the phrase is used to compare the unpredictability of something with another element.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

20%

Sports

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as erratic as" is a frequently used comparative phrase designed to highlight unpredictability or inconsistency. According to Ludwig, it’s grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, with a strong presence in News & Media and Science. The phrase is considered neutral in tone, providing a vivid way to describe fluctuating behaviors or trends. Alternatives include "as unpredictable as" and "as inconsistent as". When deploying "as erratic as", ensure clarity in the comparison to enhance understanding and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as unpredictable as

Focuses specifically on the lack of predictability, emphasizing the difficulty in knowing what will happen.

as inconsistent as

Highlights the lack of uniformity or regularity, suggesting a pattern of change or fluctuation.

as unstable as

Emphasizes a lack of stability, suggesting a tendency to change or collapse unexpectedly.

as changeable as

Highlights the tendency to change frequently and easily.

as variable as

Focuses on the tendency to vary or fluctuate, emphasizing the lack of fixed qualities.

as capricious as

Suggests impulsiveness and unpredictability, often implying a lack of reason or justification.

as whimsical as

Implies a lighthearted and fanciful unpredictability, often associated with creativity or imagination.

as fluctuating as

Emphasizes the continuous rising and falling or back and forth motion.

as irresolute as

Highlights the lack of decisiveness or determination, suggesting a tendency to waver or change one's mind.

as mercurial as

Implies rapid and unpredictable changes in mood or character, often associated with liveliness or charm.

FAQs

How can I use "as erratic as" in a sentence?

Use "as erratic as" to describe something unpredictable or inconsistent by comparing it to another similarly unstable thing. For example, "His driving was "as erratic as" the weather."

What are some alternatives to "as erratic as"?

You can use alternatives such as "as unpredictable as", "as inconsistent as", or "as variable as" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "as erratic as"?

While grammatically correct, consider your audience and the context. In formal writing, you might prefer more precise or technical language to describe instability or unpredictability.

What makes something "as erratic as" something else?

The phrase implies that the subject being described exhibits unpredictable behavior or lacks a consistent pattern, similar to whatever it is being compared to. For instance, ""as erratic as" the stock market" suggests wild and unpredictable fluctuations.