as erratic as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as erratic as a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare something or someone to another entity known for unpredictability or inconsistency. Example: "His mood swings were as erratic as a rollercoaster, leaving everyone around him unsure of what to expect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Happily, Penguin's Phileas Fogg, Sam Guncler, is impeccably Foggian in his striped vest and precisely tied ascot (Patricia E. Doherty did the fine costumes), and he never boards a vehicle as erratic as a balloon.

The New York Times

The balloon's flight path during the long austral nights and short days was as erratic as a zero-pressure balloon's: It dipped as much as 10 kilometers nightly from its cruising altitude of about 33 kilometers, possibly because of a helium leak that later closed back up.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

He put up shooting lines of three-for-14, two-for-10 and one-for-eight in his final three weeks with the Philadelphia 76ers and can be as erratic as maid service at a one-star hotel.

Los Angeles Times

While the Pacers' mix of youth and veterans has forged a promising future, the team has been nearly as erratic as the Knicks, taking an 11-10 record into tonight's game against Chicago.

The New York Times - Sports

In an offense as erratic as the Ravens', Stover's consistency -- he was the Pro Bowl pick from the American Football Conference and made 53 of his previous 57 field goals entering the game -- was a critical element.

The New York Times - Sports

It is nearly impossible to coherently justify a foreign policy as erratic as Trump's.

Vice

This was the Irishman's fifth success in the 2,000 Guineas during a career at least as erratic as the path plotted by his mount here.

The Guardian - Sport

He urged residents to take the storm seriously, and singled out for criticism some who had gone to the shore of Lake Pontchartrain to watch the surf and otherwise enjoy themselves in a day of weather as erratic as Isaac itself.

The New York Times

Much like it was difficult to predict the outcome of the election, the likelihood of success in a Trump presidency is as erratic as his behavior.

Huffington Post

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

The Guardian - Business

Mr. Rocker, whose pitching has been as erratic as his behavior, was forced to report yesterday to a Braves minor league affiliate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "as erratic as a", ensure the comparison is clear and easily understood by your audience. Select an object or concept known for its unpredictable or unstable nature for maximum impact.

Common error

Avoid using "as erratic as a" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your descriptive language by incorporating different similes or metaphors to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as erratic as a" functions as a simile, comparing something to something else that is characterized by unpredictable or inconsistent behavior. This simile is used to enhance the description and provide a vivid image of the subject's instability, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Sports

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The simile "as erratic as a" is used to describe something unpredictable or inconsistent by comparing it to a specific entity known for similar qualities. It is grammatically correct and mainly used in news, science and sports contexts. Despite its correctness, usage is rare. Ludwig AI confirms this. When writing, ensure that the comparison is easily understood and enhances the description. Alternatives include "as unpredictable as a" or "as inconsistent as a". Be mindful of overuse to maintain writing quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as unpredictable as a

Replaces "erratic" with "unpredictable", maintaining the simile structure but emphasizing the lack of predictability.

as inconsistent as a

Substitutes "erratic" with "inconsistent", highlighting the lack of uniformity or regularity.

as changeable as a

Replaces "erratic" with "changeable", focusing on the tendency to vary or shift.

as volatile as a

Uses "volatile" instead of "erratic", suggesting a higher degree of instability or explosiveness.

as capricious as a

Employs "capricious" to convey a sense of impulsiveness and unpredictability based on whims.

as irregular as a

Replaces "erratic" with "irregular", denoting a lack of established pattern or consistency.

as haphazard as a

Uses "haphazard" to suggest a lack of planning or organization leading to unpredictability.

as whimsical as a

Employs "whimsical" to indicate erratic behavior driven by playful or fanciful impulses.

as fluctuating as a

Replaces "erratic" with "fluctuating", highlighting the tendency to rise and fall irregularly.

as uneven as a

Substitutes "erratic" with "uneven", indicating inconsistency in quality or performance.

FAQs

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

You can use "as erratic as a" to describe something unpredictable. For instance, "His behavior was "as erratic as a" rollercoaster" or "The stock market has been "as erratic as a" weather vane lately".

What are some alternatives to "as erratic as a"?

Alternatives include "as unpredictable as a", "as inconsistent as a", or "as volatile as a". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the simile "as erratic as a"?

It is appropriate when you want to emphasize the unpredictable or unstable nature of something by comparing it to something else known for similar qualities. The simile works best when the comparison is easily understood and adds impact to your description.

What makes something "erratic"?

Something is considered "erratic" when it lacks a consistent pattern or direction; it behaves unpredictably and deviates from the norm. It suggests instability and a lack of control, making the phrase "as erratic as a" suitable for describing such phenomena.