as unpredictable as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as unpredictable as" is perfectly correct and acceptable in written English.
You may use it when comparing one thing to another which appears to be unpredictable and subject to change. For example: "His moods were as unpredictable as the weather!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But he remains as unpredictable as ever.

The New York Times

Jones's eccentricities are as unpredictable as his temper.

The Guardian - Film

The new terrain is as unpredictable as the next northeaster.

The New York Times

But her game was as unpredictable as it was sublime.

The New Yorker

That, sadly, was as unpredictable as the evening got.

The Guardian

His sartorial ideas were as unpredictable as his books.

The Guardian

The outlook is as unpredictable as the weather.

The Guardian

In striving for authenticity, Loach was as unpredictable as Willis.

The Guardian - Film

Lil Wayne's stage manner is as unpredictable as his lyrics.

The New Yorker

History is always as unpredictable as it is unavoidable.

The Guardian

Garnett is as unpredictable as he is emotional.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "as unpredictable as" to effectively compare something's lack of predictability to a well-known unpredictable entity or situation for emphasis.

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse of the phrase "as unpredictable as" can make your writing sound repetitive. In formal or academic writing, consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "erratic" or "inconsistent" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as unpredictable as" serves as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun by likening its degree of unpredictability to that of another entity. This is supported by Ludwig, with examples showing it used to describe a range of subjects from weather to people's behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as unpredictable as" is a common and grammatically correct comparative phrase used to highlight the erratic or uncertain nature of a subject by comparing it to something known for its unpredictability. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it effectively conveys a lack of predictability but may be too informal for certain academic or scientific writings where more precise vocabulary might be preferred. For more formal writing consider using "as erratic as" or "as volatile as".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as erratic as

Focuses on irregular and inconsistent behavior.

as capricious as

Emphasizes impulsiveness and a lack of logic.

as whimsical as

Highlights fanciful and playful unpredictability.

as volatile as

Stresses the potential for sudden and dramatic changes.

as changeable as

Implies frequent shifts in state or behavior.

as uncertain as

Highlights the lack of predictability and reliability.

as incalculable as

Emphasizes the impossibility of predicting outcomes.

as unforeseen as

Focuses on events that were not anticipated.

as random as

Implies a lack of pattern or predictability.

as haphazard as

Highlights a lack of planning and organization.

FAQs

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

You can use "as unpredictable as" to compare the erratic nature of something to something else that is known for its unpredictability. For example, "His behavior was "as unpredictable as" the stock market."

What are some alternatives to "as unpredictable as"?

Alternatives to "as unpredictable as" include "as erratic as", "as capricious as", or "as volatile as", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "as unpredictable as" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "as unpredictable as" might be too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider using more precise and sophisticated language like "highly erratic" or "inherently unstable" instead.

What makes something "as unpredictable as" something else?

The comparison implies that the subject exhibits a similar level of erraticism, inconsistency, or lack of discernible pattern as the thing it is being compared to. The effectiveness of the phrase relies on the shared understanding of the unpredictable nature of the comparative element.