as unpredictable as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as unpredictable as a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the unpredictability of something to another entity or situation that is known for being unpredictable. Example: "The weather in spring can be as unpredictable as a game of chance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

He is as wide as a tank and as unpredictable as a hand grenade.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

To them, the admissions process seemed as unpredictable as a state lottery.

The New York Times - Books

October, which we all know is the fishingest time of year, can also be as unpredictable as a moody infant.

The New York Times - Sports

Where to Stay Las Vegas hotel prices are as unpredictable as a roulette wheel, based on occupancy rates.

The New York Times - Travel

But here in the Elk Mountains of Colorado, the free-market path has been as twisting and as unpredictable as a hike into the harshest wilderness.

The New York Times

At the same time he doesn't settle into a familiar rhythm, his tone and emphasis as unpredictable as a monologue by Christopher Walken.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

A thunderstorm might have remained roughly as unpredictable as an earthquake.

The New York Times - Magazine

Although this greatest-hits set mixes styles – from sub bass grooves to Parliament-ary funk to grungy rock or jerky new wave – and feels as unpredictable as an iPod shuffle, themes do emerge.

The Guardian - Music

So even though his last eight games before Sunday seemed to announce a man in full — 17 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, a 66.8 completion percentage — projecting his performance on a cold night with a division title at stake was as unpredictable as an angry snake.

The New York Times - Sports

It is a precinct as unpredictable as any, one in which officers once collared a costumed Elmo for patting a little girl's buttock while posing for a photograph in Times Square.

The New York Times

McCrory's and Cooper's moves and machinations revolve around a figure as unpredictable as any in the history of US politics: Donald Trump.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "as unpredictable as a", ensure the comparison is easily understood and adds vividness to your writing. For example, "as unpredictable as a toddler" is more effective than "as unpredictable as a variable system" if your audience isn't familiar with complex systems.

Common error

While effective in creative writing, avoid using "as unpredictable as a" in highly formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more precise and neutral language, such as "highly variable" or "difficult to predict".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as unpredictable as a" functions primarily as a simile, used for comparing the degree of unpredictability of one thing to another. Ludwig shows examples from varied sources, supporting its widespread use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

9%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as unpredictable as a" serves as a versatile simile to highlight the erratic nature of a subject by comparing it to something known for its uncertainty. As Ludwig AI indicates, this construction is grammatically sound and frequently used in news, media, and general contexts. While effective, writers should consider the register of their writing and adjust accordingly, opting for more formal alternatives in academic or scientific contexts. Utilizing it effectively involves ensuring the comparison is relatable and enhances the reader's understanding. Some suitable alternatives include "as uncertain as a" or "highly variable".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as uncertain as a

Replaces 'unpredictable' with 'uncertain', focusing on the lack of sureness rather than the inability to foresee.

as erratic as a

Uses 'erratic' to emphasize the inconsistency and irregularity of the subject.

as capricious as a

Employs 'capricious' to highlight the whimsical and impulsive nature of the unpredictability.

as variable as a

Focuses on the changing nature of the subject, suggesting a lack of stability.

as chancy as a

Substitutes 'unpredictable' with 'chancy', indicating a high degree of risk and uncertainty.

as unforeseeable as a

Uses 'unforeseeable' to emphasize the inability to anticipate future events or outcomes.

as incalculable as a

Highlights the impossibility of calculating or estimating the subject's behavior.

as whimsical as a

Emphasizes the playful and erratic nature of the subject's behavior.

as mutable as a

Uses 'mutable' to indicate the subject's tendency to change and adapt.

as fluctuating as a

Focuses on the constant ups and downs, emphasizing the lack of a stable pattern.

FAQs

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

This phrase is used to compare something to another thing known for its unpredictability. For example, "The stock market can be "as unpredictable as a" roulette wheel."

What can I say instead of "as unpredictable as a"?

You can use alternatives like "as uncertain as a", "as erratic as a", or "highly variable" depending on the context.

Is "as unpredictable as a" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, it might be too informal for certain academic or business contexts. In such cases, consider using more neutral alternatives such as "difficult to predict" or "highly variable".

What makes something "as unpredictable as a" good simile?

The effectiveness of this simile depends on the clarity and common understanding of the item being compared to. A good simile creates a vivid image; for example, ""as unpredictable as a" toddler" evokes a clearer sense than ""as unpredictable as a" quantum particle" for most audiences.