be as erratic as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be as erratic as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that behaves unpredictably or inconsistently, often in a negative context. Example: "His mood can be as erratic as the weather, changing from sunny to stormy in an instant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Because airfare can be as erratic as the stock market, knowing when to pull the trigger can mean the difference between a bargain and an overpriced fare.

The New York Times - Travel

It is a precautionary measure for a future that has the potential to be as erratic as the last several weeks in Vancouver.

The New York Times - Sports

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

If the flow of funds from the national level to districts continues to be as erratic as it currently is, it will lead to scheme managers inevitably denying those poor and vulnerable consumers whose premiums are covered by the government, access to treatment, thereby defeating the scheme's key objective of equitable access.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 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

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

The Guardian

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

The film, though, is as erratic as Tammy's driving, veering dangerously from gross-out comedy to rank sentimentality with no real sense of where it is headed.

Independent

Still, Mohammed Hafeez's side were equally inept against India – indeed they posted a lower total – but, as shown with their win over Australia, are as erratic as ever.

The Guardian - Sport

The resulting conversation is as erratic as that of starter-level language-school pupils after a few drinks in a pub.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be as erratic as" when you want to draw a comparison to something known for its unpredictability or inconsistency. This can add emphasis and imagery to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "be as erratic as" in formal or professional contexts where a more neutral or precise term like "unpredictable" or "variable" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be as erratic as" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to describe something by likening its unpredictable or inconsistent nature to another entity known for such qualities. As seen in Ludwig, it draws direct comparisons to varying degrees of unpredictability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be as erratic as" is a comparative adjective phrase used to emphasize the unpredictability or inconsistency of something by comparing it to a known erratic entity. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable. While grammatically sound, its frequency is rare. It's primarily used in news and media, though less frequently in formal or scientific contexts where more precise terminology might be preferred. When writing, use "be as erratic as" to add emphasis and imagery, but be mindful of the connotation and appropriateness for the context. Alternatives like "be as unpredictable as" or "be as inconsistent as" may sometimes be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be as unpredictable as

Focuses on the lack of ability to foresee future behavior or outcomes.

be as inconsistent as

Highlights the lack of uniformity or regularity in behavior or performance.

be as changeable as

Emphasizes the tendency to shift or alter frequently.

be as capricious as

Stresses the whimsical and impulsive nature of something.

be as volatile as

Highlights the instability and potential for sudden change.

be as temperamental as

Implies a tendency to be easily upset or moody.

be as irregular as

Underscores the lack of a fixed pattern or schedule.

be as fluctuating as

Focuses on the constant ups and downs.

be as unstable as

Emphasizes the lack of firmness or steadiness.

be as unreliable as

Highlights the lack of dependability or trustworthiness.

FAQs

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

You can use "be as erratic as" to compare something's unpredictability to something else well-known for being erratic. For instance, "His behavior can "be as erratic as the weather"".

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

Alternatives include phrases like "be as unpredictable as", "be as inconsistent as", or "be as volatile as", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "be as erratic as"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the unpredictable nature of something by comparing it to something else known for its erratic behavior. Consider the context and audience; it may not always be suitable for formal settings.

What's the difference between "be as erratic as" and "be as unpredictable as"?

While similar, "be as erratic as" often implies a more chaotic or irregular pattern, whereas "be as unpredictable as" simply means something is difficult to foresee. "Erratic" suggests a lack of control or pattern.