be erratic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be erratic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe behavior or actions that are unpredictable or inconsistent. Example: "His performance in the game tends to be erratic, making it difficult for the coach to rely on him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Her plotting can be erratic.

The New Yorker

Germination can be erratic.

The New York Times

As a result, play can be erratic.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Its production will probably be erratic.

The New York Times

But Pavlyuchenkova can be erratic, which may be the difference.

The New York Times

Friendly, helpful service, but kitchen's pacing can be erratic.

The New York Times

But deliveries can be erratic and are insufficient.

The Guardian - Business

Desserts, as if you had room, can be erratic.

The New York Times

Unless he's getting strong advice from someone, he tends to be erratic," Mr. Hull said.

The New York Times

Players will wander over the hill to search for the ball which will be erratic.

The New Yorker

There are ports at Rarotonga (Avatiu), Penrhyn, Mangaia, and Aitutaki, but shipping schedules can be erratic.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be erratic", ensure the context clearly establishes what is behaving erratically. For example, specify "market trends can be erratic" rather than simply stating "things can be erratic."

Common error

Avoid using "be erratic" when you simply mean "uncommon" or "rare". "Erratic" implies a degree of unpredictability and inconsistency, not just infrequency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be erratic" functions primarily as a predicate adjective, describing the state or quality of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It is often used to attribute unpredictability or inconsistency to something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

42%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be erratic" is a versatile and frequently used expression that describes something unpredictable or inconsistent. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and appears across diverse sources, most prominently in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While "be erratic" is suitable for various writing styles, it's essential to ensure the context clearly defines what is behaving erratically and that the degree of unpredictability accurately reflects the intended meaning. Alternatives such as "act inconsistently" or "behave unpredictably" can offer nuanced alternatives, as needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

behave unpredictably

Highlights the unpredictable nature of the behavior.

show inconsistency

Directly points out the lack of consistency.

act inconsistently

Focuses on the action being inconsistent rather than the state of being erratic.

lack predictability

Highlights the absence of predictability.

fluctuate wildly

Emphasizes the large and erratic swings in behavior or performance.

demonstrate instability

Suggests an underlying lack of stability.

vary irregularly

Stresses the lack of regularity in the variations.

be capricious

Indicates impulsiveness and unpredictability, especially in behavior.

be all over the place

An idiomatic expression for lacking focus and consistency.

go back and forth

Implies vacillation and inconsistency in a decision or action.

FAQs

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

You can use "be erratic" to describe something that is unpredictable or inconsistent. For example: "His behavior can be erratic when he's under pressure."

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

While both describe a lack of predictability, "be erratic" often suggests a more random and inconsistent pattern than "be unpredictable", which can simply mean not easily foreseen.

What can I say instead of "be erratic"?

Alternatives include "act inconsistently", "behave unpredictably", or "fluctuate wildly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the results are be erratic"?

No, it is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "the results can be erratic" or "the results are erratic". The auxiliary verb is necessary unless you replace "be" with another appropriate verb.