be quite volatile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be quite volatile" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is subject to rapid and unpredictable changes, often in contexts like finance, emotions, or situations. Example: "The stock market can be quite volatile, making it challenging for investors to predict future trends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

CDS rates and spreads can be quite volatile.

The Economist

Prices can be quite volatile, especially for bonds with longer maturities.

The Economist

Like the commodity markets they follow, both funds tend to be quite volatile.

The New York Times

"Capitalization can be quite volatile," as shown recently by the dot-coms, Mr. Hall said.

The New York Times

Graduated eligibility should be based on lifetime earnings instead of any particular year's income, which can be quite volatile.

The New York Times

(The value of a gilt can be quite volatile before it reaches maturity, however, depending on its duration).

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

The logic is that actual inflation is quite volatile.

The Guardian - Opinion

Life is quite volatile and quite precious so just try to be healthy and happy.

Independent

Yes, commodity prices have improved a bit, but they have also been quite volatile.

The Guardian - Business

The volcanoes were quite volatile; they're spewing enormous amounts of water vapor, nitrogen and carbon dioxide, which will eventually coalesce to form the primitive oceans and the atmosphere.

The Economist

The compound, manufactured by the action of ethyl chloride on a powdered alloy of lead and sodium, is a dense, colourless liquid that is quite volatile, boiling at about 200 °C (400 °F).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing financial markets, use "be quite volatile" to convey the potential for significant and unpredictable price swings. This alerts investors to the inherent risks.

Common error

Avoid using "be quite volatile" to describe situations that are generally stable or predictable. Reserve this phrase for contexts where genuine and substantial fluctuations are expected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be quite volatile" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's characteristic of being unstable and prone to rapid changes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression. The examples show its use in diverse contexts, such as describing markets, data, or even people's emotions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be quite volatile" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe something prone to rapid and unpredictable changes. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. Its primary function is descriptive, often serving to caution or inform about inherent instability. While its register is generally neutral, it finds frequent usage in news and media contexts, but also in science and wiki. When employing this phrase, ensure the context genuinely warrants a description of significant fluctuation to avoid misrepresenting stable situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be very unstable

Expresses a higher degree of instability compared to "be quite volatile".

be fairly erratic

Focuses on the unpredictability and irregularity of the behavior or situation, emphasizing the lack of a consistent pattern.

be highly fluctuating

Highlights the continuous rise and fall in value or condition, indicating frequent and significant changes.

be rather unpredictable

Emphasizes the inability to foresee or anticipate future states or behaviors.

be subject to wild swings

Suggests drastic and sudden changes in value or condition.

display considerable instability

More formal and emphasizes the observable nature of the instability.

be prone to fluctuation

Highlights a tendency or inclination toward irregular variation.

exhibit marked volatility

More formal and highlights the pronounced nature of the volatility.

be given to erraticism

Emphasizes the habitual or characteristic nature of erratic behavior.

show extreme variability

Highlights the wide range of possible values or conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "be quite volatile" in a sentence?

You can use "be quite volatile" to describe something that experiences rapid and unpredictable changes. For example: "The cryptocurrency market can "be quite volatile", making investments risky".

What are some alternatives to "be quite volatile"?

Alternatives include "be very unstable", "be fairly erratic", or "be highly fluctuating", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "be quite volatile"?

It is appropriate when describing situations or entities subject to frequent and significant changes, such as financial markets, weather patterns, or even emotional states. The key is unpredictability and rapid fluctuation.

What does "be quite volatile" mean?

It means something is prone to sudden and unpredictable changes. It suggests a lack of stability and a tendency to fluctuate significantly in a short period.