erratic behaviour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "erratic behaviour" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or conduct that are unpredictable or inconsistent. Example: "His erratic behaviour during the meeting raised concerns among his colleagues about his stability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Erratic behaviour damaged her career.

The Guardian - Film

They had worried about his increasingly erratic behaviour.

The Guardian

But he was also prone to erratic behaviour.

The Guardian

It followed recent concern about his increasingly erratic behaviour.

The Guardian

And, indeed, his erratic behaviour has scarcely won him much credibility.

The Guardian

Her mother – who tried to protect Scarlett – had been quietly enduring his erratic behaviour.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Chucky's mother begged Henderson to help rein in his increasingly erratic behaviour.

The Guardian

Omalu suspected Webster's erratic behaviour was linked to his sport and decided to investigate.

The Guardian

Others say Shekau's erratic behaviour and disobedience may have been more important.

The Guardian

Martha is used to managing her father's sometimes erratic behaviour after her mother dies.

The Guardian - Books

He is also an alcoholic whose erratic behaviour threatens the family's livelihood.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's actions, use "erratic behaviour" to convey a sense of unpredictability and inconsistency. Be specific about the context in which the behaviour occurs to provide a clearer picture.

Common error

Avoid using "erratic behaviour" when you actually mean eccentric or quirky behaviour. "Erratic behaviour" implies instability and unpredictability, whereas eccentricity suggests harmless oddness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "erratic behaviour" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "erratic" acts as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "behaviour". As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, describing actions that deviate from the expected norm.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

12%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "erratic behaviour" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes unpredictable and inconsistent actions. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and the numerous examples highlight its broad application across contexts, from news reports to encyclopedic entries. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's important to use it accurately to avoid confusion with related concepts like eccentricity. When writing, focus on providing specific context to strengthen your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

erratic conduct

A direct synonym, simply replacing "behaviour" with "conduct".

unpredictable conduct

Focuses on the lack of predictability in someone's actions.

inconsistent actions

Highlights the lack of consistency in behavior.

irregular behavior

Emphasizes the departure from expected norms of conduct.

unstable conduct

Suggests a lack of stability in one's actions.

capricious behavior

Implies impulsiveness and sudden changes in behavior.

unpredictable nature

Shifts the focus to the inherent characteristic of being unpredictable.

sporadic behavior

Emphasizes the occasional and inconsistent nature of the actions.

wavering conduct

Suggests indecisiveness and fluctuation in behavior.

flighty behaviour

Describes someone who is irresponsible and likely to change their mind.

FAQs

What does "erratic behaviour" mean?

"Erratic behaviour" refers to actions or conduct that are unpredictable, inconsistent, and often deviate from the norm. It suggests a lack of stability and can be a cause for concern depending on the context.

What are some synonyms for "erratic behaviour"?

Alternatives to "erratic behaviour" include "unpredictable conduct", "inconsistent actions", or "irregular behavior". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

How is "erratic behaviour" different from eccentric behaviour?

"Erratic behaviour" implies instability and unpredictability, often with negative connotations. Eccentric behaviour, on the other hand, refers to harmlessly unconventional or quirky actions. While both deviate from the norm, eccentricity is generally viewed more positively.

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

Example: "The patient's "erratic behaviour" was a cause for concern, leading the doctors to conduct further tests." Or: "The company's stock price showed "erratic behaviour" following the CEO's announcement."