erratic outing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "erratic outing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unpredictable or irregular experience or event, often in a social or recreational context. Example: "The group's erratic outing to the amusement park was filled with unexpected delays and changes in plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Harris followed with a home run deep into the bleachers in right, finishing Dreifort's erratic outing and putting the Mets up, 6-5.

The New York Times - Sports

Kei Igawa could have secured a long-relief spot in the bullpen by pitching well Thursday, but another erratic outing did not help his chances.

The New York Times - Sports

PHILLIES 8, ROCKIES 6 Roy Halladay fought through an erratic outing for his N.L.-leading 14th victory as visiting Philadelphia won its sixth straight, completing a sweep of Colorado.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Collins agreed, saying that he also thought that Wheeler might be less erratic in his next outing since he would not feel the pressure of making his home debut.

The New York Times - Sports

"He's been a little erratic in his last couple outings, but before then, this guy was terrific," Scioscia said.

Los Angeles Times

After Niese will come the rotation's biggest question mark, Pelfrey, 28, who has been erratic in each of his Grapefruit League outings.

The New York Times

Carey began posting a series of disturbing messages on her official website, and displayed erratic behavior on several live promotional outings.

Wikipedia

Due to the pressure from the media, her heavy work schedule and the split from Miguel, Carey began posting a series of disturbing messages on her official website, and displayed erratic behavior on several live promotional outings.

Wikipedia

Zambrano has always been an erratic performer, nearly impossible to handicap from one outing to the next.

The New York Times - Sports

The Robins appeared to be cruising when Di Canio announced news of restrictions placed upon him by the Football League after the 1-0 win at Bury earlier this month but they have subsequently dropped seven points in their last three outings since and the Italian's erratic behaviour is bound to have a destabilising effect when his every remark is making national headlines.

Independent

"I'm not sure if he was trying too hard or what he was really doing, but he had one real good outing against the Mets and the rest of the time he was erratic with his command".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's performance, use "erratic outing" to emphasize the inconsistency and lack of predictability in their actions or abilities during that specific event. For example, "The pitcher had an erratic outing, struggling with his control and giving up several walks."

Common error

Avoid using "erratic outing" to describe general behavior or long-term trends. It's best suited for specific instances where performance fluctuates significantly within a defined period. For example, instead of saying "His career was an erratic outing", specify a particular game or event: "His performance in the championship game was an erratic outing."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "erratic outing" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "erratic" modifies the noun "outing". It describes a specific instance or event characterized by inconsistency and unpredictability. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is often used in news media to describe sports performances.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "erratic outing" is a phrase used to describe an event or performance marked by inconsistency and unpredictability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and primarily found in news and media contexts, especially in sports reporting. While not a very common phrase, its specific meaning makes it useful for conveying a critical assessment of a performance. Consider alternatives like "inconsistent performance" or "unpredictable event" depending on the context and intended emphasis. Be mindful of using it to describe specific instances rather than general behavior. Proper usage ensures clarity and avoids misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inconsistent performance

Focuses on the lack of consistency in the performance itself, rather than the event.

unstable performance

Focuses on the lack of stability and reliability in the performance.

fluctuating performance

Highlights the ups and downs within the performance or event.

uneven showing

Emphasizes the fluctuating quality of the performance or display during the outing.

irregular showing

Stresses the deviation from a standard or expected pattern.

unpredictable event

Highlights the element of unpredictability, applicable to a broader range of situations than just an "outing".

patchy display

Implies that some parts of the event were good, while others were not.

variable display

Similar to "patchy display", but with a slightly more formal tone.

sporadic appearance

Suggests that the occurrence of positive or expected elements was infrequent and scattered.

capricious event

Suggests that the event was governed by whim or chance, rather than reason or planning.

FAQs

How can I describe an inconsistent performance instead of saying "erratic outing"?

Alternatives include "inconsistent performance", "uneven showing", or "fluctuating performance", depending on the specific context you want to emphasize.

Is "erratic outing" suitable for describing events other than sports?

While often used in sports contexts, "erratic outing" can describe any event or performance characterized by unpredictability or inconsistency. Consider if "unpredictable event" better fits the situation.

What's the difference between "erratic outing" and "disappointing outing"?

"Erratic outing" focuses on the inconsistency and unpredictability of the performance, while "disappointing outing" simply conveys that the performance did not meet expectations. An "erratic outing" might be disappointing, but a "disappointing outing" isn't necessarily erratic; it could just be consistently poor.

Can "erratic" be used to describe something other than a performance or event?

Yes, "erratic" can describe behavior, movement, or even data. However, "erratic outing" specifically refers to a single event or performance. If you want to talk about the behavior, you may try "erratic behavior".