erratically

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'erratically' is correct and usable in written English.
It describes something, usually behavior, that is unpredictable and inconsistent. For example, "John's attitude towards his job has been erratic lately - one day he's enthusiastic, and the next day he's listless and apathetic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not many regular guys last long after behaving erratically, running a bond fund whose performance had been flagging, and seeing assets dwindle month after month after month.

The Guardian - Money

"They remind me of crazy wind-up toys that potter about erratically, looking surprised at all times.

The Guardian

Some have speculated that Gray was subjected to a "rough ride", whereby a vehicle is deliberately driven erratically.

The Guardian

As the patient holds on to an appliance plugged into the computer, pictures of different organs flash up on the screen for a few seconds each as a dial next to it oscillates erratically.

The Guardian

Many questions remain over Gray's death, with some speculating he was subjected to a so-called "rough ride", where a prisoner is not placed in a seatbelt and is then thrown violently around a vehicle being driven erratically.

The Guardian

In 1954, on loan from MGM, she starred in The Adventures of Hajji Baba, a piece of Hollywood exotica, playing, rather more erratically than erotically, an oriental princess being escorted across the desert by John Derek (in the title role) to marry a powerful prince.

The Guardian - Film

Police often act as first responders when mentally ill people are acting erratically, but not every officer has crisis intervention training, a course that teaches them how to de-escalate potentially violent situations, for example, by talking calmly and not behaving with sudden aggression.

The Guardian

Since he left Sydney he has been cut off entirely from the Opera House and has received news of its construction only erratically from friends.

The Guardian - Arts

The eight-panel Jabulani was criticised by players and coaches for being too smooth and too light, and for changing direction erratically during flight.

The Economist

Although many Japanese and South Koreans watch television on their phones, they tend to do so briefly and erratically, so programmes often attract small audiences.

The Economist

Since its peak in 1980, the price has fallen erratically.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "erratically", ensure the subject's behavior genuinely deviates from expected norms, as overuse can dilute its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "erratic" (adjective) in place of "erratically" (adverb). "Erratic" describes a thing, while "erratically" describes how something is done.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "erratically" is to act as an adverb, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed. As shown by Ludwig, it adds detail about the unpredictable or inconsistent nature of the action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "erratically" functions as an adverb denoting unpredictable or inconsistent behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news media and encyclopedic sources. While alternatives such as "unpredictably" or "inconsistently" exist, choosing "erratically" effectively communicates a deviation from established patterns. Remember to use "erratically" to describe the manner of an action (e.g., "drove erratically"), rather than using the adjective form "erratic" incorrectly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unpredictably

Focuses on the lack of predictability in the behavior or movement.

inconsistently

Emphasizes the lack of consistency in the manner something is done.

sporadically

Highlights the irregular and infrequent nature of the action.

unevenly

Describes a lack of uniformity or regularity in the way something occurs.

irregularly

Indicates a deviation from the standard or expected pattern.

capriciously

Suggests that actions are driven by whim or impulse.

fitfully

Implies actions that are interrupted or start and stop frequently.

randomly

Focuses on the lack of a discernible pattern or purpose.

unreliably

Highlights the untrustworthy or unstable nature of an action or process.

by fits and starts

An idiomatic phrase emphasizing irregular and intermittent activity.

FAQs

How to use "erratically" in a sentence?

Use "erratically" to describe an action or behavior that is unpredictable or inconsistent. For example, "The car swerved "erratically" across the road."

What can I say instead of "erratically"?

You can use alternatives like "unpredictably", "inconsistently", or "sporadically" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "erratic behavior" or "erratically behavior"?

"Erratic behavior" is correct. "Erratic" is an adjective describing the noun "behavior". "Erratically" is an adverb and cannot directly modify a noun.

What is the difference between "erratic" and "erratically"?

"Erratic" is an adjective meaning unpredictable or irregular, while "erratically" is an adverb meaning in an unpredictable or irregular manner. For example, an "erratic driver" might drive "erratically".