has been erratic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been erratic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been inconsistent or unpredictable over a period of time. Example: "The weather has been erratic this spring, with sudden changes from warm sunshine to cold rain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

The emergence has been erratic.

The New Yorker

However progress has been erratic.

The Economist

Exploitation of these deposits has been erratic.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He has been erratic this season.

The New York Times - Sports

His attitude has been erratic, too.

The New York Times - Sports

Its response, however, has been erratic.

The New York Times

22 July Thomas Vinterberg's recent career has been erratic.

Independent

The rate of job creation has been erratic in 2012.

The New York Times

However, their growth has been erratic in the past.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Your behaviour lately has been… erratic.

Vice

The supply of electricity, the country's most used energy resource, has been erratic[17].

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been erratic", ensure that the subject you're describing is something that is expected to have a degree of consistency or predictability. For example, it works well with weather patterns, performance metrics, or market trends.

Common error

Avoid using "has been erratic" to describe abstract concepts that are inherently variable or subjective, such as feelings or opinions. It is more appropriate for describing measurable or observable phenomena.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been erratic" functions as a descriptive term, indicating that something has displayed irregular or unpredictable behavior over a period. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in describing diverse subjects like market trends, weather patterns, and individual performance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Sports

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been erratic" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe something lacking consistency or predictability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various subjects from market trends to individual behavior. The most frequent use of this phrase appears in news and media, followed by sports and science contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful to apply it to subjects that are expected to exhibit some level of consistency. While versatile, it's best to avoid using it for inherently variable or subjective topics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has behaved erratically

Focuses on the behavior aspect of the inconsistency.

has performed unevenly

Highlights the inconsistency in performance quality.

has shown inconsistency

Focuses on the lack of consistent behavior or performance.

has varied unpredictably

Highlights the unpredictable nature of the variations.

has been unstable

Suggests a lack of stability and potential for sudden changes.

has lacked regularity

Emphasizes the absence of a predictable pattern.

has fluctuated wildly

Emphasizes large and unpredictable variations.

has deviated irregularly

Highlights departures from a normal or expected course.

has been spotty

Indicates uneven or inconsistent distribution or quality.

has differed randomly

Suggests a lack of pattern in the differences observed.

FAQs

How can I use "has been erratic" in a sentence?

You can use "has been erratic" to describe something that has been inconsistent or unpredictable over a period of time. For example: "The stock market "has been erratic" recently, with large swings in both directions."

What are some alternatives to "has been erratic"?

Alternatives include "has been unpredictable", "has been inconsistent", or "has fluctuated wildly", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "has been erratic" and "has become erratic"?

"Has been erratic" suggests that the erratic behavior has been ongoing for some time, while "has become erratic" implies a recent change in behavior from a more stable state.

Is it better to say "has been erratic" or "behaved erratically"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "has been erratic" is generally used to describe trends or patterns, while "behaved erratically" is used to describe the actions of a specific person or entity. For example, "The athlete "behaved erratically" during the game", versus "The team's performance "has been erratic" this season".