in a state of unpredictability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a state of unpredictability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition where outcomes are uncertain or cannot be anticipated. Example: "The weather has been so erratic lately that we find ourselves in a state of unpredictability regarding our outdoor plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Sloppy, haphazard legislation does not help anyone in the long run: Reading the proposed slavery amendments presents all sorts of "what-if" scenarios; not only because of how different they were from the final draft, but because it is evident they were written in a state of unpredictability about the nation's future.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

LL Boko Haram is known for the unpredictability of its attacks, which leaves the communities in the area in a state of fear.

The Guardian

In a year of unpredictability – from VW to Glencore – Mr Sarao's strange tale was probably the most unpredictable of all.

Independent

But in a country of utter unpredictability, humor can also turn far more ghoulish than was intended.

The New York Times

That said, because this is the first year that Idaho Republicans are holding a caucus without a primary, there is an element of unpredictability in the outcome.

The New York Times

But, as in other recent caucus states, there's been no polling in Kansas, thus there is an element of unpredictability in the outcome.

The New York Times

For instance, entropy is a measure of unpredictability in a system (Bedford and Cooke 2001), with higher entropy indicating the node states are more randomly distributed, and therefore more uncertain.

Journal of Applied Volcanology

These days, rail travel in Britain boasts little charm and a lot of unpredictability.

The New York Times - Travel

Another aide tried gamely to find an upside, saying that the Eastwood appearance offered a moment of unpredictability in a convention that was otherwise surprise-free.

The New York Times

People feel insecure when there is a degree of unpredictability in a situation.

WikiHow

In particular, RESs show a high degree of unpredictability while EH devices provide an extremely variable efficiency.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scenario characterized by unpredictable events, use "in a state of unpredictability" to accurately convey the uncertainty and lack of foreseeable outcomes. This is especially useful in fields like economics, politics, or weather forecasting, where predictions are often unreliable.

Common error

While "in a state of unpredictability" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Consider using simpler alternatives like "unpredictable" or "uncertain" to maintain a natural tone in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a state of unpredictability" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or clause to describe a condition characterized by uncertainty. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it often follows verbs like 'be' or 'leave', indicating a resultant condition.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in a state of unpredictability" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe situations characterized by uncertainty and a lack of foreseeable outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and utility across various contexts, although it is more commonly found in news, media, and formal settings. While "in a state of unpredictability" effectively conveys uncertainty, simpler alternatives like "unpredictable" or "uncertain" may be more suitable for informal conversations. Remember to use it judiciously and consider your audience when opting for this somewhat formal expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a condition of uncertainty

Replaces "state of unpredictability" with "condition of uncertainty", emphasizing the uncertain nature of the situation.

in a situation of instability

Substitutes "state of unpredictability" with "situation of instability", highlighting the lack of stability.

amidst chaos and uncertainty

Uses broader terms "chaos" and "uncertainty" to depict a situation lacking predictability.

experiencing a period of flux

Describes a time of change and instability, where outcomes are unpredictable.

facing an uncertain future

Focuses on the unknown future, where predictions are difficult to make.

navigating turbulent times

Emphasizes the difficulty and unpredictability of the present circumstances.

in an environment of high volatility

Highlights the rapid and unpredictable changes in the environment.

grappling with instability

Focuses on the struggle to manage the unpredictable nature of the situation.

encountering unforeseen circumstances

Highlights that the outcomes are not planned and difficult to be anticipated.

in a phase of transitions

Substitutes "state of unpredictability" with "phase of transitions", meaning an ongoing period of alteration and instability.

FAQs

How can I use "in a state of unpredictability" in a sentence?

You can use "in a state of unpredictability" to describe situations where outcomes are uncertain and difficult to predict. For example: "Due to the sudden policy changes, the market is "in a state of unpredictability"".

What are some alternatives to "in a state of unpredictability"?

Alternatives include "in a condition of uncertainty", "in a situation of instability", or simply describing something as "unpredictable".

Is it better to say "in a state of uncertainty" or "in a state of unpredictability"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "in a state of uncertainty" might be slightly more common and generally understood. "In a state of unpredictability" emphasizes the inability to foresee outcomes.

In what kind of writing is "in a state of unpredictability" most appropriate?

"In a state of unpredictability" is suitable for formal writing, such as news reports, academic papers, and business analyses, where a precise and somewhat elevated tone is desired.