it is erratic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is erratic" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is unpredictable or inconsistent in behavior or performance. Example: "The weather this week has been quite strange; it is erratic, changing from sunny to stormy within hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

That is not because it is erratic or antsy.

The Economist

"It is erratic, and it is difficult to do, and when it's not done well, it's really bad," Hough says of the pitch.

The New York Times

Therefore, most of my exposure to what's going on in literary circles is online, and my attention to it is erratic.

The New Yorker

If it is erratic, it will undermine your efforts.

Huffington Post

However, acute relief, if it is erratic and infrequent, is unlikely to produce consolidation of major evolutionary adaptations such as sexual reproduction.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

For example, if it is erratic (doesn't come regularly), heavy, or causes you pains, it is a good idea to talk this sort of problem through with someone who has answers.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

It was erratic.

The New York Times - Sports

"But it was erratic. it was erratic fire, erratic passion.

The New York Times - Sports

It's erratic and experimental because there was no grand plan.

The New Yorker

It was erratic, violent and retributive, a tool of Mr. Hussein and his Baath Party.

The New York Times

It's erratic stuff, often amusing, occasionally ill judged, but packed with off-kilter, ramshackle charm.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing data or systems, use "it is erratic" to convey an unpredictable or inconsistent pattern. This can highlight potential reliability issues or areas needing further investigation.

Common error

While grammatically correct, consistently using "it is erratic" can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider replacing it with synonyms like "unpredictable" or "inconsistent", especially in formal reports or academic papers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is erratic" functions as a descriptive statement. It attributes the quality of being unpredictable or irregular to a subject. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

19%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is erratic" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe something unpredictable or inconsistent. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, though synonyms might be preferable for highly formal writing. The phrase sees common usage across diverse sources, especially in News & Media. For alternatives, consider "it is unpredictable" or "it is inconsistent" for similar meanings. Remember to use "it is erratic" to emphasize the irregular nature of the subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is unpredictable

Emphasizes the inability to foresee future behavior or outcomes.

it is inconsistent

Highlights the lack of uniformity or regularity in its behavior.

it is irregular

Focuses on the absence of a fixed pattern or schedule.

it is unstable

Implies a lack of firmness or steadiness, often suggesting potential failure or collapse.

it is volatile

Suggests a tendency to change rapidly and unpredictably, often in a negative way.

it is patchy

Describes something that is not uniform or consistent throughout.

it is uneven

Indicates a lack of uniformity, often in terms of quality or distribution.

it is unforeseeable

Highlights the impossibility of predicting what will happen.

it becomes erratic

Indicates a change in behavior towards unpredictability.

it is very irregular

Emphasizes the high degree of irregularity present.

FAQs

What does "it is erratic" mean?

The phrase "it is erratic" describes something that is unpredictable, inconsistent, or irregular. It suggests a lack of a fixed pattern or reliable behavior.

How can I use "it is erratic" in a sentence?

You can use "it is erratic" to describe anything that behaves unpredictably. For example, "The weather this week "it is erratic", changing from sunny to stormy within hours."

What can I say instead of "it is erratic"?

You can use alternatives like "it is unpredictable", "it is inconsistent", or "it is irregular" depending on the context.

Is "it is erratic" formal or informal?

"It is erratic" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, consider using a more precise synonym to enhance clarity.