it is quite unpredictable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is quite unpredictable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation, event, or outcome that cannot be easily anticipated or foreseen. Example: "The weather in this region is quite unpredictable, making it difficult to plan outdoor activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It is definitely not boring, but it is quite unpredictable, sometimes going from no shifts for a couple of days to three in one day.

The Guardian

"It is quite unpredictable what the ultimate effect on the gene pool of a society might be if donors were permitted to donate as many times as they chose," Baroness Warnock wrote recently in an e-mail.

The New York Times - Health

It is quite unpredictable.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's quite unpredictable how he will react when the law is introduced in parliament.

Science Magazine

"It would be irresponsible for Mr. Basescu not to appoint Ponta, but our president is quite unpredictable and loves scandal and war".

The New York Times

"Mahathir is quite unpredictable," he said.

The Guardian

"The bad side is he is quite unpredictable and says some quite eccentric things.

The New York Times

We both write melodies but at the same time we're both technicians in some way, so the process is quite unpredictable and messy".

The Guardian - Music

Which colour he will have on a given foot on a given day is quite unpredictable.

SEP

The way in which people will react on our socially fragile world is quite unpredictable.

Huffington Post

The virtual gene deletion showed that in more complicated cascades of regulation, with many genes in between the deleted gene and the target gene, the result of gene deletion is quite unpredictable and, in several cases, the absence of the deleted gene can be compensated within the cascade.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is quite unpredictable" when you want to emphasize that something is not just uncertain, but also somewhat surprising in its lack of predictability. It's stronger than saying something is simply 'uncertain'.

Common error

While "it is quite unpredictable" is a valid phrase, avoid using it repetitively in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "highly variable" or "subject to chance" to keep your writing engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is quite unpredictable" functions as a descriptive statement. It serves to characterize a subject, event, or situation as lacking predictability. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is quite unpredictable" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for describing something that lacks predictability. Ludwig AI underscores its validity for general use. While not exceptionally formal, it fits well in neutral contexts such as news articles and informed discussions. While examples are limited, the phrase's usage is consistent across sources, indicating its established place in the English language. When writing, remember to use this phrase to convey a sense of significant uncertainty, and consider varying your vocabulary to avoid overuse by using similar phrases like "very uncertain", "highly variable", or "rather erratic".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is very uncertain

Replaces 'quite unpredictable' with 'very uncertain', softening the intensity of the lack of predictability.

it is highly variable

Focuses on the changing nature of the subject, implying unpredictability through frequent changes.

it is rather erratic

Emphasizes the irregular and inconsistent nature, suggesting a lack of pattern and predictability.

it is anyone's guess

Indicates a complete lack of ability to predict, implying the outcome is purely based on chance.

it is subject to chance

Highlights the role of randomness in determining the outcome, making prediction impossible.

the outcome is unclear

Shifts the focus to the result itself being unknown or uncertain.

the future is hazy

Uses a metaphorical description to convey the lack of clarity and predictability about what will happen.

it defies prediction

Highlights the impossibility of predicting the event due to its inherent nature.

it is not set in stone

Indicates that the situation is still open to change and is not fixed or determined.

it's up in the air

Suggests that the matter is unresolved and the outcome is still undecided.

FAQs

How can I use "it is quite unpredictable" in a sentence?

You can use "it is quite unpredictable" to describe situations where outcomes are difficult to foresee or anticipate. For example, "The stock market's behavior this week "it is quite unpredictable", making investment decisions risky."

What can I say instead of "it is quite unpredictable"?

Alternatives to "it is quite unpredictable" include "it is very uncertain", "it is highly variable", or "it is rather erratic" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a more formal way to say "it is quite unpredictable"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "the outcome defies prediction" or "the results are subject to significant variation" instead of "it is quite unpredictable".

How does "it is quite unpredictable" differ from "it is unpredictable"?

The addition of "quite" in "it is quite unpredictable" intensifies the degree of unpredictability. While both convey uncertainty, "quite" adds emphasis, suggesting a more significant or surprising lack of predictability.