it was unpredictable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was unpredictable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or event that could not be anticipated or foreseen. Example: "The weather during our vacation was so erratic; it was unpredictable, making it difficult to plan our activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

More than anything, it was unpredictable.

The New York Times

Every single day it was unpredictable.

The Guardian - Opinion

The problem with it was it was unpredictable.

The Guardian - Sport

It was unpredictable — sometimes absurd, sometimes sincere — but with a core of real feeling.

The New York Times - Arts

Watson, in fact, said that while the rough was not long, it was unpredictable.

The New York Times - Sports

I thought it was unpredictable with just the two of us, but now, with Ulla, it's even more unpredictable.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Third, it is unpredictable.

The Economist

It is unpredictable.

The New York Times

It's unpredictable.

The New York Times - Sports

Now it's unpredictable.

The New York Times

"It is unpredictable," Aman said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was unpredictable" to describe situations where outcomes or behaviors couldn't be reliably anticipated. Ensure the context clearly establishes what "it" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "it was unpredictable" without clearly defining what "it" refers to. Ambiguity can confuse the reader. Provide context to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was unpredictable" functions as a statement expressing the lack of ability to foresee or anticipate a particular event, situation, or outcome. Ludwig's examples highlight its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was unpredictable" effectively communicates a lack of foreseeability. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across varied sources, primarily in news and media contexts. To ensure clarity, always specify what "it" refers to. Alternatives like "it was unforeseen" or "it was uncertain" offer nuanced ways to express a similar meaning. By understanding its applications and common pitfalls, writers can use "it was unpredictable" with confidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was unforeseen

Similar to "unanticipated", stressing the unexpected nature of the event.

it was unanticipated

Highlights that the event or situation was not expected beforehand.

it was unpredicted

A more formal way of saying "it was not predicted".

it was random

Replaces "unpredictable" with "random", emphasizing the lack of pattern or predictability.

it was erratic

Implies inconsistent and unpredictable behavior.

it was uncertain

Similar to "unsure", emphasizing the absence of certainty.

it was unsure

Emphasizes the lack of certainty about what would happen.

it was volatile

Suggests a tendency to change rapidly and unpredictably.

it was unstable

Focuses on the lack of stability and the potential for sudden changes.

it was uncontrollable

Highlights the lack of control over the situation's outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "it was unpredictable" in a sentence?

Use "it was unpredictable" to describe a situation or event that could not be foreseen or anticipated. For example: "The outcome of the election was uncertain; "it was unpredictable" until the very end."

What are some alternatives to "it was unpredictable"?

You can use alternatives such as "it was unforeseen", "it was unexpected", or "it was uncertain" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "it was unpredictable" or "it was not predictable"?

"It was unpredictable" is generally more concise and natural-sounding. "It was not predictable" is also correct but may sound slightly more formal or emphasize the lack of predictability.

What does "it was unpredictable" imply about a situation?

It implies that the situation's outcome, behavior, or course of events could not be reliably anticipated or forecast based on available information or past experiences.