less predictable than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less predictable than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the predictability of two or more subjects, indicating that one is not as predictable as the other. Example: "The weather this year has been less predictable than last year's patterns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Less predictable than World Cup refereeing.

The New York Times - Sports

Perhaps our reading tastes are less predictable than publishers think.

The Guardian - Books

The choices were a bit less predictable than we expected.

The Guardian - Books

NO BRANCH of politics is less predictable than the presidency.

The Economist

Political confrontations are far less predictable than court cases.

The Guardian

Perhaps happiness is less predictable than misery, since it partakes of freedom.

The Guardian - Books

Their lives are less ordered, less routine and less predictable than a usual group of actors.

The Guardian

She was less predictable than the others, and seemed to devour life.

The Guardian - Music

The effects of MDMA doses are less predictable than other drugs, Winstock said.

The Guardian

"I would not say that the future is necessarily less predictable than the past.

The New Yorker

Although Feinstein mostly votes with the Democrats, she is less predictable than many of her colleagues.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less predictable than", ensure you clearly identify what you are comparing it to. For example, "The stock market is less predictable than government bonds."

Common error

Avoid using "less predictable than" without specifying what it is being compared to. Saying "This is less predictable than..." requires a clear reference for the comparison to make sense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less predictable than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to describe something by comparing its predictability to that of something else. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable nature, showing it effectively contrasts the relative predictability of two subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less predictable than" serves as a comparative adjective phrase to highlight a relative lack of predictability between two distinct subjects. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable across various registers, demonstrating its broad applicability and communicative value. While commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, its effectiveness depends on clearly establishing the basis for comparison. When writing with "less predictable than", it's important to avoid ambiguity by specifying what is being compared. Given its versatility and confirmed correctness by Ludwig, "less predictable than" is a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more uncertain than

Emphasizes the uncertainty rather than the predictability.

less stable than

Focuses on the lack of stability or consistency.

less reliable than

Focuses on the lack of dependability or trustworthiness.

not as foreseeable as

Focuses on the ability to foresee or anticipate something.

not as definite as

Emphasizes the lack of clarity or certainty.

more variable than

Highlights the tendency to change or fluctuate.

more capricious than

Highlights the erratic and whimsical nature.

more erratic than

Emphasizes the irregularity and inconsistency.

more volatile than

Indicates a higher degree of instability and change.

more chancy than

Indicates a higher level of risk or uncertainty.

FAQs

How can I use "less predictable than" in a sentence?

Use "less predictable than" to compare the degree of predictability between two things. For example, "The outcome of the election is "less predictable than" the weather forecast."

What is a formal alternative to "less predictable than"?

In formal writing, you might use phrases like "more uncertain than" or "not as readily foreseeable as" instead of "less predictable than".

How does "less predictable than" differ from "more uncertain than"?

"Less predictable than" focuses on the ability to anticipate an outcome, while "more uncertain than" emphasizes the lack of sureness or confidence in a particular result. They are often interchangeable, but the nuance differs slightly.

Is it correct to say "less predictable than what"?

While grammatically correct, it's better to avoid ending a sentence with "what". Rephrase to clearly state the comparison. For example, instead of "The results were less predictable than what we expected", say "The results were "less predictable than" our expectations".