the situation is unpredictable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the situation is unpredictable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a scenario where the outcome or developments cannot be anticipated or foreseen. Example: "Due to the rapidly changing weather patterns, the situation is unpredictable, making it difficult to plan outdoor events."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"The situation is unpredictable and dangerous".

The Guardian

Colonel BÃ1⁄4hler has no illusions: "The situation is unpredictable, and because the ethnic conflicts have not been resolved, the potential for unrest has not disappeared.

The New York Times

David Kitts, a licensed acupuncturist from Marin County, sent an e-mail to 270 clients and family members telling them that the situation is "unpredictable and getting worse so I believe it is best to be prepared.

The New York Times

Recent alternative models suggest that action restraint could instead rely on reactive but non-selective mechanisms (all automatic responses are automatically inhibited in uncertain contexts) or on proactive and non-selective mechanisms (a gating function by which reaction to any stimulus is prevented in anticipation of stimulation when the situation is unpredictable).

Behavioural Brain Research

Continuing with the online market example, if trajectories with positive early market share rates r(A) are much more likely to yield market share dominance for A than are trajectories with negative early r(A), then the situation is unpredictable (because the outcome depends sensitively on r(A) and this quantity is not measured).

Security Informatics

"The situation is unpredictable and ongoing demonstration activity, primarily in the greater Bangkok area and occasionally elsewhere in Thailand, is expected to continue," the alert on the State Department's website says.  . "U.S. citizens are advised to avoid all protests, demonstrations and large gatherings.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Felix G. Rohatyn, who knows Mr. Messier from when they were both at the investment bank Lazard and when Mr. Rohatyn served as ambassador to France in the Clinton administration, said the situation was unpredictable.

The New York Times

North Korea's Communist Party newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, warned on Monday that the situation was unpredictable.

BBC

He's in that scene with Jaime in the cage, almost posturing this sort of arrogance and confidence, which he needs to, but he knows that this situation is unpredictable.

Huffington Post

"There will be a security vacuum and the situation is fairly unpredictable almost daily".

The New York Times

"We're leaving because the situation is so unpredictable", Mr Borodin says.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the situation is unpredictable", provide context to explain why the situation is uncertain. This adds clarity and strengthens your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "the situation is unpredictable" too frequently in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more precise and nuanced language to describe the specific uncertainties involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the situation is unpredictable" functions as a descriptive statement, characterizing a particular state of affairs. It predicates the quality of unpredictability to the subject, "the situation". Ludwig AI suggests it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "the situation is unpredictable" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, as validated by Ludwig. It effectively communicates uncertainty or a lack of foreseeability in a given context. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and formal business settings, the phrase serves to inform audiences about potential instability and the need for caution or adaptability. Ludwig’s examples show diverse applications, from geopolitical instability to market fluctuations. While acceptable, it is important to provide context and avoid overuse in formal writing, opting instead for more precise language when appropriate. The identified related phrases offer alternatives for expressing similar sentiments with slight variations in emphasis. Ludwig provides helpful guidance on best practices and common errors to avoid when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the outlook is uncertain

Focuses on the uncertainty of the future rather than the present state.

the circumstances are fluid

Highlights the changeable nature of the situation.

the future is unclear

Emphasizes the lack of clarity about what will happen.

it's impossible to foresee what will happen

This alternative emphasizes the inability to predict future events or outcomes.

the developments are uncertain

Focuses on the uncertainty of the ongoing changes.

the outcome is uncertain

Directly addresses the uncertainty of the final result.

the position is precarious

Suggests the situation is unstable and potentially dangerous.

it's touch and go

An idiomatic expression indicating a risky and uncertain situation.

all bets are off

An idiomatic expression meaning that previous expectations are no longer valid.

the situation is in flux

Implies a state of constant change and instability.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "the situation is unpredictable"?

You can use alternatives like "the outlook is uncertain", "the circumstances are fluid", or "the future is unclear" depending on the context.

How do I use "the situation is unpredictable" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe any scenario where outcomes or developments cannot be anticipated. For example: "Due to the rapidly changing market conditions, the situation is unpredictable."

Is it better to use "unpredictable situation" or "the situation is unpredictable"?

Both are correct. "Unpredictable situation" is a more concise noun phrase, while "the situation is unpredictable" is a complete clause that can provide more emphasis.

What does it mean when someone says "the situation is unpredictable"?

It means that the person believes that the current circumstances are subject to unexpected changes and that outcomes are difficult or impossible to foresee.