unpredictable power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unpredictable power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a force or influence that is not consistent or cannot be anticipated, often in contexts like nature, emotions, or technology. Example: "The storm unleashed its unpredictable power, leaving destruction in its wake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Windpower will remain an unpredictable power source, of course.

The Economist

As your city recovers, spare a thought for those who live with unpredictable power more or less permanently.

The New York Times

Bulgakov has created a mad version of Moscow, a chaotic place controlled by a wielder of unaccountable, unpredictable power.

The Guardian

The protest has been evolving with an unpredictable power of its own, without clear leadership (even if helped by the charisma of the teenage Mr Wong).

The Economist

Synaphaï has all the teeming unpredictable power of a glacier, the thrilling complexity of shape and movement of a mass animal migration.

The Guardian - Music

Although frequent storms reinforce the feeling of isolation, an enveloping calm masks this volcanically active seven-island archipelago that abounds with myths associated with elemental and unpredictable power.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

President Vladimir Putin of Russia acknowledged that there might soon be a need to counter nuclear threats from unpredictable powers like North Korea.

The New York Times

Since then, many have taken to social media to share their own hilarious, wholesome, and extremely made up yet-somehow-still-not-racist stories of the drug's unpredictable powers.

Vice

Of those infected, 90% died horribly, drawing the black queen, 9% were twisted and deformed into jokers, while a lucky 1% became blessed with extraordinary and unpredictable powers and became aces.

Huffington Post

These interests clearly contradict the basic features of a democracy — in which the people are the source of legitimacy, the military's activities are subject to civilian oversight, politics are unpredictable and power changes hands.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, the project appeals to the UK as the highly reliable potential energy in Iceland's hydro dams is seen as neatly dovetailing with Britain's expanding, but unpredictable, wind power generation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts or entities, use "unpredictable power" to convey a sense of volatility and potential disruption.

Common error

While "unpredictable power" is acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal documents. Opt for more precise language, such as "variable capacity" or "fluctuating energy", depending on the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unpredictable power" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "unpredictable" modifies the noun "power". As stated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and appears in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

40%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unpredictable power" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, primarily functioning as a noun phrase to describe forces or influences that are volatile and difficult to foresee. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it appears across various contexts, including news, science, and general interest publications. While its register is generally neutral, more precise vocabulary might be warranted in specialized technical contexts. Common alternatives include "erratic force" and "unstable energy". The most authoritative sources using this phrase are The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Economist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

erratic force

Focuses on the inconsistent and irregular nature of the power.

unstable energy

Highlights the lack of stability and potential for sudden changes in the energy source.

volatile influence

Emphasizes the potential for rapid and significant changes in influence.

capricious authority

Suggests that the authority is whimsical and subject to sudden changes in direction.

unreliable strength

Focuses on the lack of dependability and consistency in strength.

inconsistent might

Highlights the varying levels and unsteadiness of the power.

chance-driven influence

Emphasizes the role of chance and randomness in shaping influence.

fortuitous force

Highlights the chance and occasional aspects of the power.

irregular potency

Focuses on the uneven and fluctuating nature of potency.

variable intensity

Emphasizes the fluctuating strength or degree of the intensity.

FAQs

How can I use "unpredictable power" in a sentence?

You can use "unpredictable power" to describe forces or influences that are not easily anticipated. For example, "The storm unleashed its "unpredictable power", causing widespread damage."

What are some synonyms for "unpredictable power"?

Alternatives include "erratic force", "unstable energy", or "volatile influence", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "unpredictable power"?

It's suitable in contexts where you want to emphasize the inconsistent and potentially disruptive nature of a force, influence, or energy source.

Is "unpredictable power" formal or informal?

The phrase "unpredictable power" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, consider using a more precise synonym like "variable capacity" when describing technical attributes.