unpredictable results

USAGE SUMMARY

'unpredictable results' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where the outcome or the result of an action or process is unknown or hard to predict. For example: "The stock market is volatile and often yields unpredictable results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Revolutions with unpredictable results were common.

The New York Times

West this season have yielded unpredictable results.

The New York Times

A young team predictably yielded unpredictable results.

The New York Times - Sports

"It definitely can produce unpredictable results," said Clune.

The Guardian - Tech

The challenges and unpredictable results can produce startling images.

Independent

Political correctness be damned, as Australian history is upended with unpredictable results.

The Guardian

"That leads to some very strange and unpredictable results," Mr. Norton said.

The New York Times

Remember that any bleaching solution can yield unpredictable results depending on the floor and the finish.

The New York Times

Flipping the kill switch to turn it off could have equally unpredictable results (see article).

The Economist

Andy Parrott says that any stimulant that works on the central nervous system may have unpredictable results.

The Guardian

The lesson: momentum in the N.F.L. — particularly in this season of unpredictable results — is illusory, if it exists at all.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing experiments or situations where multiple factors are at play, use "unpredictable results" to acknowledge the complexity and potential for unexpected outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "unpredictable results" when the outcomes are, in fact, statistically predictable or follow a well-established pattern. The phrase is best reserved for scenarios with genuine uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unpredictable results" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "unpredictable" modifies the noun "results". Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in describing outcomes that cannot be foreseen with certainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

45%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unpredictable results" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe outcomes that are difficult to foresee. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread application across numerous contexts, including news, science, and general discourse. When employing this phrase, it's vital to ensure that the scenario genuinely involves uncertainty and lacks any statistically predictable patterns. Alternatives like "unexpected outcomes" or "uncertain consequences" can be considered for nuanced expression. Be sure to avoid assuming predictability when using this phrase, and acknowledge that multiple factors can lead to unforeseen results.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unforeseeable outcomes

Underscores the inability to predict the results beforehand.

unexpected outcomes

Focuses on the element of surprise in the results.

unanticipated effects

Highlights that the effects were not expected.

unpredicted consequences

Highlights that no anticipation of the consequence happened.

uncertain consequences

Highlights the potentially unknown ramifications of an action.

erratic consequences

Suggests irregular and inconsistent effects.

inconsistent outcomes

Emphasizes the lack of uniformity in the results.

random effects

Suggests that the effects are not following any pattern.

variable effects

Indicates that the impact changes depending on the circumstances.

unstable effects

Emphasizes the unsteadiness and lack of stability in the results.

FAQs

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

You can use "unpredictable results" to describe situations where the outcomes are uncertain. For example, "The experiment yielded "unpredictable results" due to the complex interaction of variables."

What are some alternatives to "unpredictable results"?

Alternatives include "unexpected outcomes", "uncertain consequences", or "unforeseeable outcomes", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "unpredictable results" or "random results"?

The choice depends on the context. "Unpredictable results" suggests that the outcomes were difficult to foresee, while "random results" implies that the outcomes lacked any discernible pattern or cause. They are similar, but "random results" emphasizes the absence of order.

What's the difference between "unpredictable results" and "undesirable results"?

"Unpredictable results" focuses on the lack of certainty in the outcome, whereas "undesirable results" indicates that the outcomes were unfavorable or unwanted. "Undesirable results" focuses on negative outcome.