very unpredictable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very unpredictable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is highly uncertain or subject to change, often in contexts like weather, behavior, or outcomes. Example: "The stock market has been very unpredictable lately, making it difficult for investors to make informed decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Very unpredictable.

The New Yorker

He was very unpredictable".

The New York Times

He's very unpredictable".

The New York Times - Style

"Babies are very unpredictable".

The New York Times - Books

John was very unpredictable.

The Guardian - Music

"Breslin's very unpredictable.

The New York Times

But it's very unpredictable.

The Guardian - Film

"It is very unpredictable.

The Guardian

It is also very unpredictable.

The Guardian

"Bel is very unpredictable," Mr. Sun said.

The New York Times - Arts

Grand Prix racing is very unpredictable.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "very unpredictable", consider specifying the aspect of unpredictability. For example, instead of saying "The situation is very unpredictable", try "The outcome of the negotiations is very unpredictable due to shifting political alliances".

Common error

Avoid using "very unpredictable" simply as filler. Ensure that the unpredictability is a key aspect of what you're describing. If the subject is inherently unpredictable, consider using a stronger single adjective like "capricious" or "mercurial" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very unpredictable" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun. It serves to attribute a quality of being difficult to foresee or anticipate to the noun it describes. This is supported by Ludwig examples where it describes diverse subjects like weather, people's behavior, and market conditions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

7%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very unpredictable" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe something that is highly uncertain or difficult to foresee. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is widespread in various contexts, particularly in news and media, though it also appears in scientific and more informal settings. When employing this phrase, aim for specificity by identifying the aspect of unpredictability. While alternatives like "highly uncertain" or "extremely erratic" exist, "very unpredictable" remains a versatile and readily understood option for expressing a significant lack of predictability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly uncertain

Focuses on the lack of certainty surrounding an outcome or event.

extremely erratic

Highlights irregular and inconsistent behavior.

quite volatile

Emphasizes instability and potential for sudden change.

largely unforeseeable

Stresses the inability to anticipate future events.

utterly incalculable

Indicates that something is beyond precise measurement or prediction.

highly changeable

Highlights the tendency to vary or alter frequently.

totally uncertain

Emphasizes a complete lack of certainty.

completely unforeseen

Highlights the unexpected nature of something.

distinctly random

Focuses on the lack of pattern or predictability.

patently unsure

Highlights a lack of sureness or confidence.

FAQs

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

You can use "very unpredictable" to describe situations, people, or events that are difficult to foresee or anticipate. For instance, "The weather in this region is "very unpredictable", so it's best to be prepared for any conditions."

What are some alternatives to saying "very unpredictable"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "highly uncertain", "extremely erratic", or "quite volatile" to convey a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between "unpredictable" and "very unpredictable"?

Yes, "very unpredictable" intensifies the degree of unpredictability. While "unpredictable" suggests a lack of predictability, "very unpredictable" emphasizes a higher level of uncertainty and difficulty in forecasting outcomes.

When is it better to use a single word instead of "very unpredictable"?

In some cases, a single word might be more concise and impactful. For example, consider using "capricious" or "mercurial" when describing someone whose behavior is "very unpredictable".