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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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As unpredictable as

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as unpredictable as" is perfectly correct and acceptable in written English
You may use it when comparing one thing to another which appears to be unpredictable and subject to change. For example: "His moods were as unpredictable as the weather!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But he remains as unpredictable as ever.

News & Media

The New York Times

Jones's eccentricities are as unpredictable as his temper.

The new terrain is as unpredictable as the next northeaster.

News & Media

The New York Times

But her game was as unpredictable as it was sublime.

News & Media

The New Yorker

That, sadly, was as unpredictable as the evening got.

News & Media

The Guardian

His sartorial ideas were as unpredictable as his books.

News & Media

The Guardian

The outlook is as unpredictable as the weather.

News & Media

The Guardian

In striving for authenticity, Loach was as unpredictable as Willis.

Lil Wayne's stage manner is as unpredictable as his lyrics.

News & Media

The New Yorker

History is always as unpredictable as it is unavoidable.

News & Media

The Guardian

Garnett is as unpredictable as he is emotional.

Show more...

Expert writing Tips

✓ Best practice

When using "as unpredictable as", ensure the comparison is clear and relatable to the audience. For example, "His decisions were as unpredictable as the stock market."

⚠ Common error

Avoid using "as unpredictable as" with comparisons that are inherently predictable or have a commonly understood pattern. Saying "as unpredictable as a sunrise" doesn't make sense since sunrises are, in fact, predictable.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as unpredictable as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to describe a noun by comparing its level of unpredictability to something else. Ludwig confirms its validity.

Expression frequency: Very common

✓ Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

⚠ Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as unpredictable as" is a common and grammatically correct comparative adjective phrase, used to emphasize the erratic or uncertain nature of something by comparing it to something else known for its unpredictability. As highlighted by Ludwig, this expression is widely accepted and appropriate in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it maintains a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal writing. When using "as unpredictable as", ensure the comparison is relevant and easily understood by the audience, avoiding comparisons that are inherently stable or predictable. Consider alternatives like "as uncertain as" or "as erratic as" for slight variations in meaning.

FAQs

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

Use "as unpredictable as" to compare something to another thing known for its erratic or uncertain nature. For example, "Her reaction was "as unpredictable as the weather"".

What's a good alternative to "as unpredictable as"?

Consider alternatives such as "as uncertain as", "as erratic as", or "as incalculable as" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it inappropriate to use "as unpredictable as"?

It's best to avoid using "as unpredictable as" when the comparison is something generally considered stable or easily foreseeable. This diminishes the impact and can confuse the reader.

Is "as unpredictable as" a formal or informal expression?

"As unpredictable as" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the specific comparison being made.

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Source & Trust

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Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: