What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
erratic
Example
The stock market has been erratic lately, making it difficult to predict trends. [erratic: adjective]
Example
She had an erratic work schedule, making it hard to plan anything in advance. [erratic: adjective]
odd
Example
It was odd to see a cat sitting on top of the car. [odd: adjective]
Example
He had an odd way of speaking that made him stand out from the crowd. [odd: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Odd is more commonly used than erratic in everyday language. Odd is a versatile word that can be used in many contexts, while erratic is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between erratic and odd?
Both erratic and odd are relatively formal words, but odd can also be used in informal contexts. Erratic is typically used in more technical or specialized contexts.