What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
wayward
Example
The wayward child refused to follow the rules. [wayward: adjective]
Example
The car took a wayward turn and ended up in a ditch. [wayward: adjective]
erratic
Example
The stock market has been behaving erratically lately. [erratically: adverb]
Example
Her moods were erratic, making it hard to predict her reactions. [erratic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Erratic is more commonly used than wayward in everyday language. Erratic is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while wayward is less common and more specific in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between wayward and erratic?
Both wayward and erratic are relatively formal words that may not be commonly used in casual conversation. However, erratic is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while wayward is more specific and may be more appropriate in formal writing or literature.
