a random assortment of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a random assortment of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a collection or variety of items that are chosen without a specific pattern or order. Example: "The box contained a random assortment of toys, from action figures to puzzles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The wine bore a random assortment of labels, as if assembled potluck-style.

The Washington Post

When we assemble teams in the workplace, it's rarely a random assortment of persons.

Harvard Business Review

It was a random assortment of kitchen ingredients in a small blue bottle.

The Guardian - Business

They don't get a random assortment of directors and a median board culture.

Harvard Business Review

Inside, at first glance, it appears to be a random assortment of junk.

The Guardian - Travel

She was average size, with long thin fingers and a random assortment of toes.

The New York Times

All he has is a random assortment of policy prescriptions, many of which contradict one another.

The New York Times

A random assortment of tips for getting stuff with some mix of expedience, safety, and broad coverage.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But what he has put onstage is a random assortment of unpleasant symptoms, not a cogent diagnosis.

The New York Times

Although much diversity prevails among individual planets and moons, the whole ensemble is apparently not a random assortment of objects spinning and orbiting this way or that.

Harvard University

Squash always comes under 'other sport', along with a random assortment of other unfashionable activities, such as hockey, badminton and bowls.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a random assortment of", ensure the context clearly indicates that the lack of a specific order or pattern is intentional and relevant to your message. This helps avoid any unintended implications of carelessness or disorganization.

Common error

Avoid using "a random assortment of" as a generic descriptor. Instead, provide specific details about the items being described to enhance clarity and engagement. For instance, rather than saying "a random assortment of books", specify "a collection of mystery novels, biographies and science fiction books."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a random assortment of" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes a collection of items characterized by a lack of order or pattern. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is frequently used in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

14%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a random assortment of" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a diverse collection lacking a specific order or pattern. As Ludwig AI confirms, it enjoys widespread use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure that randomness and lack of planning are the intended message. Consider alternatives like "a mixed bag of" or "a varied collection of" for subtle variations in meaning. Be mindful of overusing the phrase without providing specific details, which can lead to vagueness. By understanding its function, purpose and potential pitfalls, you can effectively incorporate "a random assortment of" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a stochastic assortment of

Replaces 'random' with 'stochastic', emphasizing the element of probability and statistical randomness.

a haphazard assortment of

Substitutes 'random' with 'haphazard', emphasizing the lack of organization or planning.

a random choice of

Focuses on the act of choosing randomly, rather than the resulting collection.

a random variety of

Highlights the diverse nature of the collection, emphasizing the different types of items included.

a random spectrum of

Suggests a range or variety that is broad and randomly distributed.

a random mix of

Emphasizes the blending of different elements in no particular order.

a random array of

Implies a structured, yet randomly organized, collection of items.

a random combination of

Highlights that the items are combined in a way that lacks a predictable pattern.

a random cross section of

Implies the collection represents a sample taken randomly from a larger group.

an arbitrary selection of

Conveys that the choice was made without any specific reason or system.

FAQs

How can I use "a random assortment of" in a sentence?

You can use "a random assortment of" to describe a collection of items chosen without a specific pattern or order. For example, "The shop sold "a random assortment of" souvenirs, from keychains to postcards."

What are some alternatives to "a random assortment of"?

You can use alternatives like "a mixed bag of", "a varied collection of", or "a hodgepodge of" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a random assortment of" or "a variety of"?

While both phrases indicate diversity, "a random assortment of" emphasizes the lack of a specific order or pattern in the selection, whereas "a variety of" simply highlights the different types of items present. Choose the phrase that best reflects the intended meaning.

What is the difference between "a random assortment of" and "a curated collection of"?

"A random assortment of" suggests items are gathered without any particular selection criteria. In contrast, "a curated collection of" implies that items are carefully chosen based on specific criteria or themes.