a random catch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a random catch" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is often used to describe something that is acquired by chance, or with little effort. For example, "I managed to get a random catch from the garage sale."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The collection of urine samples was not standardised and used a random "catch", which would be expected to increase the random error of any molecules measured as the concentration may vary.

European Respiratory Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

With most characters completely mute, a few might blurt out random catch phrases like "It's a-me, Mario!" Crazy Final Fantasy text-based plots were as complex as things got, and lines like "The president has been kidnapped by ninjas!" were representative of the depth of most titles.

Forbes

It is exponentially autocorrelated to represent the fact that random catch variations at one day are not independent of previous values: (a) today's catch is dependent to a certain extent of yesterday's catch; (b) selection of fishing ground is partially dependent on previously selected grounds; (c) environmental factors affecting resource abundance tend also to be dependent on previous values.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

He prefers a clean shot at a random stranger caught in some unguarded, mundane moment.

The New York Times

We'd be dealing with a suspect, and that suspect could just as easily be a random civilian caught up in the action, or a man with mental health issues who made the whole thing up as some delusion - a scenario far more likely than the one being described.

The Guardian

With our system so thoroughly broken, there are millions of US Citizens who have spent their entire lives in the US that could still have their parents put in prison and then deported if they got caught in a random road stop by the wrong police officer.

Huffington Post

Without being boring, tell her a random fact that caught your eye recently.

WikiHow

And I roll my eyes to such great lengths that my eye whites catch a random gathering of twigs in my un-raked lawn on fire.

Huffington Post

My father only liked soccer (which he called "football" appropriately) and in the late 1980s, without cable, there wasn't any on TV to watch other than a random game he'd catch on a Spanish channel.

Huffington Post

Thompson said Griffin "plays pretty physical and flops a little bit". "He flares his arm around so you know you might catch a random elbow or something that doesn't, you know, rub off too well on guys," Thompson said on "The Wheelhouse" program on KGMZ (95.7) radio in San Francisco.

Los Angeles Times

One afternoon, desperate to be free of the hostel, I ventured out in my inappropriate clothes, braving disapproving looks and the odd salivary missile, and caught a random bus.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a random catch", ensure the context clearly indicates the element of chance or unexpectedness in obtaining something. This phrase is best suited for informal or descriptive writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a random catch" in highly formal or professional writing. More precise and professional language, like "unplanned acquisition" or "chance discovery", is typically more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a random catch" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "random" modifies the noun "catch". It describes something obtained or acquired by chance, without specific intention. As Ludwig AI suggests, its usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a random catch" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe something acquired by chance. While Ludwig AI validates its correctness, it is relatively rare and leans towards informality. The phrase finds application across various contexts, including news, media, and scientific publications, albeit not extensively in formal or academic writing. When opting for this phrase, consider the intended tone and audience, and in formal settings, explore alternatives like "chance discovery" for enhanced precision and professionalism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lucky find

Emphasizes the element of good fortune in discovering something.

a fortuitous find

Similar to "lucky find" but slightly more formal.

a chance encounter

Focuses on the unexpected meeting aspect rather than the acquisition.

a fluke catch

Uses "fluke" to express something achieved by accident, not skill.

an accidental discovery

Highlights the unintentional nature of the finding.

a serendipitous acquisition

More formal; indicates a fortunate and unplanned acquisition.

an unexpected gain

Highlights the element of profit or benefit, if applicable.

a haphazard selection

Focuses on the randomness of the choosing process.

a spontaneous acquisition

Emphasizes the suddenness and lack of planning.

a windfall

Implies a sudden and unexpected gain, often of money or resources.

FAQs

How can I use "a random catch" in a sentence?

You can use "a random catch" to describe something you obtained by chance or unexpectedly. For example, "I found "a lucky find" at the flea market; it was a random catch."

What's the difference between "a random catch" and "a lucky find"?

"A random catch" emphasizes the chance element, while ""a lucky find"" emphasizes the good fortune associated with the discovery. They are quite similar and often interchangeable.

What can I say instead of "a random catch"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a chance encounter", "an accidental discovery", or "a fluke catch".

Is "a random catch" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a random catch" is generally more suitable for informal writing. For formal contexts, consider using phrases like "an unplanned acquisition" or "a chance discovery".