a random check

USAGE SUMMARY

"a random check" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a type of inspection or investigation that has not been planned in advance or done in response to specific circumstances. For example, "The police conducted a random check of the local bars."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Customs officers in Mumbai had discovered twenty-one antique objects during a random check of one of his handicrafts shipments.

The New Yorker

A random check of start-up announcements showed that 24-hour availability seemed a natural fit for many companies.

The New York Times

I was told this was a "random check" but I was the only passenger to be stopped.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead of being let through, he was guided to a room where about thirty people waited, and then told he'd been selected for a random check.

The New Yorker

A random check on Thursday indicated that some documents were, in fact, posted on the site within three minutes of submission.

The New York Times

A random check last week of 15 arriving trains at two stations found 12 of the 15 conductors doing the finger-pointing.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

On arrival at the ward level, a random checking to ensure that food is served at the correct temperature is performed by the nursing staff.

BMC Health Services Research

A 20% random check of records was undertaken to assure data-entry quality with an error rate of <2% identified.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

A 10% random check was performed to ensure 99.5% data entry accuracy.

BMC Health Services Research

Most of the diners on the blog now are in the New York/New Jersey area, with a few others interspersed at random (check out, in particular, what a diner looks like in Iceland!).

Huffington Post

The knife was found during a random security check.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process that includes unexpected evaluations, use "a random check" to convey the element of surprise and lack of predictability, which enhances the credibility of the inspection.

Common error

Avoid using "a random check" when the selection process isn't truly random. If specific criteria guide the selection, a more accurate term would be "selective audit" or "targeted inspection".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a random check" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence. It describes an action or process that is characterized by its unpredictability. Ludwig examples show it relating to security procedures, data integrity verification, and quality control.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a random check" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe an unscheduled inspection or verification. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts. It's suitable for news reports, scientific publications, and general writing, making it a versatile term. The key is to ensure the 'randomness' is genuine. Alternatives like "spot check" or "surprise audit" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remembering to use "a random check" when the selection process is genuinely random will help ensure clarity and accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a spot check

Suggests a quick and localized inspection.

a sample audit

Highlights the fact of checking by sampling.

an unscheduled inspection

Emphasizes the lack of a pre-set schedule for the inspection.

an occasional check

Refers to the fact of checking with some frequency.

a surprise audit

Implies an unexpected and thorough examination, typically of financial records.

an impromptu review

Highlights the unplanned nature and reviewing aspect of the action.

a compliance audit

Highlights the auditing for the compliance and can be made either randomly or by schedule.

a pop quiz

Used metaphorically to describe an unexpected test or evaluation.

a cross-check

Implies that there is a need for verification.

a blind assessment

Stresses a lack of previous knowledge on the assessment.

FAQs

What does "a random check" mean?

The term "a random check" refers to an inspection or examination conducted without a predetermined pattern or selection criteria. It implies an element of chance or unpredictability in who or what is being checked.

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

You might say, "The airport security conducted "a random check" of passengers' luggage" or "The company performs "a random check" of employee timesheets to ensure accuracy".

What are some alternatives to "a random check"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "spot check", "surprise audit", or "unannounced inspection".

Is "a random check" the same as "a routine check"?

No, "a random check" implies an unpredictable selection, while "a routine check" is part of a scheduled or standard procedure.