at random

USAGE SUMMARY

"at random" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a situation in which something happens with no specific plan, purpose, or rule. For example, "We chose a name for the company at random from a list of possibilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Select at random?

The New Yorker

I chose two at random.

The New Yorker

Gangs kill at random.

The New York Times

Cancer strikes at random.

The New Yorker

Completely at random.

The Guardian - Arts

I opened at random.

The New York Times - Travel

Striking at random.

The New York Times

Choose at random.

The New York Times

Slips of paper were drawn at random.

The New Yorker

But Sophia is best at random words.

The New York Times - Sports

Diacritical signs are distributed at random.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at random" to emphasize a lack of predetermination in a selection or event. For example, "The winners were chosen at random to ensure fairness."

Common error

While both suggest a lack of system, "at random" implies a fair process where every option has an equal chance, whereas "arbitrary" suggests a decision based on whim or personal preference. Ensure you're accurately conveying the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at random" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate that an action is performed without a specific method, pattern, or purpose. As confirmed by Ludwig, it adds detail to how an action is carried out.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at random" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to describe actions or selections made without a specific pattern or method. Ludwig AI confirms that it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific publications. While it shares similarities with terms like "arbitrarily" and "haphazardly", it carries a unique nuance implying fairness or lack of predetermination. When using "at random", ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning and is not confused with terms suggesting bias or disorganization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

randomly

A direct synonym, indicating a selection or occurrence without method.

arbitrarily

This alternative focuses on the lack of reason or system in the selection.

by chance

Highlights the role of luck or coincidence.

haphazardly

This term emphasizes the lack of care or planning.

unsystematically

Focuses on the absence of a methodical approach.

without order

Emphasizes the absence of a structured sequence.

indiscriminately

Suggests a lack of distinction or preference in the selection.

fortuitously

This suggests that something happened by a lucky chance.

by a fluke

This suggests that something happened unusually or unexpectedly.

accidentally

This term implies that something happened unintentionally.

FAQs

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

You can use "at random" to describe selections, events, or distributions that occur without a specific pattern or intention. For example, "The data points were scattered "randomly" across the graph", or "The questions were chosen "by chance".".

What's the difference between "at random" and "haphazardly"?

"At random" implies a lack of pattern but can still suggest a fair selection process, while "haphazardly" implies a lack of care or organization. Using "randomly" usually ensures all possible options are equally considered while "haphazardly" means without considering all possible options.

Is it better to say "randomly" or "at random"?

Both "randomly" and "at random" can be used to describe something that occurs without a specific pattern. "At random" functions as an adverbial phrase, while "randomly" is an adverb. The choice often depends on stylistic preference or sentence structure; either is grammatically correct.

What are some alternative phrases for "at random"?

Alternatives to "at random" include "arbitrarily", "by chance", or "without a system". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.