at random times

USAGE SUMMARY

'at random times' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to make it clear that something is done, occurs, or happens at unspecified or unpredictable times. Example: I'm always finding old coins in the back of the cupboard at random times.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Landlord walking in at random times?

University of California, Berkeley

She'd burst into tears at random times.

The Guardian

Transient faults can occur at random times.

Reconfigurable Computing The Theory and Practice of FPGA-Based Computation

And I think it's funny it comes out at random times".

The New York Times

Her ceiling lights and sconces have been "turning on at random times during the night".

The New York Times - Magazine

I suffer from crippling anxiety – crying at random times, waking up from nightmares.

The Guardian - Opinion

And your character is often naked just at random times for no reason.

The Guardian - Opinion

Images of certain streets come to me at random times, but with an uncanny insistence.

The Guardian - Books

Warm water is a rare luxury that appears at random times in the day — or not.

The Washington Post

In regard to the lights, incidentally, purchase a timer that operates at random times.

The New York Times

A polymer is treated as an ensemble of flow units rearranged at random times.

Computational Materials Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events that lack a predictable schedule, use "at random times" to convey unpredictability clearly. It emphasizes the absence of any pattern or regularity.

Common error

While "at random times" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "sporadically" or "intermittently" to add variety and nuance to your descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at random times" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to indicate when an action occurs. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status. For example, "The phone rang at random times" specifies the timing of the ringing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at random times" is a grammatically correct and very common adverbial phrase used to describe events occurring without a predictable schedule. As Ludwig AI points out, it's correct and usable in written English. It effectively conveys unpredictability across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Wiki, making it a versatile addition to your writing toolkit. While clear and useful, remember to consider synonyms like "sporadically" or "intermittently" to avoid repetition. Embrace the power of "at random times" to add precision and impact to your descriptions of unpredictable events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at unpredictable times

Emphasizes the lack of ability to foresee when something will occur.

at irregular intervals

Highlights the uneven spacing between occurrences.

sporadically

A single-word adverb conveying infrequent and scattered occurrences.

on occasion

Suggests that something happens sometimes, but not regularly.

from time to time

Implies that events happen now and then, without a set pattern.

intermittently

Focuses on the ceasing and restarting nature of the occurrences.

now and then

A common idiom indicating occasional or infrequent happenings.

without warning

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of the events.

unannounced

Suggests the events happen without any prior notification.

out of the blue

An idiomatic expression referring to something happening unexpectedly.

FAQs

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

You can use "at random times" to describe events that happen without a predictable schedule. For example: "The phone rang "at random times" during the night."

What are some alternatives to "at random times"?

Alternatives include "at unpredictable times", "sporadically", or "intermittently". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "at random times" formal or informal?

"At random times" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its clarity makes it appropriate for various writing styles.

What's the difference between "at random times" and "at regular intervals"?

"At random times" implies that events happen without any pattern, while "at regular intervals" means events occur with a predictable schedule.