checked at random

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "checked at random" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a process where items or individuals are selected for inspection or evaluation without a specific pattern or order. Example: "The samples were checked at random to ensure the accuracy of the results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

If more than 5 percent of the signatures checked at random by the commission are deemed invalid, the prospective candidate is denied registration.

The New York Times

Mr Hawley, who once liked the idea, now worries that terror groups are recruiting "clean" agents who would pass such vetting.IATA thinks that if vetting were thorough, and a few trusted travellers were checked at random, this problem could be overcome.

The Economist

I have had several incidents recently where my passport was checked, at random, during border crossings within the Schengen area.

Huffington Post

Still, pursuing the old habit, I checked at random a book award in the new issue of Poets & Writers--Lory Bedikian, winner of the 2010 Philip Levine prize from Cal State Fresno--and found out that both she and judge Brian Turner attended the University of Oregon MFA program.

Huffington Post

In order to check for the proinflammatory state of the selected cell lines after TNF-alpha induction, the IL-6 level of cells was checked at random (data not shown).

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But you're not completely on your honor: fare inspectors from the Sheriff's Department roam the cars checking at random for tickets, and failure to produce one on demand can bring up to $250 in fines and 48 hours of community service.

The New York Times - Travel

As such, a set of 50 prediction locations was selected at random and manually checked at each stage.

Computers and Geosciences

To guarantee that the last step of this random walk can quickly arrive at the first Cα of the next template fragment, the distance l between the current Cα and the first Cα of the next template fragment is checked at each step of the random walk, and only walks with l < 3.54 n are allowed, where n is the number of remaining Cα-Cα bonds in the walk.

BMC Biology

Armed police officers guard all entrances and check passports at random.

The New York Times - Travel

The German authorities impose their own controls on their highways on their side of the border crossings, often checking trucks at random.

The New York Times

Another way to watch out is to plant various undercover observers who conduct spot checks at random times, but in our conversation, we found this beside the point, because our resources are better spent on supporting staff so that they can perform well, as opposed to lying in wait to bust them and then punish or fine them.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a quality control process, clarify the rationale behind using random checks, such as ensuring impartiality or detecting unforeseen issues.

Common error

Avoid using "checked at random" when you actually mean 'checked frequently' or 'checked superficially'. Randomness implies a lack of pattern, not a lack of thoroughness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "checked at random" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how the checking was performed. It indicates a method of inspection or verification done without a predetermined pattern. Ludwig AI shows examples across diverse fields.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "checked at random" is a grammatically correct and commonly understood way to describe an unbiased inspection or verification process. Ludwig AI analysis reveals that it's used across various fields, particularly in news, media, and scientific contexts, to assure impartiality. While alternatives like "randomly inspected" exist, "checked at random" is often preferred for its clarity. Be mindful that 'random' implies a lack of pattern not necessarily a lack of thoroughness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

randomly inspected

Focuses on the inspection being done in a random manner, omitting the 'checking' action.

inspected haphazardly

Emphasizes the lack of planning or organization in the inspection process.

sampled for verification

Highlights the selection of a subset for verification purposes, implying randomness.

subjected to random inspection

Formal and passive voice, placing emphasis on the 'inspection' rather than the 'checking'.

selected for arbitrary review

Focuses on the selection process and the arbitrary nature of the review.

spot checked

More informal term suggesting quick and irregular checks.

verified without pattern

Highlights the absence of a predictable sequence in the verification process.

evaluated on a lottery basis

This alternative highlights the fact that "lottery" represents randomness.

assessed by chance

Implies that the selection for assessment is purely based on chance.

examined unsystematically

Focuses on the lack of a systematic approach during examination.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "checked at random"?

Alternatives include "randomly inspected", "subjected to random inspection", or "spot checked" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

What does "checked at random" mean?

It means that items or individuals are selected for inspection or verification without any specific pattern or predetermined order, ensuring a sample that is representative and unbiased.

Is it better to use "checked randomly" or "checked at random"?

"Checked at random" is generally preferred for its clarity and idiomatic usage, though "checked randomly" is also acceptable. The former emphasizes the deliberate nature of the random selection process.

In what contexts is "checked at random" commonly used?

It's frequently used in discussions of quality control, security procedures, and scientific sampling, where unbiased selection is crucial. The phrase is versatile across different fields.