choosing randomly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "choosing randomly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of making a selection without any specific criteria or method, often implying a lack of bias or preference. Example: "When faced with multiple options, I decided to go with choosing randomly to make my decision easier."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

This section discusses the selection of a suitable method for special problems instead of choosing randomly.

Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering

Instead of choosing randomly, we then selected a position with more confidence for each newly added fluorophore.

Protein & Cell

This is achieved by having multiple possible cipher texts for each plain text and choosing randomly between these.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

Instead of choosing randomly, we then selected a position with more confidence for each newly added fluorophore according to previous knowledge.

Protein & Cell

Initially the ants are placed in the nodes of the graph, choosing randomly the clusters and also a random node from the chosen cluster.

Complex Adaptive Systems Modeling

Let the sparse vector (hat{x}) be produced by choosing randomly the (s=0.01 * n) nonzero components whose values are also randomly generated from a standard normal distribution.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Sides were chosen randomly.

The New York Times

The scores of seven judges, chosen randomly by computer, count.

The New York Times - Sports

Their name is chosen randomly by an automated program.

The New York Times

Only then did he paint words on them chosen randomly from an art book, he said.

The New York Times

The current trial involves 10 people whom Judge Donato chose randomly from among the 1,600 plaintiffs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternatives such as "selecting at random" or "random selection" for varied sentence structure, maintaining clarity without being repetitive.

Common error

Avoid using "choosing randomly" when a specific selection method exists, even if seemingly arbitrary. Haphazard selection implies a lack of method, while random selection should follow a defined process (e.g. using a random number generator) to eliminate bias.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "choosing randomly" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as part of a larger clause to describe how a selection is made. Ludwig examples show its use in describing experimental methods or decision-making processes. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

79%

News & Media

17%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "choosing randomly" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to describe selections made without specific criteria, often to minimize bias. As Ludwig AI states, it's a correct and usable expression in written English. Its usage is prevalent in scientific and news contexts, indicating a register ranging from neutral to formal. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in describing the methodology behind the random selection and consider alternative phrasing for stylistic variation. Avoid confusing randomness with haphazardness by ensuring a defined (if randomly executed) selection process. Ludwig's examples offer valuable context for understanding its application across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

selecting at random

Replaces the gerund form with a present participle, slightly more formal.

picking randomly

Uses a more informal verb, "picking", for a less formal tone.

random selection

Shifts from a verb phrase to a noun phrase, indicating the process rather than the action.

selecting haphazardly

Emphasizes the lack of a systematic approach in the selection process.

drawing lots

Refers to a specific method of random selection, implying chance.

using a lottery system

Describes a formal method of random selection, often for allocating resources or opportunities.

arbitrary choice

Highlights the lack of reason or justification behind the selection.

selecting by chance

Emphasizes the role of luck or fortune in the selection.

making a random pick

Uses "pick" as a noun to describe the result of the action.

choosing without preference

Highlights the absence of bias in the selection process.

FAQs

How can I use "choosing randomly" in a sentence?

You can use "choosing randomly" to describe a selection made without any specific criteria. For example: "Instead of carefully analyzing each option, they opted for "choosing randomly" to break the tie."

What is a more formal alternative to "choosing randomly"?

A more formal alternative is "selecting at random". This phrase maintains the meaning while sounding more appropriate for academic or professional contexts.

Is there a difference between ""choosing randomly"" and "arbitrary choice"?

"Choosing randomly" describes the process of making a selection without preference, whereas "arbitrary choice" implies that the selection lacks reason or justification. The first focuses on the method; the second, on the rationale.

When is it appropriate to use ""choosing randomly"" in academic writing?

It is appropriate when describing methods in research, such as random sampling or random assignment. Ensure that the method used to select ""choosing randomly"" is clear and unbiased.