drawn at random

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drawn at random" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a selection process where items or individuals are chosen without any specific criteria, ensuring fairness and unpredictability. Example: "The winners of the raffle will be drawn at random from all the entries submitted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Slips of paper were drawn at random.

The New Yorker

The winners will be the first two entrants drawn at random from all entries received.

Independent

Winners will be drawn at random and notified by 5.30pm on Tuesday 3 September.

Independent

The winners of the prize draw prizes will be the first 22 entries drawn at random from all eligible entries.

The Guardian

The prize of a £200 HMV Gift Card will be drawn at random from all valid entries submitted.

The Guardian - Film

The winner of the prize draw prizes will be the first entry drawn at random from all eligible entries.

The Guardian

10 winners will be drawn at random from all entries received by 23:59 on Sunday 19 August 2012.

Independent

9. Winners will be the first entry drawn at random from all qualifying entries by an independent judge on 12 May 2016.

The Guardian - Sport

The band merely allows him to stand in line to buy concert tickets -- wristband numbers are drawn at random, so he will have to get lucky.

The New York Times - Tech

9. Winners will be the first entry drawn at random from all qualifying entries by an independent judge on 15 December 2016.

The Guardian - Sport

For the accompanying mixtape, the women are working in long-distance collaborations this time, in duos formed by names drawn at random from a hat.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drawn at random" to emphasize the fairness and impartiality of a selection process. This phrase is particularly useful in contexts like prize draws, research sampling, or team assignments where objectivity is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "drawn at random" when the selection process isn't truly random. If there are underlying biases or criteria influencing the selection, even subtly, using this phrase can be misleading and undermine the perceived fairness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drawn at random" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, typically describing the process by which something is selected or assigned. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where the phrase clarifies the method of selection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

41%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "drawn at random" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe a selection process characterized by fairness and impartiality. Ludwig AI analysis indicates it's most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. To ensure clarity and avoid misleading impressions, only use this phrase when the selection process is genuinely random. Consider alternatives like ""randomly selected"" or ""chosen arbitrarily"" to fine-tune the meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at random

A shorter, more concise version of the original phrase. It omits the verb "drawn" but maintains the core meaning.

randomly selected

This alternative focuses on the selection process being random, removing the active voice of "drawn".

selected by chance

Emphasizes the role of chance in the selection process.

picked randomly

A more informal alternative to "drawn at random", using "picked" as a synonym for "drawn".

chosen arbitrarily

Emphasizes the lack of a specific reason or system in the selection.

assigned randomly

Focuses on the assignment aspect, suitable when items or individuals are being allocated to different categories or groups.

selected without bias

Highlights the impartiality of the selection process.

haphazardly selected

Implies a lack of organization or planning in the selection process.

fortuitously chosen

Highlights the accidental or lucky nature of the selection.

by lottery

This alternative directly compares the selection process to a lottery.

FAQs

What does "drawn at random" mean?

The phrase "drawn at random" means that something is selected or chosen without any specific method or pattern, ensuring that every item or individual has an equal chance of being selected. It signifies fairness and impartiality in the selection process.

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

You can use "drawn at random" to describe processes where selection is unbiased, for example: "The winning numbers were "selected at random"", or "Participants were "assigned at random" to different groups".

What are some alternatives to "drawn at random"?

Some alternatives to "drawn at random" include "randomly selected", "chosen arbitrarily", or "selected by chance". The best alternative depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "selected at random" instead of "drawn at random"?

Yes, ""selected at random"" is a perfectly acceptable and often interchangeable alternative to "drawn at random". Both phrases convey the same meaning of unbiased selection.