is as random as

USAGE SUMMARY

"is as random as" is a correct phrase in written English.
It is used to compare one thing to another, suggesting that the two things are unpredictable and spontaneous, such as in the example: "The order of the songs on the album is as random as the order of clothes in a thrift store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

This is as random as it gets.

The New York Times - Science

As a fashion, it is as random as the Harajuku Kei style, but without the bubblegum aesthetic.

The Guardian - Travel

The scene is as random as the surface of an alien planet, and as filled with startling images as a contemporary art gallery.

The Guardian - Travel

What Zweig describes in one piece as "the bloody vortex of history" hangs heavily over the collection, the course of which is "as random as roulette", he declares in another.

Independent

"Tag" played basketball for Georgetown University displaying balletic grace in running, throwing, catching and, most importantly, rebounding.Robert HarleyNew YorkNo comparisonSIR – Considering the vastness of the Eurasian continent, bundling Azerbaijan and Belarus together is as random as it gets ("Use a long spoon", April 29th).

The Economist

The choice of day is as random as the information I am attempting to temporarily curtail.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Without getting into the complexities of probability theory, statisticians agree that randomness itself may not be as "random" as we think -- because of our innate thinking biases, we're likely to perceive random events as having connections when they actually don't.

Huffington Post

It was as random as that.

The Guardian

"Honestly, it's as random as it seems to be," he says of Wichita's "policy", such as is it.

The Guardian - Music

"People have a hard time believing things are as random as they are, but it seems undeniably the case," the writer and director Kenneth Lonergan told me.

The New Yorker

The pairing was as random as any, but messages started coming in: this was the first time, said listeners, they had heard two women calling men's cricket.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is as random as" when you want to emphasize the lack of predictability or pattern in a situation, event, or process. This phrase effectively conveys that outcomes are determined by chance rather than any discernible system.

Common error

Avoid using "is as random as" in highly formal or academic writing where a more precise or technical term might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like 'stochastic', 'unpredictable', or 'arbitrary' to maintain a higher degree of formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is as random as" functions as a comparative expression, used to draw a parallel between the randomness of one thing and another. Ludwig confirms its validity and common usage for comparisons.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is as random as" is a grammatically sound comparative phrase used to highlight the unpredictable nature of something by comparing it to something else equally random. As Ludwig AI explains, it's common in news, media, and general conversational contexts. However, for formal or scientific writing, more precise terms might be preferred. Be mindful of the context and choose vocabulary that best suits your intended audience and message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is just as arbitrary as

Replaces 'random' with 'arbitrary', highlighting a lack of reason or system.

is equally unpredictable as

Substitutes 'random' with 'unpredictable', focusing on the inability to foresee outcomes.

is as chaotic as

Replaces 'random' with 'chaotic', emphasizing disorder and lack of structure.

is as haphazard as

Uses 'haphazard' instead of 'random', suggesting a lack of planning or organization.

is as patternless as

Replaces 'random' with 'patternless', stressing the absence of any discernible pattern.

is just as chancy as

Substitutes 'random' with 'chancy', highlighting the element of risk and uncertainty.

is as erratic as

Replaces 'random' with 'erratic', emphasizing irregularity and unpredictability in behavior or movement.

is as hit-or-miss as

Uses 'hit-or-miss' instead of 'random', suggesting success depends entirely on chance.

is equally whimsical as

Replaces 'random' with 'whimsical', indicating the decision is based on impulse, rather than logic.

is as aimless as

Substitutes 'random' with 'aimless', underlining the lack of purpose or direction.

FAQs

How can I use "is as random as" in a sentence?

You can use "is as random as" to compare something to another thing that is unpredictable, for example: "His choice of investments "is as random as" a lottery draw".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "is as random as"?

Similar phrases include "is just as arbitrary as", "is equally unpredictable as", or "is as chaotic as", all of which emphasize a lack of pattern or predictability.

Is "is as random as" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "is as random as" may be too informal for certain types of academic or professional writing. Consider using more precise or technical terms like 'stochastic' or 'unpredictable' in those contexts.

Can "is as random as" be used to describe people?

Yes, "is as random as" can be used to describe people's behavior or choices, implying they act unpredictably or without a clear plan. For example: "Her decisions "is as random as" flipping a coin".