on a random basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'on a random basis' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when talking about something that occurs or is done in a haphazard or unpredictable manner. For example: I like to pick music to listen to on a random basis.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some of these records will be audited on a random basis.

The Guardian

We were told that the checkpoints were commonplace and ongoing on a random basis, year round.

The New York Times

Ed will donate 10% of his time to provide these specimens, on a random basis.

The New Yorker

Kavanaugh would allow drug testing on a random basis without a demonstration of individualized suspicion.

The Guardian - Opinion

Police ran the Watson Avenue Special Operation on a random basis, mostly in evening hours.

The Washington Post

At the start of the tournament, teams were drawn on a random basis.

Princeton University

Not long afterwards the UCI began examining machines on a random basis, using a scanner and later a small camera.

The Guardian - Sport

Swimming's world governing body, FINA, said that its out-of-competition tests were conducted on a random basis.

The New York Times - Sports

From hundreds of measurement sites, this system transmitted 300 bits per second on a random basis to a satellite.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

One thing that they could do quickly is adopt a jury service-style group of classroom teachers and school leaders to join inspection teams on a random basis.

The Guardian

But unmediated leaking on a random basis, even of gigabits of purloined documents, cannot ever revolutionise all the world's power relationships.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on a random basis", ensure it accurately reflects the absence of a deliberate selection process. If there's even a slight bias, consider using a more precise phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "on a random basis" when the selection process isn't truly random. For example, if you're selecting participants based on convenience, it's not random, and a phrase like "for convenience" is more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a random basis" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate how an action is performed. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on a random basis" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to describe actions or selections performed without a predictable pattern or specific intention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely employed across various contexts, particularly in science, news media, and formal business settings. While alternatives like ""at random"" or "by chance" exist, "on a random basis" offers a level of formality and emphasis suitable for precise communication. Remember to ensure that true randomness exists when employing this phrase to avoid misrepresentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at random

This alternative is shorter and more concise while conveying the same meaning of unpredictability.

by chance

This alternative emphasizes the role of luck or coincidence in the selection or occurrence.

haphazardly

This alternative highlights the lack of planning or organization in the process.

arbitrarily

This alternative stresses the lack of a rational basis for the action or decision.

without a pattern

This alternative directly states the absence of any predictable sequence or arrangement.

unsystematically

This alternative emphasizes the lack of a structured or methodical approach.

incidentally

This suggests an occurrence that is not planned and not regular.

sporadically

This highlights the infrequent and irregular nature of the occurrences.

by lottery

This alternative refers to selecting items as in a lottery draw.

on an irregular schedule

This means there is no set or repeated timing.

FAQs

How can I use "on a random basis" in a sentence?

You can use "on a random basis" to describe a selection or action performed without any specific pattern or intention. For example, "The audit will be conducted "at random"", meaning choices are made unpredictably.

What are some alternatives to saying "on a random basis"?

Alternatives include phrases like ""at random"", "by chance", or "haphazardly", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "randomly" or "on a random basis"?

Both "randomly" and "on a random basis" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Randomly" is generally more concise, while "on a random basis" might be preferred for emphasis or in more formal contexts.

What does "on a random basis" mean in statistical terms?

In statistics, "on a random basis" implies that each member of a population has an equal chance of being selected. This is crucial for ensuring that samples are representative and that statistical inferences are valid.