on a whim

USAGE SUMMARY

"on a whim" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe an action taken on a sudden impulse. For example, "I decided to go on a holiday to Mexico on a whim."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Just on a whim.

Independent

On a whim, she invited him.

The New York Times

"I applied on a whim," she said.

The New York Times

"They ran it on a whim".

The New York Times

"I went off, really, on a whim".

The New York Times

They spend fortunes on a whim.

The New York Times

On a whim, he accepted.

The Guardian

I entered on a whim.

The New York Times

On a whim, no less.

The New York Times

"We don't ban things on a whim.

The New York Times

On a whim, I stopped in.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a whim" to add a sense of spontaneity and impulsiveness to your writing, making actions seem less calculated and more natural. This phrase is particularly effective in narratives or casual contexts.

Common error

While "on a whim" is a useful phrase, overuse can make characters or situations seem unrealistic or irrational. Vary your language to describe spontaneous actions to maintain a sense of authenticity.

Linguistic Context

The adverbial phrase "on a whim" modifies a verb, adverb, or clause to indicate that an action was performed spontaneously or impulsively. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples of this usage, confirming its role in adding a sense of unplanned action to sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on a whim" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that conveys spontaneity and lack of planning. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across diverse sources, particularly in news and media. While its register is generally neutral, it's essential to use it judiciously to avoid overemphasizing impulsiveness. Alternatives like "spontaneously" or "impulsively" can offer similar meanings. Remember to vary your language to maintain authenticity in writing. The phrase should be used to add color to your writing without being excessive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on impulse

This alternative directly conveys the idea of acting driven by a sudden urge, paralleling "on a whim".

spontaneously

This single word captures the essence of acting without premeditation, similar to "on a whim".

impulsively

This term highlights the lack of forethought involved, mirroring the meaning of "on a whim".

without thinking

This alternative emphasizes the absence of deliberation, much like "on a whim".

on the spur of the moment

This phrase suggests a sudden decision prompted by the immediate situation, akin to "on a whim".

out of the blue

This phrase indicates something unexpected and unplanned, similar to acting "on a whim".

without planning

This emphasizes the lack of a pre-arranged strategy, much like "on a whim".

without forethought

This alternative highlights the absence of prior consideration or planning, similar to "on a whim".

arbitrarily

This term means based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system, similar to "on a whim".

capriciously

This adverb describes acting with sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior, akin to acting "on a whim".

FAQs

How can I use "on a whim" in a sentence?

You can use "on a whim" to describe actions taken without prior planning or consideration. For example, "I decided to travel to Europe "on a whim"."

What are some alternatives to "on a whim"?

Some alternatives include "spontaneously", "impulsively", or "on the spur of the moment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "on a whim" in formal writing?

While "on a whim" is generally acceptable, it's more suited to informal or narrative contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise language to describe the reason for a decision or action.

What does "on a whim" imply about the decision-making process?

"On a whim" suggests that the decision was made quickly and without careful thought. It indicates a lack of planning or deliberation.