pretty random

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pretty random" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that seems arbitrary or without a clear pattern or reason. Example: "The selection of songs at the party was pretty random, ranging from classical to heavy metal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

It's pretty random when you think about it".

The Guardian - Sport

"Some pretty random stuff: sometimes it's tactics, sometimes it's life," Watson said.

The Guardian - Sport

Some of this, to be sure, happened before on a pretty random basis.

The Guardian

I think the draft up to this point has been pretty random.

The New York Times - Sports

A lot of how-we-met stories are pretty random, and the initial spark of attraction works in inexplicable ways.

The Guardian - Opinion

What drew you to this particular narrative?_ My choices were pretty random.... No, that's not quite it...

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

The Spongebob Movie gets a sequel – opening in a pretty random-looking set of locales – to the 2004 film that grossed a passable $140m.

The Guardian - Film

However, both these effect (the route not being controllable and the emergence of unanticipated solutions) can already be observed in a toy example like Example 2. Indeed, the actual path leading to the word YES is pretty much random and uncontrollable; we know that we will eventually obtain the word YES but we do not know for instance which of these three letters will be fixed first.

Biology and Philosophy

The configurations produced by members of Class3 are pretty much random-looking, although some regular patterns and structures may be present.

SEP

That is, in the end, it's pretty much all random anyway.

The New York Times

Each city, or node, was connected pretty much at random to others in the network of American cities.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pretty random" to describe selections, choices, or events that lack a discernible pattern or logical connection. This adds a touch of informality and acknowledges the unexpected nature of the situation.

Common error

While "pretty random" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing it in formal writing or professional settings. Opt for alternatives like "arbitrary" or "unpredictable" to maintain a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pretty random" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes something as being somewhat arbitrary, unexpected, or lacking a clear pattern. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

11%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pretty random" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that lacks a clear pattern or predictability. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely used and understood. While suitable for many contexts, it's important to consider the register; more formal settings may benefit from alternatives like "arbitrary" or "unpredictable". Predominantly found in News & Media sources, the phrase serves to convey a sense of chance or lack of discernible order. Remember to be mindful of context to ensure the most effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fairly arbitrary

This alternative focuses on the lack of a logical reason or system behind something, emphasizing its arbitrariness.

somewhat haphazard

Highlights the lack of planning or organization, making the outcome uncertain and dependent on chance.

rather unpredictable

Emphasizes the inability to foresee or anticipate the outcome, stressing the element of surprise.

quite coincidental

This phrase points out the unexpected occurrence of events happening together by chance.

relatively erratic

Describes inconsistent, irregular, and unpredictable behavior or patterns.

largely incidental

Implies something is secondary or not essential, happening as a minor consequence.

mostly fortuitous

This alternative puts focus on something that happens by a lucky chance.

slightly capricious

Indicates impulsiveness and unpredictability, suggesting decisions are made on a whim.

genuinely accidental

This alternative highlights an unexpected and unintended event.

kind of casual

Focuses on lack of importance, the nonchalance and the informality that the events may involve.

FAQs

How can I use "pretty random" in a sentence?

You can use "pretty random" to describe something lacking a clear pattern or reason. For example: "The selection of songs at the party was "pretty random", ranging from classical to heavy metal."

What can I say instead of "pretty random"?

You can use alternatives like "fairly arbitrary", "somewhat haphazard", or "rather unpredictable" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "pretty random" in formal writing?

While "pretty random" is generally acceptable, it's often better to use more formal alternatives like "arbitrary" or "unpredictable" in academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "pretty random" and "completely random"?

"Pretty random" suggests a moderate degree of randomness, whereas "completely random" indicates the highest possible degree of unpredictability and lack of pattern.