quite random

USAGE SUMMARY

"quite random" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe something that is unpredictable or inconsistent, or something that is not based on a specific pattern. For example: "The questions on the test were quite random; I didn't expect any of them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

"His selection of sports was quite random".

The New York Times - Sports

True, spontaneous-seeming but not quite random shouts punctuate performances.

The New York Times - Arts

And group decision-making can be quite random.

The New York Times

Not all RNGs are quite random enough, it now appears.

The Economist

The problem with user-generated content however is that it can be quite random.

The Guardian

"I think men are quite random about their wardrobe," says psychologist Ros Taylor.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

He has taken lately to playing on stage a not-quite random shuffle from the greatest hits of the past 1,000 years: he channels multitudes.

The Guardian - Music

He cut the squash in half, took out the seeds and sliced it into not-quite-random pieces, mostly about 1/4-inch thick.

The New York Times - Food

Winner: David Walliams In keeping with the way that posh people have lately managed to grab back the entirety of British culture, my not-quite-random draw results in a thrilling face-off between two leading representatives of what we might think of as the New Yah (as in, perhaps,  "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Yah").

The Guardian - Books

Unfortunately, it seemed that the roulette wheels were not quite as random as he'd hoped.

The Guardian

It looks like molten gold – just dab it on the lids in quite a random way.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "quite random", ensure the context clearly indicates a lack of predictable pattern or intention. This phrase is best suited for describing events, selections, or distributions that genuinely appear to occur without a discernible system.

Common error

Avoid using "quite random" when there's an underlying but less obvious pattern. This phrase suggests a complete absence of predictability, so using it when some degree of order exists can mislead readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite random" functions as an adverbial modifier, intensifying the adjective "random." It describes the degree to which something lacks pattern or predictability. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite random" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that describes something lacking pattern or predictability. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's important to use it accurately, avoiding overstatement when some degree of order exists. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "rather haphazard" or "somewhat arbitrary". Remember to use "quite random" when you want to emphasize the absence of a discernible system and want the reader to understand that is pure chance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rather haphazard

Replaces "random" with "haphazard", which implies a lack of planning or organization.

somewhat arbitrary

Substitutes "random" with "arbitrary", indicating a decision or action based on chance or personal whim rather than reason.

fairly erratic

Uses "erratic" instead of "random" to convey unpredictable behavior or movement.

moderately unsystematic

Replaces "random" with "unsystematic", suggesting a lack of a fixed plan or method.

kind of chance

Expresses randomness by emphasizing the element of chance or luck.

pretty coincidental

Highlights that the events occurred by chance.

more or less accidental

Describes events happening unintentionally or without advance planning.

slightly unpredictable

Focuses on the lack of ability to foresee or anticipate what will happen.

not very ordered

Emphasizes the absence of structure, sequence or pattern.

generally aimless

Conveys a lack of direction, purpose, or goal.

FAQs

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

You can use "quite random" to describe events or selections that lack a clear pattern or predictability. For example, "The order in which the names were called was "rather haphazard"." or "His choice of ingredients for the dish seemed "somewhat arbitrary"."

What's a good alternative to "quite random"?

Alternatives include phrases like ""rather haphazard"", ""somewhat arbitrary"", or "fairly erratic", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While "quite random" is generally acceptable, for very formal or academic writing, you might consider a more precise term like "moderately unsystematic" or "generally aimless" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

What does "quite random" imply about the subject being described?

Using "quite random" implies that the subject in question lacks any discernible pattern, predictability, or intention. It suggests that the outcome is not influenced by any known factors or system.