random amount

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "random amount" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an unspecified or arbitrary quantity of something. Example: "The donation can be any random amount, as every little bit helps."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

There was also a random amount function that randomized a set amount of money to be unevenly distributed among a group of people.

Forbes

Or the gap can be closed by a random amount, preventing either buyer or seller from knowing for sure how far the other side was prepared to go.

The New York Times

No matter which they moved their eyes to, a few seconds later the monkeys would receive a random amount of water.

The New York Times - Books

The true "dose" present differs from the target level by some random amount; what is known as the Berkson error model.

Journal of Statistical Planning and Inference

Lexie thinks Evan is a loser, which yeah maybe, but he's funny and easy to be around, so if he texts her she usually texts him back, sometimes right away and sometimes after waiting some random amount of time.

The New Yorker

In the poison oracle, as the Azande's version of the criminal trial is known, a chicken is fed some random amount of a vegetable alkaloid: if it dies, the accused is guilty... Chickens are unswayed by racial or ethnic solidarity, cannot be influenced by inflammatory pretrial publicity, don't sign book contracts, and never conceal conflicts of interest.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Some doctors were mixing random amounts of stool and saline solution in blenders.

The New Yorker

There is without doubt a "cheque-cutting" relationship between some African countries, specifically those in the east and north of the continent and in the Gulf, where random amounts of money are handed over in dodgy transactions that are neither aid nor debt.

The Guardian - Opinion

Under a Brownian motion model, where species inherit their traits from ancestors but then slowly diverge by small random amounts and at a constant rate through time, Pagel's λ and Blomberg's K are expected to be equal to 1.

Nature

They are presented with a succession of increasing random amounts of cash.

BBC

All nodes in the model are energy harvesting; they harvest random amounts of energy at random times.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing experimental designs or simulations, use "random amount" to indicate a variable that is intentionally varied without a specific pattern.

Common error

While "random amount" is acceptable, consider more precise terms like "variable quantity" or "arbitrary value" in formal writing to enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "random amount" functions as a noun phrase, where "random" modifies "amount". It's used to describe a quantity that is not fixed, predetermined, or following a specific pattern. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "random amount" is a grammatically sound and generally accepted phrase used to denote an unspecified or arbitrary quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's perfectly acceptable for use in writing. While most common in scientific and news contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse applications. When greater precision is needed, consider alternatives such as "arbitrary quantity" or "variable amount". Be mindful of context and choose the most fitting term to avoid potential ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arbitrary quantity

Emphasizes the lack of a specific reason or system in determining the quantity.

unspecified quantity

Highlights that the quantity is not precisely defined or stated.

variable quantity

Focuses on the potential for the quantity to change or differ.

chance quantity

Implies that the quantity is determined by chance or random processes.

haphazard quantity

Suggests a lack of planning or organization in the determination of the quantity.

unpredictable quantity

Highlights that the quantity cannot be foreseen or anticipated.

undetermined quantity

Indicates that the quantity has not yet been established or decided.

irregular quantity

Focuses on the fact that the amount is not consistent or uniform.

unfixed quantity

Emphasizes that the quantity is not set or permanent.

stochastic amount

Similar meaning, but more technical and statistically oriented.

FAQs

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

You can use "random amount" to describe a quantity that is not fixed or predetermined, such as: "The study participants were given a "random amount" of the supplement".

What are some alternatives to saying "random amount"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "arbitrary quantity", "unspecified quantity", or "variable amount" instead of "random amount".

Is it correct to use "random amount of time"?

Yes, it is correct. You can say someone waited a "random amount of time", meaning the duration was not fixed or predictable.

What's the difference between "random amount" and "arbitrary amount"?

While similar, "random amount" suggests a lack of pattern, while "arbitrary amount" implies a decision made without a specific reason. They are often interchangeable but can have subtle differences in nuance.