random chance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "random chance" is perfectly correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a situation or event that occurs unexpectedly without any cause or particular reason. For example: "The success of his business was largely due to luck and random chance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's all random chance.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Maybe it's random chance.

The New York Times

"This was not just random chance".

The New York Times - Health

Or it could simply be due to random chance.

The Guardian

Don't just leave it up to random chance.

The Guardian - Travel

"It's random chance, nothing to do with your skill level".

The New York Times

Mr. Fidalgo said the group objected to random chance as the decider of election outcomes.

The New York Times

"Over that length of time, the market-beating performance is beyond random chance," Mr. Hulbert said.

The New York Times

Biologists often point out that evolution does not proceed through random chance.

The New York Times - Science

"It's incredibly difficult to differentiate these effects from random chance," Horvath told me.

The New Yorker

"There's no scientific evidence that dowsing is more effective than random chance".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "random chance" when you want to emphasize the lack of predictability or control in an event or outcome. It's particularly suitable in contexts where statistical significance or scientific validity is being discussed.

Common error

While "random chance" is grammatically correct, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation where simpler terms like "luck" or "coincidence" might be more appropriate. Overusing it can make your speech sound overly formal or academic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "random chance" functions primarily as a noun phrase. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe events or outcomes that occur without any predictable pattern or intention. Examples show its usage in both scientific and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "random chance" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term to describe events that happen without a predictable pattern or known cause. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across various domains. It's prevalent in news, media, and scientific contexts, indicating its suitability for both general and technical discussions. While alternatives like "luck" or "coincidence" exist, "random chance" is particularly useful when discussing statistical significance or scientific analysis. Remember to use it when you aim to emphasize the lack of predictability in an event, but be mindful of overuse in informal conversations to maintain a natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blind luck

Emphasizes the role of luck without any skill or planning.

pure luck

Highlights the unadulterated nature of luck, devoid of any influence.

sheer luck

Focuses on luck being the only factor involved.

mere chance

Downplays the significance of the event, attributing it solely to chance.

happenstance

Highlights the accidental nature of the event.

coincidence

Emphasizes the simultaneous occurrence of events without a clear causal link.

accident

Points to an unintentional and unexpected event.

fluke

Suggests an improbable and unexpected occurrence.

arbitrary selection

Underlines a selection process based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reasoned system.

fortuitous event

Emphasizes the fortunate or lucky nature of an unexpected event.

FAQs

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

You can use "random chance" to describe events that happen without any apparent cause or predictability. For example: "The success of the experiment was attributed to "random chance"."

What are some alternatives to "random chance"?

Alternatives include "blind luck", "mere chance", or "coincidence". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "due to random chance"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "due to random chance". It indicates that something happened because of unpredictable and uncontrollable factors.

What's the difference between "random chance" and "fate"?

"Random chance" implies a lack of predictability and control, while "fate" suggests a predetermined course of events. Choosing between them depends on whether you believe in predetermination or not.