random person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "random person" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an unspecified individual, often in contexts discussing general behavior or opinions. Example: "In a survey, we asked a random person on the street about their thoughts on the new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It's the equivalent of saying you aren't personally responsible for murder if a random person kills someone on your property.

Huffington Post

A random person.

The Guardian

"You always fuss over this or that random person.

The New Yorker

"It was just some random person sitting next to me".

The New York Times - Tech

"We'd picked up a random person who had lost a phone and was missing her husband.

The New Yorker

Occasionally, the man stopped and berated a random person — "You think I'm crazy?

The New Yorker

"Whoever gives the records to the person requesting them shouldn't just be some random person.

The Guardian

Sometimes Eric's observations sounded tinny, like, would he really notice what some random person was wearing?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Try to be an actual, not-random person too, for even better results.

WikiHow

They are very busy, have a lot of deals, and some random person just messages them to connect.

Huffington Post

Be a random person.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "random person" in writing, ensure the context clarifies whether the person is truly randomly selected (e.g. for a survey) or simply unknown and unspecified.

Common error

Avoid using "random person" when you simply mean an unknown or unspecified individual. Ensure the context supports the idea of genuine randomness, such as in a statistical sampling or experimental design. If not, use alternatives like "unspecified individual" or "unknown person."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "random person" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies an individual chosen without a specific method. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "random person" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to an unspecified individual, particularly one selected without a predetermined method. As Ludwig confirms, it's widely used across diverse contexts, especially in news, science, and wiki sources. When using this phrase, ensure the context accurately reflects the idea of randomness. If simple lack of specification is intended, alternatives such as "unspecified individual" or "unknown person" may be more fitting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unspecified individual

Emphasizes the lack of specific identification.

arbitrary individual

Highlights the selection being without a specific reason or plan.

chance acquaintance

Focuses on the accidental nature of the meeting or relationship.

unknown person

Stresses the lack of familiarity with the individual.

ordinary person

Highlights the common or typical nature of the individual.

a passerby

Refers specifically to someone who happens to be passing by a particular location.

somebody or other

Indicates a vague or unimportant person.

any Tom, Dick, or Harry

Implies that the person is completely ordinary and unremarkable.

a John Doe

Used typically in legal contexts to refer to an unidentified male.

a Jane Doe

Used typically in legal contexts to refer to an unidentified female.

FAQs

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

Use "random person" to refer to someone chosen without a specific method or reason. For example: "They selected a "random person" from the audience to participate in the experiment."

What's the difference between "random person" and "average person"?

"Random person" implies a selection without bias, while "average person" refers to someone who exhibits typical characteristics of a population. A "random person" isn't necessarily average, and vice versa.

What can I say instead of "random person"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "unspecified individual", "arbitrary individual", or "unknown person".

Is it always appropriate to use "random person"?

While generally acceptable, "random person" might be informal in highly formal contexts. Consider using "unspecified individual" in academic or professional writing for greater precision.