random purchases

USAGE SUMMARY

"random purchases" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to any kind of purchase that is made without conscious thought or planning. For example: "Carol made some random purchases while she was out shopping."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

When Darknet Shopper was exhibited in Switzerland last year its random purchases included a pair of fake Nike trainers, counterfeit designer jeans from China and 10 packets of cigarettes from Ukraine.

Independent

On balance, it's unlikely that police will swoop on a south London art gallery this week and apprehend a laptop that will be busy making random purchases from a secretive part of the web known as the Darknet.

Independent

For Autodesk, the acquisition continues a string of seemingly random purchases by its Consumer Products Group.

TechCrunch

My subsequent collection was average at best, pieced together with random purchases and cast-offs from friends, severely lacking many of the classics: no Metroid II or Street Fighter, Kid Dracula or Gargoyle's Quest; Super Mario Land's grander sequel, Six Golden Coins, briefly borrowed and completed; my attention segued to the SNES by the time Pokémon was released.

Vice

Regardless of how much you invest in your trip, do not forget that the random purchases we execute, are the real contribution to the local economy: The bottle of water, the small sculptures or hiring those improvised guides that offer its services to explore the particular place.

Huffington Post

In 2001, NARMS expanded to include sampling of retail meats collected through random purchases from randomly selected groceries.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Here are some random purchase prices showing the tax under the old stamp duty system; the new UK property tax; the draft Scottish system and the revised Scottish system...... Note: Pictures used are for illustrative purposes.

BBC

Pinecones she collected on a walk… a random purchase on the street… a funny postcard.

Huffington Post

A Swiss art group created an automated shopping robot with the purpose of committing random Darknet purchases.

TechCrunch

Since launch I've been shunting a few bucks out of each paycheck into my Simple account for random geeky purchases, but now I'm seriously thinking of ditching my old bank entirely.

TechCrunch

This bias toward G could be simply caused by the quality of the random oligonucleotides purchased from Operon Biotechnologies because a similar bias was observed in different oligonucleotides purchased from the same company (data not shown).

BMC Biotechnology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "random purchases", consider the context. Are you emphasizing the lack of planning, the lack of reason, or the spontaneity of the purchase? Choose synonyms like "impulsive buys" or "unplanned acquisitions" if they better reflect the specific nuance you intend.

Common error

Be mindful of the connotation when using "random purchases". While it often implies a lack of planning, avoid framing it as inherently negative unless that is your intention. Use alternative phrases like "chance acquisitions" if you want to convey a sense of serendipity rather than wastefulness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "random purchases" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "random" modifies the noun "purchases". This construction describes a category of buying activity characterized by a lack of planning or intention. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "random purchases" is a grammatically sound and neutrally-toned way to describe unplanned or arbitrary acquisitions. Ludwig AI confirms this. While it's not exceedingly common, it finds use in a variety of contexts, spanning from News & Media to Science and Wiki content. When employing this phrase, consider whether alternative terms like "impulsive buys" or "unplanned acquisitions" might better suit the precise nuance you wish to convey. Always be mindful of potential negative connotations and strive for clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unpremeditated purchases

Similar to unplanned, stresses the lack of prior thought.

impulsive buys

Focuses on the spur-of-the-moment nature of the buying decision.

unplanned acquisitions

Highlights the lack of prior planning in the purchasing process.

arbitrary spending

Emphasizes the lack of a specific reason or justification for the purchases.

chance acquisitions

Suggests that the purchases were made by happenstance or luck.

sporadic buys

Implies that the purchases occur irregularly and infrequently.

unconsidered purchases

Suggests that purchases were made without considering the consequences.

haphazard acquisitions

Highlights the disorganised or unsystematic approach to buying.

incidental expenditures

Focuses on the purchases being secondary or not the main purpose.

casual spending

Emphasizes the relaxed and informal nature of the purchasing.

FAQs

What does "random purchases" mean?

The phrase "random purchases" refers to buying things without a specific plan or intention. These purchases are often impulsive and not part of a deliberate shopping list.

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

You might say, "She made several "random purchases" while browsing online sales" or "His "random purchases" often lead to clutter around the house."

Are there synonyms for "random purchases"?

Yes, you can use alternative phrases like "impulsive buys", "unplanned acquisitions", or "arbitrary spending" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "random purchases"?

Yes, "random purchases" is a grammatically correct phrase. "Random" is an adjective describing the noun "purchases", and the phrase follows standard English grammar rules.