random snippets

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "random snippets" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to brief, disconnected pieces of information or content that are not part of a larger whole. Example: "While browsing the internet, I came across random snippets of information that piqued my interest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Of those individual stories, we hear only random snippets.

The Guardian - Books

On "Esperanza," Chao's economical sound was supplemented with electronic hoots, muted horns, and random snippets of radio broadcasts and conversations, suggesting a recording session that began on a subway platform and ended at a bar.

The New Yorker

There are strong connections between Hymnen and Revolution 9: the intoning of the number nine, recordings of waves of noisy crowds, the calling of magic names – Lennon's and Harrison's magic names are popular ballroom dances, "the Watusi" and "the Twist", along with random snippets probably from a newspaper: "economically viable", "industrial output", "financial imbalance".

The Guardian - Music

If you have ever used the phrase, "I'm no good with names but I remember faces", then you have, perhaps unwittingly, repeated a fundamental truth about human memory: our brains are better at retaining images than they are random snippets of language.

The Guardian

Molière embedded his jabs at the medical profession amid the conventions of commedia dell'arte; the adapters, Christopher Bayes and Steven Epp, have embedded Molière in a gleeful whirligig of song and shtick, blending random snippets of pop culture ("I've fallen and I can't get up!") with classic slapstick routines.

The New York Times

They chose to tear down Van by piecing together random snippets and a few ill-advised statements.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

In order to assess the effect of rate variations of the video stream over time, for each 100-millisecond PHY channel snapshot a new (random) snippet of the respective video stream is used.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Television commercials are avoided or discounted, and no one in this faction bothers to watch the conventions any more (except for a random snippet of Clint Eastwood being made fun of).

Huffington Post

The difference in evolutionary rates between an essential protein-coding gene and a random snippet of junk DNA is not mostly due to MIM costs; it is primarily due to selection for a folded, functional polypeptide.

Biology Direct

Jim DeRogatis from the Chicago Sun-Times observed: :"[E]ven 27 years ago, there was nothing all that original or appealing about an ethnologically-minded mix of various world rhythms and random vocal snippets captured via shortwave radio.

Wikipedia

Through fragments of description, the odd random fact, snippet of conversation, or observation, Thesiger conjured the interleaving layers of a bewitching land.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "random snippets", ensure the context clearly indicates that these pieces are disconnected and lack a cohesive narrative or structure. This helps avoid confusion and accurately conveys the intended meaning.

Common error

Don't assume that because something is composed of "random snippets", it lacks value or importance. "Random snippets" can sometimes reveal deeper insights or patterns when analyzed collectively, even if their individual significance isn't immediately apparent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "random snippets" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used as a direct object or subject complement. It describes the nature of the snippets, emphasizing their lack of order or predictability. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with examples of the phrase appearing in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "random snippets" is a noun phrase used to describe disconnected pieces of information or content. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and functions to convey a sense of disorganization or lack of coherence. Its usage is considered neutral and appropriate for various contexts, including news, media, and scientific writing, although it appears more frequently in the former. While the phrase is not exceedingly common, understanding its meaning and usage can enhance clarity in both writing and comprehension. Consider using alternatives such as "assorted fragments" or "disconnected excerpts" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disconnected excerpts

Substitutes "random" with "disconnected", emphasizing the lack of connection between the pieces, and "snippets" with "excerpts", indicating passages taken from a larger work.

unrelated segments

Substitutes "random" with "unrelated", stressing the absence of a relationship between the pieces, and "snippets" with "segments", denoting distinct parts.

assorted fragments

Replaces "random" with "assorted", implying a collection of varied pieces, and "snippets" with "fragments", suggesting broken or incomplete parts.

arbitrary fragments

Substitutes "random" with "arbitrary", suggesting a decision made without a specific reason, and "snippets" with "fragments", indicating broken parts.

scattered portions

Replaces "random" with "scattered", highlighting the dispersed nature of the pieces, and "snippets" with "portions", referring to parts of a whole.

isolated pieces

Replaces "random" with "isolated", emphasizing the separation of the pieces, and "snippets" with "pieces", a general term for parts.

incidental passages

Replaces "random" with "incidental", emphasizing the unplanned nature, and "snippets" with "passages", indicating sections of text.

haphazard selections

Replaces "random" with "haphazard", highlighting the lack of planning in the selection, and "snippets" with "selections", indicating choices made.

odd segments

Replaces "random" with "odd" denoting something unusual or peculiar, and "snippets" with "segments", indicating distinct parts.

chance bits

Replaces "random" with "chance", implying accidental occurrence, and "snippets" with "bits", a colloquial term for small pieces.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "random snippets" in a sentence?

Use "random snippets" to describe collections of information or pieces of content that are seemingly unrelated and lack a clear connection. For example, "The presentation included "random snippets" of data from various sources."

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "random snippets"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "assorted fragments", "disconnected excerpts", or "scattered portions" to convey a similar meaning. Each of these alternatives provides a slightly different nuance, so choose the one that best fits your intended message.

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

While "random snippets" is generally acceptable, in more formal contexts, consider using more precise alternatives like "unrelated segments" or "arbitrary fragments" to maintain a professional tone.

How does "random snippets" differ from "carefully selected excerpts"?

"Random snippets" implies a lack of intentional selection and connection, whereas "carefully selected excerpts" suggests that the pieces were chosen deliberately for a specific purpose. The key difference lies in the presence or absence of intention and coherence.