selected at random

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "selected at random" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a process where items or individuals are chosen without any specific criteria or pattern. Example: "The participants for the study were selected at random to ensure a diverse representation of the population."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Winners will be selected at random.

Independent

From these, 25 were selected at random.

The Guardian

The recipients will be selected at random.

The Washington Post

The daring title was not selected at random.

The New York Times

"A case may be identified or selected at random.

The Guardian - Money

Interviewees were selected at random from 49 villages.

International Health

The winner will be selected at random on Monday 5 November 2007.

The Guardian - Arts

A 1996 copy of dance magazine Mixmag, selected at random, lists clubs in Stamford, Ilkeston, Todmorden.

The Guardian - Music

Two further books were selected at random and read from the desire to know the authors.

The Guardian - Books

Respondents had previously been selected at random and had agreed to be contacted after the debate.

The Guardian

She had six Facebook friends in common with Evens but believes she was selected at random.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a methodology, clearly state that participants or data points were "selected at random" to emphasize the impartiality and validity of your research or process.

Common error

Avoid using "selected at random" when you actually have a systematic, even if complex, selection process. Random selection implies that every element has an equal probability of being chosen.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "selected at random" typically functions as a postpositive adjective modifying a noun. It describes how something was chosen, emphasizing the lack of a specific method or bias. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

44%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "selected at random" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression that signifies a choice made without any specific pattern or bias. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is used across various domains, including science, news, and academia, to convey impartiality and objectivity. While alternatives like "randomly chosen" or "picked by chance" exist, "selected at random" maintains a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a genuinely random selection process to avoid misleading your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chosen arbitrarily

Replaces "selected" with "chosen" and "at random" with "arbitrarily", emphasizing the lack of a deliberate system.

picked by chance

Uses "picked" instead of "selected" and highlights the element of chance in the selection.

randomly chosen

Inverts the order and uses "randomly" as an adverb modifying "chosen".

selected without preference

Emphasizes the absence of bias or favoritism in the selection process.

selected haphazardly

Suggests a lack of organization or planning in the selection.

drawn at random

Uses "drawn" instead of "selected", implying a lottery-like selection.

determined by lottery

Explicitly states that the selection was made through a lottery system.

subject to random selection

Focuses on the process of random selection rather than the act itself.

selected without design

Highlights the absence of any pre-determined plan or intention in the selection.

chosen by lot

Implies the use of lots (small objects) to make a random decision.

FAQs

How can I use "selected at random" in a sentence?

You can use "selected at random" to describe a process where items or individuals are chosen without a specific pattern. For example: "The participants were "selected at random" from a pool of volunteers."

What are some alternatives to "selected at random"?

Alternatives include phrases like "randomly chosen", "picked by chance", or "chosen arbitrarily", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "randomly selected at random"?

Yes, saying "randomly selected at random" is redundant. The phrase "selected at random" already implies a random selection process. Using "randomly selected" or "selected at random" is sufficient.

What does "selected at random" mean in research?

In research, "selected at random" means that each member of a population has an equal chance of being included in a sample. This helps ensure that the sample is representative of the population and reduces bias.