subject to random

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "subject to random" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts where something is dependent on chance or variability, often in legal, statistical, or procedural discussions. Example: "The results of the experiment are subject to random variation, which may affect the overall conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Passengers' luggage is subject to random searches.

The New York Times

But to be subject to random searches on the subway?

The New York Times

Watercraft will be subject to random boarding, he said.

The New York Times

N.C.A.A. athletes are subject to random drug testing.

The New York Times - Sports

The assembly stations are subject to random breakdowns and repairs.

European Journal of Operational Research

There have been a few cases when Mr X's enterprise was subject to random inspections.

The Guardian

All UFC athletes are now subject to random testing, every day of the year.

The Guardian - Sport

Problem was, airmen are subject to random drug searches at all times.

The Guardian - Film

All organisms are subject to random mutations; evolution then selects for those mutations that are beneficial.

Princeton University

He added that PreCheck users were subject to random full-scale inspections.

The New York Times

Fatigue failures of components subject to random stress histories with bi-modal spectral densities are investigated.

International Journal of Fatigue

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "subject to random", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being affected by randomness. Be specific about the process or variable that is subject to this randomness.

Common error

Avoid using "subject to random" in overly general statements where the element of randomness is not clearly defined. Instead of saying 'The project is subject to random delays', specify the source of the randomness, such as 'The project is subject to random delays due to unforeseen weather conditions'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "subject to random" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, indicating that the noun is vulnerable to or influenced by random occurrences. Ludwig AI shows that this construction is commonly used in diverse contexts to express the idea of something being affected by chance or unpredictability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "subject to random" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to express that something is prone to or influenced by chance events. Ludwig AI analysis confirms it is grammatically correct and very common, appearing in various contexts, including science, news, and business. Its function is to denote susceptibility to unpredictable factors, and its register varies based on the source, ranging from formal to neutral. When using this phrase, clarity is key, and vague statements should be avoided. While several alternatives exist, such as "liable to chance" or "prone to unpredictability", "subject to random" remains a standard and widely understood expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

liable to chance

Replaces "subject to" with "liable to", emphasizing the potential for something to occur by chance.

prone to unpredictability

Focuses on the unpredictability aspect, suggesting a tendency towards random outcomes.

open to variability

Highlights the potential for variation or fluctuation.

at the mercy of randomness

Emphasizes the lack of control and the influence of chance.

dependent on stochasticity

Uses the technical term "stochasticity" to refer to randomness, suitable for scientific contexts.

contingent on chance events

Highlights the dependence on events that occur by chance.

governed by chance

Indicates that the outcome is determined by chance rather than a specific rule.

exposed to haphazardness

Suggests exposure to a lack of planning or organization.

susceptible to arbitrariness

Highlights the possibility of decisions or outcomes being based on random choice or personal whim.

vulnerable to unpredictability

Emphasizes the susceptibility to outcomes that are impossible to foresee.

FAQs

How is the phrase "subject to random" used in a sentence?

The phrase "subject to random" indicates that something is liable to be affected by chance or unpredictable factors. For example, "Passengers' luggage is "subject to random" searches at the airport".

What are some alternatives to saying "subject to random"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "liable to chance", "prone to unpredictability", or "dependent on stochasticity".

Is it correct to say something is "subject to randomness"?

While grammatically correct, "subject to randomness" is less common than ""subject to random"". The latter is generally preferred for its conciseness and established usage.

What does it mean when something is described as "subject to random error"?

It means that there's an inherent variability in the measurement or process, leading to unpredictable deviations from the true value. For instance, "All surveys are "subject to random" error".