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B2 noun #3,000 most common 12 min read

random

Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips random in 30 Seconds

Explanation random in your Level:

At the A1 level, we mostly use 'random' as a way to say 'no plan.' Imagine you have a bag of colorful candies. If you close your eyes and take one without looking, you are taking a candy 'at random.' You did not pick the red one or the blue one on purpose. It was just chance! We use the phrase 'at random' to describe this. For example: 'I picked a book at random.' This means I did not look at the title; I just took any book. It is a simple way to talk about making a choice when you don't care which one you get. You might hear this in games, like when you roll a dice. The number you get is 'at random.' You can't control it! At this level, just remember the phrase 'at random' and use it when there is no special reason for a choice. Don't worry about the big science words yet. Just think of it as 'any one is okay.'

At the A2 level, you can start using 'at random' to describe actions more clearly. It is a very useful phrase when you are talking about hobbies or daily life. For instance, if you are listening to music and you press the 'shuffle' button, the songs play 'at random.' This means the phone decides the order, not you. You can also use it when you are shopping. 'I didn't have a list, so I just put things in my basket at random.' This tells the listener that you were not organized. Another common use is in simple school activities. 'The teacher called on students at random.' This means every student had the same chance to answer. It wasn't because they were good or bad; it was just luck. Remember to always use the word 'at' before 'random' when you use it this way. It helps your English sound more natural and correct.

By the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'at random' in both speech and writing to explain how things happen without a set pattern. It becomes important in more detailed descriptions. For example, if you are describing a scientific experiment in class, you might say, 'We selected ten plants at random for the test.' This shows that your experiment was fair. In B1, you might also start to notice the word 'random' being used to describe people you don't know, although this is very informal. If a stranger starts talking to you on the bus, you might tell a friend later, 'Some random started talking to me.' Here, 'random' is a noun meaning 'an unknown person.' However, be careful! This is slang. In your school essays, stick to the phrase 'at random' to describe a lack of pattern. You should also be careful not to say 'by random,' which is a common mistake at this level. Always use 'at.'

At the B2 level, you are expected to understand the nuance of 'random' as a noun in various registers. You should know that 'at random' is an idiomatic prepositional phrase that functions adverbially. It is essential for discussing statistics, research methodologies, and logical processes. For example, 'The survey used a sample of 500 households chosen at random to ensure a representative cross-section of the population.' You should also be aware of the social implications of the informal noun usage. Calling someone 'a random' can be slightly dismissive, suggesting they are an outsider or don't belong. At B2, you should be able to distinguish between 'at random' (lack of pattern) and 'arbitrarily' (based on whim). You should also be able to use the word in more complex grammatical structures, such as using it as a parenthetical phrase: 'The names, though drawn at random, happened to be all from the same department.' This shows a high level of control over the language and its idiomatic nuances.

At the C1 level, your use of 'random' as a noun should be precise and context-aware. You should understand its historical roots—coming from the idea of a 'gallop' or 'force'—and how that informs its current meaning of 'uncontrolled' or 'unpatterned.' You will encounter 'at random' in sophisticated literature and academic journals. In these contexts, it often contrasts with 'determinism' or 'intentionality.' For example, 'The artist allowed the paint to drip at random, embracing the role of chance in the creative process.' You should also be familiar with technical variations like 'pseudo-random' in computer science or 'stochastic' in mathematics. Furthermore, you should understand the sociolinguistic function of the slang noun 'random.' It often functions as a 'social marker,' defining who is in a group and who is out. A C1 learner can navigate these shifts effortlessly, using 'at random' in a formal report and 'a bunch of randoms' when chatting with friends about an online game, all while maintaining perfect grammatical accuracy with prepositions and articles.

At the C2 level, you possess a masterly command of the noun 'random.' you recognize its use in idiomatic expressions beyond the standard 'at random,' such as the slightly archaic 'at all randoms' (meaning in any case). You can analyze the word's function in complex philosophical or scientific discourse, where 'randomness' (the abstract noun) and 'at random' (the state) are central to discussions about entropy, quantum mechanics, or the nature of reality. You understand the subtle rhythmic and stylistic reasons for choosing 'at random' over the adverb 'randomly' in a piece of prose. Your use of the slang noun 'random' is perfectly calibrated to the social environment, and you might even use it ironically or for stylistic effect. You are also aware of the word's evolution in the digital age, where 'random' has become a defining characteristic of internet humor and subcultures. At this level, the word is not just a tool for communication but a nuanced instrument for expressing complex ideas about order, chaos, and social identity.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

random in 30 Seconds

Primarily used in the fixed phrase 'at random' to describe actions done without a pattern, plan, or specific selection criteria.
Functions as an informal countable noun (singular: a random, plural: randoms) to describe unknown people, especially in gaming and social media.
Essential for scientific and statistical contexts to denote equal probability and the absence of bias in sampling or selection.
Originated from an Old French word meaning 'force' or 'speed,' evolving over centuries into its current meaning of haphazardness.

The word random, when functioning as a noun, is a fascinating linguistic specimen that primarily exists within the fixed prepositional phrase 'at random.' In this capacity, it describes a state where events, objects, or people are chosen or occur without any conscious decision, definitive plan, or predictable pattern. Historically, the noun referred to a state of great speed or force—a meaning that has largely faded, leaving us with the modern focus on haphazardness and statistical unpredictability. In contemporary English, particularly in casual or digital registers, 'random' has undergone a 'functional shift,' becoming a countable noun used to describe an unknown or unexpected person. This usage is common in social media and gaming contexts, where 'a random' refers to a participant who is not part of a known group or social circle.

Statistical Context: In scientific research, choosing subjects 'at random' is the gold standard for ensuring that every member of a population has an equal chance of being selected, thereby eliminating selection bias and improving the validity of the study's conclusions.

The computer generated a list of numbers at random to ensure the security of the encryption key.

Social Context (Slang): When used as a countable noun, 'a random' often implies that the person is an outsider. For example, 'I was playing an online match and got paired with a bunch of randoms,' indicates that the teammates were unknown to the speaker.

We were trying to have a private conversation at the cafe, but some random kept trying to join in.

The versatility of 'random' as a noun allows it to bridge the gap between high-level mathematics and low-level street slang. In the world of probability, the 'random' is a concept of pure entropy. In the world of high school hallways, 'a random' is someone who doesn't belong to the 'in-crowd.' This duality makes it an essential word for B2 learners to master, as it requires an understanding of both formal idiomatic structures and informal social nuances. Whether you are discussing the distribution of seeds in a field or the strangers you met at a concert, the noun 'random' provides the necessary vocabulary to describe the lack of a pre-determined order or relationship. Its use signifies a level of fluency that moves beyond simple adjectives into the realm of complex idiomatic English.

The survey participants were picked at random from the national database.

Historical Evolution: The phrase 'at random' comes from the Old French 'au randon,' which meant 'at great speed.' Over centuries, the idea of speed evolved into the idea of lack of control, which eventually became the modern meaning of lack of purpose or pattern.

The arrows were fired at random into the enemy ranks.

The names were drawn at random from a hat.

Using 'random' as a noun requires careful attention to the surrounding prepositions and articles. The most frequent construction is at random, which functions as an adverbial phrase within the sentence. It typically follows a verb that involves selection, movement, or occurrence. For example, 'The winner was chosen at random' or 'The particles moved at random.' In these cases, 'random' serves as the object of the preposition 'at,' representing a state of non-order. It is a common mistake for learners to say 'by random' or 'in random,' both of which are incorrect in standard English. The phrase 'at random' is a fixed idiom that must be learned as a single unit of meaning.

Placement in Sentence: The phrase 'at random' usually appears at the end of a clause to provide detail about the manner in which an action was performed. However, it can also appear in the middle of a sentence for emphasis, such as 'The selection, made at random, surprised everyone.'

She opened the book and began reading at random.

Countable Usage: When using 'random' to refer to a person, it functions like a standard countable noun. It can be singular ('a random') or plural ('randoms'). This usage is almost always informal and should be avoided in academic or professional settings.

Don't just invite any random from the street to our party!

In more complex sentences, 'at random' can be used to contrast with intentionality. For instance, 'The samples were not selected based on merit, but at random.' This helps clarify the methodology in scientific or logical arguments. Furthermore, when 'random' is used as a countable noun in the plural, it often takes the definite article 'the' if referring to a specific group of unknown people, such as 'The randoms in the lobby were making a lot of noise.' Understanding these subtle shifts in article usage and prepositional pairing is key to using 'random' naturally in both speech and writing. Learners should practice converting adjective forms (e.g., 'a random choice') into noun forms (e.g., 'chosen at random') to gain flexibility in their expression.

The computer selects a different background image at random every time you log in.

Common Verb Pairings: Common verbs that precede 'at random' include: pick, choose, select, assign, distribute, fire, and move. Each of these implies a process that could be organized but is instead left to chance.

The questions for the exam were pulled at random from a large question bank.

The security guard checked the bags of passengers at random.

You will encounter 'random' as a noun in a variety of environments, ranging from the sterile atmosphere of a laboratory to the chaotic chatter of a gaming headset. In academic settings, particularly in mathematics, statistics, and the sciences, 'at random' is a ubiquitous phrase. It is used to describe the methodology of experiments, the behavior of subatomic particles, or the distribution of variables. If you are listening to a lecture on probability, the professor will inevitably discuss selecting points 'at random' on a plane. In these contexts, the word carries a weight of precision and objectivity, signifying the absence of human interference or bias.

In the Media: News reports often use 'at random' when describing unpredictable events, such as 'The victims appeared to have been chosen at random.' This emphasizes the lack of a motive or connection between the perpetrator and the subjects.

The lottery numbers are drawn at random on live television every Wednesday.

Internet and Gaming Culture: On platforms like Twitch, Discord, or Reddit, you will frequently hear 'random' used as a noun to refer to unknown players. A gamer might say, 'I hate playing with randoms because they never communicate,' referring to teammates assigned by the game's matchmaking system.

Why did some random just message me on Instagram asking for money?

In everyday conversation, 'at random' is used to describe small, inconsequential choices. You might hear a friend say, 'I just picked a restaurant at random from the app.' This usage is less formal than the scientific one but follows the same grammatical structure. Meanwhile, the slang usage of 'a random' is common among teenagers and young adults. It is often used to describe someone who appears in a social situation without an invitation or prior connection. For example, 'There was a random at the party who started doing magic tricks.' This highlights the word's role in social boundary-setting. Being aware of these different 'soundscapes'—from the statistical to the social—will help you recognize and use the noun 'random' appropriately in any situation.

The police were stopping cars at random to check for valid registration.

Literature and Poetry: Authors use 'at random' to describe a character's lack of direction or mental state. A character might 'wander at random through the streets of Paris' to show they are lost or deep in thought.

She pointed at random to a spot on the map and decided that was where they would go.

The computer virus seemed to delete files at random.

One of the most frequent errors English learners make with the noun 'random' involves the choice of preposition. Because many languages use different prepositions to express chance (like 'by' in 'by chance'), students often mistakenly say 'by random' or 'in random.' In English, the phrase is strictly 'at random.' Using any other preposition sounds unnatural and is grammatically incorrect. Another common mistake is including an article in the phrase, such as 'at a random' or 'at the random.' While 'random' is a noun here, it is part of a fixed idiomatic expression that does not take an article when used to mean 'without a pattern.'

Adjective vs. Noun Confusion: Learners often confuse 'random' (the adjective) with 'at random' (the noun phrase). You can say 'a random choice' (adjective) or 'chosen at random' (noun phrase), but you cannot say 'the choice was at random' as easily as 'the choice was random.'

Incorrect: I picked a card by random. Correct: I picked a card at random.

Misusing the Slang Noun: Using 'a random' in a formal business meeting or an academic essay is a significant register error. It can sound disrespectful or overly casual. Stick to 'an unknown person' or 'an unidentified individual' in professional contexts.

Incorrect for formal: We interviewed a random on the street. Correct: We interviewed a passerby at random.

Furthermore, some learners over-apply the word 'random' to mean 'weird' or 'strange' in situations where it doesn't fit. While 'random' can imply something unexpected, it specifically refers to a lack of pattern or connection. If someone is acting strangely but their behavior is consistent, 'random' might not be the best noun or adjective to use. In the noun form 'at random,' the focus must always be on the lack of selection criteria. If there was any criteria involved, 'at random' is the wrong phrase. For instance, if you chose the tallest person, you didn't choose 'at random,' even if you didn't know them. Precision in these distinctions marks the difference between a B1 and a B2 level of English proficiency.

Incorrect: The computer chose the best file at random. Correct: The computer chose a file at random.

Spelling and Pronunciation: Learners sometimes misspell 'random' as 'randome' or 'randon.' Additionally, ensure you don't over-pronounce the 'm' at the end; it should be a clean nasal closure.

The search was conducted at random to avoid accusations of profiling.

Don't just group the students at random; consider their skill levels.

When you want to express the idea of something happening without a pattern, 'at random' is your go-to phrase, but there are several alternatives depending on the context. The most direct synonym is the adverb randomly. While 'at random' is a noun phrase acting as an adverb, 'randomly' is a pure adverb. In many cases, they are interchangeable: 'The names were chosen at random' vs. 'The names were chosen randomly.' However, 'at random' often feels slightly more formal or technical. Another alternative is by chance, though this implies a stroke of luck or an accidental occurrence rather than a systematic lack of pattern.

At Random vs. Arbitrarily: 'Arbitrarily' suggests a choice made based on individual whim or without a specific reason, but it doesn't necessarily mean there was no pattern. 'At random' specifically implies a lack of selection criteria.

The judge's decision seemed arbitrary, but it wasn't made at random.

At Random vs. Haphazardly: 'Haphazardly' has a negative connotation, suggesting carelessness or lack of organization. 'At random' is neutral and can even be a positive, controlled scientific method.

The books were piled haphazardly on the floor, not placed at random for a purpose.

In technical or mathematical contexts, you might hear the phrase stochastically. This is a highly formal academic term used in fields like physics or economics to describe systems that evolve according to random variables. While you wouldn't use this in a casual conversation about picking a movie, it is the professional equivalent of 'at random' in high-level research. Another phrase, willy-nilly, is an informal way to say something is happening without a plan or whether one likes it or not. It is much more colorful than 'at random' but carries a sense of chaos. Understanding these nuances allows you to choose the exact word that fits your intended tone and context, moving your English from functional to expressive.

The particles fluctuate stochastically over time.

At Random vs. Aimlessly: 'Aimlessly' is used specifically for movement or thought that lacks a goal. You might walk aimlessly, which essentially means you are moving at random without a destination.

He wandered aimlessly through the park, turning at random whenever he reached a fork in the path.

The selection was not truly at random because the algorithm had a bias toward newer files.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The modern meaning of 'without a pattern' didn't become common until the 16th century. Before that, if you were doing something 'at random,' you were just doing it very fast and with a lot of force!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈrændəm/

US /ˈrændəm/

The primary stress is on the first syllable: RAN-dom.

Rhymes With

fathom tandem phantom bantam quantum stratum datum venom

Common Errors

Pronouncing the second syllable like 'doom' (/ˈrænduːm/). It should be a short schwa sound.
Adding an extra 'e' sound at the end (/ˈrændəmi/).
Failing to pronounce the 'd' clearly.
Over-nasalizing the 'a' so it sounds like 'rain'.
Swapping the 'n' and 'm' sounds.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The phrase 'at random' is common and easy to recognize in text.

Writing 4/5

Learners often struggle with the correct preposition ('at') and over-using the slang form.

Speaking 3/5

Natural usage of the slang form requires a good understanding of social context.

Listening 2/5

The phrase is usually clearly articulated in formal contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

chance choose pattern luck stranger

Learn Next

arbitrary stochastic entropy deterministic haphazard

Advanced

probability distribution cryptographically secure sociolinguistic marker functional shift prepositional object

Grammar to Know

Prepositional Phrases as Adverbs

The phrase 'at random' functions as an adverb, modifying the verb 'chosen'.

Zero Article with Idioms

In 'at random,' we do not use 'a' or 'the' because it is a fixed idiomatic phrase.

Functional Shift (Conversion)

The word 'random' shifted from an adjective to a noun in slang contexts.

Countable vs. Uncountable Nouns

'Random' is uncountable in 'at random' but countable when referring to a person.

Passive Voice with Adverbial Phrases

The winner was (passive) chosen (verb) at random (phrase).

Examples by Level

I picked a card at random.

J'ai choisi une carte au hasard.

Use 'at random' to mean without a plan.

The teacher chose a name at random.

Le professeur a choisi un nom au hasard.

'At random' follows the verb 'chose'.

We played the songs at random.

Nous avons joué les chansons au hasard.

No article is needed before 'random'.

Open the book at random.

Ouvrez le livre au hasard.

This is a common command in games.

The balls come out at random.

Les boules sortent au hasard.

Describes a continuous action.

Choose a color at random.

Choisissez une couleur au hasard.

Imperative sentence structure.

He pointed at the map at random.

Il a pointé la carte au hasard.

Note the two 'at's - one for pointing, one for the phrase.

The numbers appear at random.

Les chiffres apparaissent au hasard.

Subject-verb-phrase order.

The computer picks a winner at random.

L'ordinateur choisit un gagnant au hasard.

Present simple for a regular process.

I just bought some fruit at random.

J'ai juste acheté des fruits au hasard.

'At random' describes the shopping method.

The questions are asked at random.

Les questions sont posées au hasard.

Passive voice construction.

Don't just click at random!

Ne cliquez pas au hasard !

Negative imperative.

The rain drops fell at random on the glass.

Les gouttes de pluie tombaient au hasard sur la vitre.

Poetic use of the phrase.

We selected five people at random for the survey.

Nous avons sélectionné cinq personnes au hasard pour le sondage.

Past simple for a completed action.

The prize is given at random.

Le prix est donné au hasard.

Passive present simple.

She likes to walk at random through the city.

Elle aime se promener au hasard dans la ville.

Infinitive 'to walk' followed by the phrase.

The samples were chosen at random to avoid bias.

Les échantillons ont été choisis au hasard pour éviter les biais.

Uses 'at random' in a scientific context.

I didn't know anyone there; they were all randoms.

Je ne connaissais personne là-bas ; c'étaient tous des inconnus.

Informal plural noun usage.

The security check was performed at random.

Le contrôle de sécurité a été effectué au hasard.

Formal passive construction.

He started shouting at random in the middle of the street.

Il a commencé à crier au hasard au milieu de la rue.

Describes unpredictable behavior.

The files were distributed at random across the hard drive.

Les fichiers étaient répartis au hasard sur le disque dur.

Describes physical or digital distribution.

Is he a friend of yours, or just some random?

C'est un de tes amis, ou juste un inconnu ?

Informal singular noun usage.

The dots on the screen move at random.

Les points sur l'écran bougent au hasard.

Describes motion without a pattern.

I found this old photo at random in a box.

J'ai trouvé cette vieille photo au hasard dans une boîte.

Describes an accidental discovery.

The selection of jury members is done at random.

La sélection des membres du jury se fait au hasard.

Formal legal context.

The algorithm generates a key at random for each session.

L'algorithme génère une clé au hasard pour chaque session.

Technical/Computing context.

I don't want to play with randoms; let's wait for our friends.

Je ne veux pas jouer avec des inconnus ; attendons nos amis.

Common gaming slang usage.

The shots were fired at random into the crowd.

Les coups de feu ont été tirés au hasard dans la foule.

Used in serious news reporting.

The mutations occur at random during DNA replication.

Les mutations se produisent au hasard lors de la réplication de l'ADN.

Biological/Scientific context.

The survey results were skewed because the participants weren't chosen at random.

Les résultats du sondage étaient faussés parce que les participants n'avaient pas été choisis au hasard.

Complex sentence with a reason clause.

He picked a book at random and happened to find a hundred-dollar bill.

Il a pris un livre au hasard et il est tombé sur un billet de cent dollars.

Coordinating two actions.

The molecules collide at random, creating heat.

Les molécules s'entrechoquent au hasard, créant de la chaleur.

Scientific explanation.

The internal audit selected several accounts at random for review.

L'audit interne a sélectionné plusieurs comptes au hasard pour examen.

Professional/Business context.

The protagonist's life was changed by a series of events occurring at random.

La vie du protagoniste a été changée par une série d'événements se produisant au hasard.

Literary analysis context.

We can't just leave the outcome to a random; we need a strategy.

On ne peut pas laisser le résultat au hasard ; nous avons besoin d'une stratégie.

Using 'random' as a noun representing the concept of chance.

The radiation levels fluctuate at random, making it hard to predict.

Les niveaux de radiation fluctuent au hasard, ce qui les rend difficiles à prévoir.

Technical/Scientific context.

The artist's work explores the tension between order and things left at random.

Le travail de l'artiste explore la tension entre l'ordre et les choses laissées au hasard.

Art criticism context.

The internet is full of randoms who think they are experts on everything.

Internet est plein d'inconnus qui pensent être experts en tout.

Social commentary/Slang.

In a truly democratic process, the order of speakers should be determined at random.

Dans un processus vraiment démocratique, l'ordre des orateurs devrait être déterminé au hasard.

Political/Formal context.

The search was not conducted at random, despite what the officials claimed.

La fouille n'a pas été menée au hasard, malgré ce que les officiels ont affirmé.

Critical/Formal tone.

The cosmic background radiation is distributed almost perfectly at random.

Le fond diffus cosmétique est réparti presque parfaitement au hasard.

Astrophysics context.

He possesses a peculiar habit of quoting obscure poets at random.

Il a l'habitude particulière de citer des poètes obscurs au hasard.

Sophisticated character description.

The sheer entropy of the system ensures that particles move at random.

L'entropie pure du système garantit que les particules se déplacent au hasard.

Scientific/Philosophical context.

To leave such a critical decision to a random would be professional negligence.

Laisser une décision aussi critique au hasard serait une négligence professionnelle.

Using 'random' as a conceptual noun.

The beauty of the garden lies in its appearance of having grown at random.

La beauté du jardin réside dans son apparence d'avoir poussé au hasard.

Aesthetic analysis.

The text was generated by an AI selecting words at random from a database.

Le texte a été généré par une IA sélectionnant des mots au hasard dans une base de données.

Modern technology context.

She felt like a random in her own family, disconnected and ignored.

Elle se sentait comme une étrangère dans sa propre famille, déconnectée et ignorée.

Metaphorical use of the slang noun.

The study suggests that wealth is often distributed at random rather than by merit.

L'étude suggère que la richesse est souvent répartie au hasard plutôt que par le mérite.

Socio-economic analysis.

Synonyms

chance haphazard accident fortuity indiscrimination

Antonyms

order design purpose

Common Collocations

choose at random

pick at random

select at random

assign at random

occur at random

distribute at random

scatter at random

fire at random

point at random

move at random

Common Phrases

at random

— Without a specific pattern or plan. This is the most common use of the noun.

The names were drawn at random.

a total random

— A person who is completely unknown to the speaker or group. Very informal.

Why is there a total random in our group chat?

some random

— An unidentified person, often used with a slightly negative tone.

Some random just walked into the office.

picked at random

— Selected without any specific criteria.

The test subjects were picked at random.

chosen at random

— Similar to picked at random, but often used in more formal settings.

The winner was chosen at random by a computer program.

selected at random

— The most formal way to describe a random choice.

The samples were selected at random for analysis.

firing at random

— Shooting without aiming at a specific target.

The soldiers were firing at random into the dark.

wandering at random

— Walking without a specific destination or path.

They spent the afternoon wandering at random through the old town.

scattered at random

— Placed in various locations without a pattern.

Rocks were scattered at random along the shoreline.

distributed at random

— Given out or spread out without a plan.

The prizes were distributed at random among the participants.

Often Confused With

random vs randomly

This is an adverb. 'At random' is a noun phrase used as an adverb. They mean the same thing, but 'at random' is a fixed idiom.

random vs arbitrarily

This means based on a whim. 'At random' means based on chance with no criteria.

random vs haphazardly

This implies messiness or lack of care, while 'at random' can be a careful, scientific method.

Idioms & Expressions

"at random"

— Without a definite aim, purpose, or reason.

She opened the book and began reading at random.

neutral

"a random act of kindness"

— A selfless act performed by a person wishing to either assist or cheer up a stranger.

He decided to perform one random act of kindness every day.

neutral

"randomly assigned"

— In research, when subjects are put into groups using a chance procedure.

The patients were randomly assigned to either the drug or the placebo group.

academic

"a bunch of randoms"

— A group of unknown people, often used in gaming to describe teammates you don't know.

I don't want to play with a bunch of randoms; let's invite our friends.

slang

"totally random"

— Something very unexpected or out of place.

It was totally random that we saw him at the concert.

informal

"random walk"

— A mathematical term for a path that consists of a succession of random steps.

The stock market is often compared to a random walk.

academic

"random sampling"

— A technique where each member of a population has an equal chance of being selected.

The survey used random sampling to get accurate results.

academic

"at all randoms"

— An archaic phrase meaning in any case or whatever happens.

I will go, at all randoms.

archaic

"random variable"

— A variable whose value is subject to variations due to chance.

The height of a person picked at random is a random variable.

academic

"random access"

— The ability to access any item from a population of items as easily as any other.

RAM stands for Random Access Memory.

technical

Easily Confused

random vs randomly

Both describe things happening without a pattern.

'Randomly' is an adverb; 'at random' is a prepositional phrase where 'random' is a noun. 'At random' is often preferred in formal scientific writing.

The samples were chosen at random. / The samples were chosen randomly.

random vs chance

Both relate to luck and lack of planning.

'Chance' is often used with 'by' (by chance), whereas 'random' is used with 'at' (at random). 'Chance' can also mean 'opportunity'.

I met him by chance. / I picked a name at random.

random vs arbitrary

Both imply a lack of a 'good' reason for a choice.

'Arbitrary' implies a human choice made without reason. 'At random' implies a choice made by a non-human process of chance.

The 10 p.m. curfew was arbitrary. / The winner was chosen at random.

random vs stochastic

Both mean random.

'Stochastic' is a highly technical, mathematical term. 'At random' is the general, everyday phrase.

The process is stochastic. / The numbers were picked at random.

random vs aimless

Both describe a lack of direction.

'Aimless' usually describes a person's lack of goals. 'At random' describes the lack of a pattern in a process.

He had an aimless life. / He walked through the streets at random.

Sentence Patterns

I [verb] [noun] at random.

I chose a book at random.

The [noun] is [verb-ed] at random.

The winner is picked at random.

To [verb] at random is [adjective].

To choose at random is fair.

Instead of [method], we [verb] at random.

Instead of selecting by hand, we chose at random.

He is just a [adjective] random.

He is just a total random.

The [noun], though [verb-ed] at random, [result].

The names, though drawn at random, were all familiar.

Leaving [noun] to a random is [noun].

Leaving the choice to a random is risky.

The [noun] fluctuates at random, defying [noun].

The price fluctuates at random, defying all logic.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

High in scientific, mathematical, and casual gaming contexts.

Common Mistakes

I picked it by random. → I picked it at random.
In English, the idiom is strictly 'at random'. 'By random' is a direct translation error from other languages.
The teacher chose the students in random. → The teacher chose the students at random.
The preposition 'in' is never used with the noun 'random' to mean by chance.
There was a random person at random at the party. → There was a random person at the party.
This is redundant. You only need to use 'random' once, either as an adjective or in the phrase 'at random'.
We interviewed at the random. → We interviewed at random.
The phrase 'at random' does not take a definite article.
The computer generated a random. → The computer generated a random number.
In formal English, 'random' cannot stand alone as a noun meaning a number or result; you need the noun it describes.

Tips

Always use 'at'

The noun 'random' almost always follows 'at' in formal English. Memorize it as a fixed block: 'at random'.

Avoid slang in essays

Don't use 'a random' to describe a person in your academic writing. Use 'an unknown individual' instead.

Contrast with 'Systematic'

If you want to sound advanced, contrast 'at random' with 'systematically'. For example: 'We didn't choose systematically; we chose at random.'

Stress the first syllable

Make sure you say RAN-dom, not ran-DOM. The first part is the strong part of the word.

Listen for 'shuffle'

In music apps, 'shuffle' is the button that plays songs 'at random'. This is a great real-world connection.

Use it for fairness

When writing about games or contests, 'at random' is the best phrase to show that the game is fair for everyone.

Random Acts

The phrase 'random acts of kindness' is very popular in English-speaking cultures. It's a great idiom to use in conversation.

Computing Terms

If you work in IT, remember RAM (Random Access Memory). It uses the noun concept of 'random' access to data.

Common Verbs

Pair 'at random' with verbs like 'pick', 'choose', 'select', and 'assign' for the most natural sound.

No 'the' in the phrase

Don't say 'at the random'. The phrase is just 'at random'. Adding 'the' makes it sound like a specific place, which is wrong.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'RAN' and 'DOM'. A person RAN into your house and they are from a different DOMain (place). They are a RANDOM stranger!

Visual Association

Imagine a lottery machine with balls bouncing around. They are moving 'at random' because there is no plan for which one will hit the hole.

Word Web

Chance Luck Patternless Haphazard Stranger Unknown Statistics Shuffle

Challenge

Try to use 'at random' in a sentence about your morning routine. Then, try to use the slang noun 'a random' in a sentence about social media.

Word Origin

The word originates from the Old French 'randon,' meaning 'force,' 'impetuosity,' or 'speed.' It was specifically used in the context of a horse's gallop. It entered Middle English in the 14th century as a noun meaning 'great speed' or 'force.'

Original meaning: Great speed, force, or violence (usually in the phrase 'at a randon').

Indo-European > Germanic (via Old French from Frankish).

Cultural Context

Calling someone 'a random' can be seen as dehumanizing or rude, as it reduces a person to their lack of connection to you. Use with caution.

In the UK and US, 'a random' is common slang among Gen Z and Millennials. In the UK, it can sometimes be used more broadly to mean anyone outside of a specific social class or group.

RAM (Random Access Memory) in computing. The 'Random Acts of Kindness' movement. The 'Random Walk' theory in economics.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Statistics and Research

chosen at random
random sampling
randomized control trial
at random across the population

Online Gaming

playing with randoms
a lobby of randoms
got matched with a random
don't trust the randoms

Daily Decision Making

picked at random
selected at random
just at random
choose one at random

Computer Science

random access memory
random number generator
pseudo-random sequence
at random in the array

Social Situations

some random on the street
a total random
don't be a random
talking to randoms

Conversation Starters

"Do you prefer to plan your vacations carefully, or do you just pick a destination at random?"

"Have you ever had a random person start a conversation with you in a strange place?"

"In video games, do you like being matched with randoms, or do you only play with friends?"

"If you had to choose a new career at random, what do you think you would end up doing?"

"Do you think life is a series of events happening at random, or is there a bigger plan?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time when you made a decision at random. Was it a good or bad choice in the end?

Write about a 'random' person you met who had a surprising impact on your day or life.

Do you think 'at random' is the fairest way to choose a winner? Why or why not?

How does it feel to be 'a random' in a new social situation where everyone else knows each other?

Reflect on the idea of 'random acts of kindness'. Have you ever done one or received one?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Both are correct! 'At random' is a bit more traditional and common in scientific reports. 'Randomly' is a standard adverb. You can use either, but 'at random' is a great phrase to know for B2 level English.

No, 'by random' is incorrect. You should say 'at random' or 'by chance'. This is a very common mistake for English learners, so try to memorize 'at random' as a single unit.

Only in very casual situations with friends! It is slang and can be a little bit rude because it sounds like you don't care about the person. In a job or at school, say 'someone I don't know' instead.

The plural is 'randoms'. This is almost always used as slang to describe a group of unknown people, like in the sentence 'I don't want to play with a bunch of randoms'.

Not exactly. 'By accident' means you didn't mean to do it. 'At random' means you chose to do it, but you didn't have a plan for which one you picked. For example, if you drop a glass, it's by accident. If you pick a glass from the cupboard without looking, it's at random.

Because the act is done for a stranger 'at random'—you don't choose the person because you know them, you just choose anyone to be nice to! It emphasizes that the kindness is for everyone, not just friends.

Rarely. In almost all cases, it needs a preposition or an article to function as a noun. You might see it in technical terms like 'random-access,' but even there, it's acting more like an adjective.

This is a very old-fashioned way of saying 'in any case' or 'no matter what.' You will only see this in very old books. You don't need to use it in modern English.

No. 'Randomness' is the general noun for the quality of being random. 'Random' as a noun is specifically used in the phrase 'at random' or to mean a person. Example: 'The randomness of the weather' vs. 'The winner was picked at random'.

Place it after the verb that describes your selection process. For example: 'Ten participants were selected at random from the group.' This sounds very professional and clear.