Learning how to form a sentence with indiscriminate is an important step in mastering advanced vocabulary in English. This word is often used in academic writing, news reports, and formal discussions to describe actions, behaviors, or decisions that are done without careful thought, consideration, or selection. It carries a strong tone, often used to criticize a lack of judgment or fairness. To use this word correctly, you need to understand its meaning, grammatical role, and context. It can be used to describe both negative consequences and careless actions, making it a versatile term in formal and descriptive English.
Understanding the Word Indiscriminate”
Definition and Meaning
Indiscriminate is an adjective that describes something done without careful judgment, selection, or planning. It often refers to actions that affect all people or things equally, without any distinction, and usually with negative consequences.
For example
- An indiscriminate attack an act of violence without targeting a specific group.
- Indiscriminate use of chemicals using substances without considering safety or need.
- Indiscriminate spending wasting money without thinking about purpose or priority.
Common Synonyms
Understanding similar words can help reinforce the meaning of indiscriminate. Some commonly related terms include
- Random
- Unselective
- Careless
- Uncontrolled
- Haphazard
However, indiscriminate typically carries a stronger connotation of irresponsibility or danger, especially in serious or formal contexts.
How to Form a Sentence with Indiscriminate
Sentence Structure
Indiscriminate is most often used as an adjective before a noun. The structure usually follows this pattern
- Subject + verb + indiscriminate + noun + (optional modifiers)
ExampleThe police condemned the indiscriminate violence during the protest.
Using Indiscriminate in Different Sentence Types
Here are several examples showing how to form a sentence with indiscriminate across different structures
- Simple sentenceThe company’s indiscriminate hiring policy led to many problems.
- Compound sentenceHe launched an indiscriminate attack, and several innocent people were injured.
- Complex sentenceAlthough the warning was clear, they engaged in indiscriminate fishing practices.
- Interrogative sentenceWhy did the government allow such indiscriminate destruction of the forest?
- Exclamatory sentenceWhat an indiscriminate waste of valuable resources!
Real-World Examples
Examples in Social and Political Contexts
Indiscriminate is commonly used in discussions related to war, public policy, law enforcement, and environmental issues.
- Military contextThe airstrike was criticized for its indiscriminate targeting of civilian areas.
- Law enforcementHuman rights groups condemned the police for their indiscriminate arrests during the demonstration.
- Public healthIndiscriminate use of antibiotics has contributed to the rise of resistant bacteria.
- Environmental policyThe indiscriminate cutting of trees has devastated the rainforest ecosystem.
Examples in Everyday Life
It is also possible to use indiscriminate in less formal or everyday contexts when discussing habits, behaviors, or decisions.
- He has an indiscriminate taste in music he listens to anything and everything.
- Her indiscriminate shopping habits left her with piles of unnecessary clothes.
- Children must be taught not to engage in indiscriminate sharing of personal information online.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Using Indiscriminate as a Noun
IncorrectThe indiscriminate of the attack shocked everyone.
CorrectTheindiscriminatenessof the attack shocked everyone. (or better Theindiscriminate attackshocked everyone.)
Indiscriminate is not a noun. It must modify a noun or be part of a phrase that describes a noun.
2. Confusing Indiscriminate with Random
Although both words may imply a lack of pattern or selectivity, indiscriminate often carries a more negative or harmful implication. Random is more neutral and widely used in informal situations.
- IndiscriminateSuggests carelessness or recklessness.
- RandomSimply suggests lack of order or predictability.
3. Using Indiscriminate in Positive Contexts
It is rare and often awkward to use indiscriminate in a positive sentence because the word implies a negative or reckless behavior.
IncorrectShe received praise for her indiscriminate generosity. (This makes it sound careless or thoughtless.)
BetterShe received praise for her unconditional generosity.
Tips to Practice Using Indiscriminate
To become confident in using the word indiscriminate, try the following exercises
- Read topics or editorials and underline where indiscriminate is used. Analyze the context.
- Write five original sentences using indiscriminate to describe different subjects (e.g., actions, policies, habits).
- Replace simple adjectives like random or careless with indiscriminate in formal writing.
- Practice identifying the subject and object in each sentence to ensure the word is used correctly as an adjective.
Using indiscriminate correctly in a sentence demonstrates strong vocabulary skills and helps express criticism, contrast, or concern in a clear and formal way. Whether you’re writing an academic essay, commenting on social issues, or describing behaviors, this word provides a powerful way to express a lack of thoughtful judgment. By studying its meaning, reviewing examples, and practicing your own sentences, you can confidently include indiscriminate in your written and spoken English. Keep experimenting with sentence forms and contexts, and you will find it easier to use advanced words like this accurately and naturally.