an arbitrary date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an arbitrary date" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a date that is chosen without any specific reason or criteria, often for the sake of convenience or example. Example: "For the purposes of this discussion, we will use an arbitrary date of January 1st to illustrate our point."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

1980 is an arbitrary date.

The Guardian - Books

"The test ought to be the stability of Iraq, not an arbitrary date".

The New York Times

But financial advisers said yesterday they were puzzled by what they see as an arbitrary date.

The Guardian - Money

"Everybody heals differently," Probst said, "so we're not throwing out an arbitrary date.

The New York Times - Sports

Sunday is an arbitrary date, and the court simply refused to mediate a rational solution.

The New York Times

But if you wait until an arbitrary date to rebalance, sizable gains or losses in your portfolio may have already self-corrected.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

All of this is occurring against a the backdrop of an apparently arbitrary date of 2025, chosen by the energy and climate change secretary Amber Rudd for the end of coal generation in the UK.

The Guardian

This account will take the conquest of the Achaemenian dynasty by Alexander the Great as a somewhat arbitrary date for the close of the period of ancient Iranian religion, even though these influences have continued through later history and some forms of Iranian religion have persisted to the present day.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Furthermore, the long history of population mixing between people from different continents (for both conquest and other reasons) means that we need to select a necessarily arbitrary date for linking markers with groups; the date currently in use is 1492.

SEP

"They now want to pluck a slightly arbitrary date in the diary out of thin air to have a referendum on a very ill-defined process of so-called renegotiation".

BBC

Thus, while it may appear that 2010 is an arbitrary start date, this start date is necessary given both the nature of the available data and the state's 5-year exemption law.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "an arbitrary date" in contexts where precision and justification are crucial. Opt for a more specific or well-defined timeframe in such situations.

Common error

Don't use "an arbitrary date" when you mean an ambiguous date. Arbitrary means 'based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system'. Ambiguous means 'open to more than one interpretation; not having one obvious meaning'. Using "an arbitrary date" incorrectly can confuse your reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an arbitrary date" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "arbitrary" modifies the noun "date". It typically identifies a specific point in time that lacks a clear or logical basis for its selection. Ludwig's examples show this in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an arbitrary date" is a common phrase used to describe a date selected without a specific or logical reason, often for convenience or as an example. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and primarily found in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates the lack of a specific basis for the date. Alternatives include "a random date" or "a subjective deadline". Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and provides various examples of its usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a random date

Emphasizes the lack of a specific pattern or intention in the selection of the date.

a subjective deadline

Highlights the personal and potentially biased nature of the imposed time limit.

an unreasoned deadline

Highlights the lack of logic or justification behind the imposed time constraint.

a discretionary timeframe

Focuses on the freedom of choice and decision-making involved in setting the period.

a baseless timeline

Similar to 'unfounded', it signifies the absence of a legitimate justification for the schedule.

a groundless timeframe

Emphasizes the lack of any firm foundation or support for the set duration.

an unfounded timeline

Stresses the absence of a rational or factual basis for the schedule.

an aimless date

Conveys the absence of a clear goal or purpose in choosing the date.

a whimsical date

Suggests the date was chosen playfully or capriciously.

a spur-of-the-moment date

Implies the date was selected without prior planning or deliberation.

FAQs

What does "an arbitrary date" mean?

The phrase "an arbitrary date" refers to a date chosen without any specific reason, pattern, or system. It's selected randomly or based on personal preference rather than logic or necessity.

How can I use "an arbitrary date" in a sentence?

You can use "an arbitrary date" to indicate that a particular date was chosen without a clear rationale. For instance, "The company set "an arbitrary date" for the product launch, without considering market conditions."

What are some alternatives to "an arbitrary date"?

Alternatives include "a random date", "a subjective deadline", or "a discretionary timeframe". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "an arbitrary date" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "an arbitrary date" when you want to emphasize that a date was chosen without a particular reason or system. However, avoid using it in situations where precision and justification are essential.