an arbitrary number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an arbitrary number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a number that is chosen without any specific criteria or limitations, often in mathematical or programming contexts. Example: "You can select an arbitrary number of items from the list to include in your report."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

An annotation may be referenced by an arbitrary number of spatial entities and vice versa.

Bioinformatics

It's an arbitrary number.

The New York Times

"The bag limit is an arbitrary number, set by local officials," Spina said.

The New Yorker

That's just an arbitrary number that someone assigned a long time ago".

The New York Times

Mr. Wetjen argued that five price quotes was an arbitrary number.

The New York Times

The joint distribution of an arbitrary number of random variables is defined similarly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That may be true because 20 victories, while an arbitrary number, is a well-established benchmark for excellence.

The New York Times

It is an arbitrary number on a scale which counts people with a BMI of over 30 as obese.

The Guardian - Opinion

The truth is that's an arbitrary number.

Forbes

Let (varepsilon>0) be an arbitrary number.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Let ε > 0 be an arbitrary number.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "any number" in place of "an arbitrary number" to achieve a more concise expression, unless the arbitrary selection is specifically relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "an arbitrary number" when you actually mean a truly random number. 'Arbitrary' implies a choice made without a specific reason, but not necessarily a statistically random selection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an arbitrary number" functions primarily as a determiner followed by a noun. It modifies the noun 'number' to indicate that the specific value is not predetermined or significant in the given context. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an arbitrary number" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies a quantity chosen without specific criteria. As Ludwig AI points out, it's commonly found in science and news contexts, indicating its versatility. While interchangeable with phrases like ""any number"", it's important to differentiate it from "a random number". When writing, ensure clarity by using the phrase when the specific value is truly unimportant and consider alternative phrasings for conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

any number

This alternative offers a more concise and direct way to express the same concept of an unspecified quantity.

a random number

This suggests the number is selected without a specific method or purpose, emphasizing unpredictability.

an unspecified quantity

This phrase replaces 'number' with a broader term, focusing on the undefined amount.

an indefinite amount

This alternative emphasizes that the quantity is not precisely determined or limited.

a variable quantity

This highlights the changeable or flexible nature of the number.

a non-specific figure

This option uses 'figure' instead of 'number', denoting a lack of precise detail.

a discretionary value

This alternative emphasizes that the number is chosen based on someone's judgment or preference.

a limitless quantity

This suggests the number can be as large as needed, without any maximum limit.

an unconstrained amount

This emphasizes the lack of restrictions on the size or value of the number.

a free choice of number

This phrases highlights the freedom to choose any number without constraint

FAQs

What does "an arbitrary number" mean?

The phrase "an arbitrary number" refers to a quantity chosen without any particular reason or pattern. It signifies that the specific value isn't important to the overall concept or situation.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "an arbitrary number"?

It's appropriate when the exact quantity doesn't matter. For example, in a mathematical proof, you might say "Let n be "any number"" because the proof holds true regardless of the specific value of n.

What can I say instead of "an arbitrary number"?

You can use alternatives like ""any number"", "a random number", or "an unspecified quantity" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "an arbitrary number" and "a random number"?

Yes, while both imply a lack of specific choice, "an arbitrary number" suggests a selection made without any particular criteria, while "a random number" implies a selection based on chance or a random process. The terms are not always interchangeable.