arbitrary amounting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arbitrary amounting" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It seems to be an incorrect combination of words that lacks context and clarity. Example: "The costs were arbitrary amounting to a significant sum, but the exact figures were not disclosed."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But more often than not, the decisions seem arbitrary, amounting to dissidence on the consumer level — something that Susan Sontag and other cultural critics complained about in the 1990s.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's an arbitrary amount.

The Guardian - Music

Supporters acknowledge that the $100 million was an arbitrary amount that will not come close to covering the actual cost.

The New York Times

Cutting any arbitrary amount — like $100 billion — from discretionary spending will not result in meaningful long-term deficit reduction because deficits are not driven by discretionary spending.

The New York Times

TalkTalk cannot explain why arbitrary amounts of money then continued to be taken from your account each month, sometimes for the agreed £9.99, sometimes for as much as £40.99.

The Guardian - Money

In a lecture given in the closing weeks of 1900, he described his bizarre proto-theory that when light and matter interact, energy cannot be transferred in arbitrary amounts, as would be expected on the basis of Newton's account.

The New York Times - Books

The appraisers, however, say the complainers are singing off tune, confusing them (or more likely, trying to confuse them) with the difference between the appraised value of a property and the selling price -- the latter a purely arbitrary amount that a buyer is willing to pay.

The New York Times

They are also alarmingly widespread, particularly in, for example, the hospitality industry (where an arbitrary amount of tips can be counted as salary), and the social care sector (where carers are sometimes not paid for the travelling time between clients' homes).

Independent

"If, as is widely predicted, pensions tax relief is reduced to an arbitrary amount [say to 30 per cent – a reduction on the 45 per cent relief now enjoyed by those earning more than £150,000), then something would likely be done to stop workers getting around this reduction by sacrificing more of their salary directly into their pension funds instead.

Independent

The Xoom's arbitrary amount of fame was over months ago.

TechCrunch

Nothing is scarier to folks who manage budgets than a vendor that could charge an arbitrary amount per month.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "arbitrary amounting" in formal writing. Instead, opt for clearer alternatives such as "random total" or "unspecified quantity" to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness.

Common error

Do not directly follow "arbitrary" with "amounting" as it creates an awkward and grammatically questionable phrase. Consider rephrasing to clarify the relationship between the arbitrariness and the quantity, for instance, "an arbitrary amount that totals..."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arbitrary amounting" is grammatically incorrect and doesn't function effectively in English. Ludwig AI analysis suggests that it doesn't follow standard grammar rules. It lacks a clear grammatical role within a sentence.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

34%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "arbitrary amounting" is generally considered grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal writing. Ludwig AI analysis confirms this assessment. While the intention might be to convey a random or subjective quantity, it is best to use clearer, more grammatically sound alternatives such as "random total" or "unspecified quantity". The phrase appears infrequently and, when it does, is often in news or scientific contexts. To ensure clear and effective communication, prioritize grammatically correct alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

random total

Replaces "arbitrary" with "random" to emphasize the lack of a specific pattern, and simplifies "amounting" to "total".

indeterminate sum

Uses "indeterminate" to highlight the uncertain or undefined nature of the amount, and replaces "amounting" with "sum".

unspecified quantity

Focuses on the lack of a defined quantity, making it suitable when the exact amount is unknown or irrelevant.

subjective calculation

Highlights that the amount is based on personal opinion rather than objective data.

discretionary allocation

Emphasizes that the amount is allocated based on someone's decision or judgment.

capricious figure

Uses "capricious" to imply that the amount is whimsical or unpredictable.

variable quantity

Focuses on the changing or fluctuating nature of the amount.

unpredictable total

Highlights the inability to foresee the final amount.

approximate value

Indicates that the amount is an estimate rather than a precise measurement.

nominal figure

Suggests the amount is stated but not necessarily accurate or significant.

FAQs

What does "arbitrary" mean when describing an amount?

When describing an amount, "arbitrary" means the value is based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any specific reason or system. It suggests the amount could be any value without a clear rationale.

How can I replace "arbitrary amounting" in my writing?

Instead of "arbitrary amounting", consider using phrases like "random total", "unspecified quantity", or "approximate value" for clearer communication.

Is it grammatically correct to say "arbitrary amounting to"?

No, the phrase "arbitrary amounting to" is grammatically awkward. It's better to rephrase it. For example, "The costs were arbitrary, totaling a significant sum".

What's a more formal way to express an arbitrary amount?

In formal contexts, instead of "arbitrary amount", you might use phrases like "indeterminate sum" or "discretionary allocation" to convey a similar meaning with greater precision and formality.