arbitrary convention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arbitrary convention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a practice or rule that is based on personal choice or preference rather than any inherent necessity or logic. Example: "In mathematics, the use of certain symbols is often an arbitrary convention that varies between different cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It is an arbitrary convention that the word is spelt "discrete" when it means separate and "discreet" when it means prudent and unobtrusive.

Independent

The fairly arbitrary convention when comparing the various greenhouse gases is to consider their total warming effect (or 'global warming potential') during the century after they were emitted.

The Guardian

2. Note that, however natural this convention may sound, this is still an arbitrary convention.

SEP

We use a dashed black line to denote thiscommon boundary in Figure 3C (by arbitrary convention, we colorthe dashed line to match the upper set).

The Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience

Throughout this paper the secondary axis of the embryo will be called 'dorsoventral' according to a current, arbitrary convention; it should be noted that this axis does not correspond by cell lineage distribution to any definitive anatomical axis (Figure 2A).

Plosone

To restore identifiability, we impose the arbitrary convention that η = 1 at the root of the tree.

Genome Biology and Evolution

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Projections are not neutral, natural or 'given': they are constructed, configured, underpinned by various — and quite arbitrary — conventions.

The New Yorker

Signs in general, as semioticians since CS Peirce and Saussure have pointed out, depend on often arbitrary conventions for their interpretation.

The Guardian

When we approach language prosaically, our focus is on arbitrary conventions that link words to things in the world and to the contents of thought.

The New York Times

To the question of what limits are imposed on otherwise arbitrary conventions, of what justifies them, Le Roy suggested their convenience in use.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, such non-coordinated development of software, force fields, and analysis tools for molecular simulations gave rise to an array of software formats and arbitrary conventions for routine preparation and analysis of simulation input and output data.

Journal of Molecular Graphics and Modelling

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "arbitrary convention", provide context to clarify why the convention is considered arbitrary. This helps avoid confusion and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid implying that an "arbitrary convention" is completely without reason. Even arbitrary conventions often serve a purpose, such as simplifying a process or establishing a common understanding. Acknowledge the convention's function while highlighting its lack of inherent necessity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arbitrary convention" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig shows that it identifies a practice or rule established by choice rather than necessity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Academia

9%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "arbitrary convention" is a grammatically sound noun phrase that describes a practice or rule based on choice rather than inherent necessity. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase appears in a variety of contexts, from scientific papers to news articles, with a leaning towards neutral to formal communication. While the phrase is indeed usable, it's also helpful to provide context and avoid overstating the arbitrariness. Consider alternatives such as "subjective standard" or "artificial rule" to fine-tune the specific shade of meaning, depending on what fits best.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subjective standard

Replaces "convention" with "standard" and "arbitrary" with "subjective", highlighting the personal nature of the choice.

artificial rule

Replaces "arbitrary" with "artificial", suggesting the convention is not natural or inherent.

random agreement

Focuses on the agreement aspect of a convention while emphasizing its lack of a clear reason.

imposed custom

Suggests that the convention is forced or dictated rather than organically developed.

discretionary norm

Highlights the optional nature of the convention and its status as a standard.

conventional assumption

It underlines the conventional nature of the arbitrary concept, framing it as a widely held belief.

constructed practice

It emphasizes the intentional or designed quality of the convention.

non-essential regulation

Implies that the convention is not strictly necessary or vital.

optional protocol

Focuses on the procedural aspect of a convention, while emphasizing its discretionary application.

uncharted standard

It highlights the originality of the convention, framing it as new and unexplored territory.

FAQs

What does "arbitrary convention" mean?

The term "arbitrary convention" refers to a rule or practice that is based on choice or preference rather than any inherent necessity or logic. It's a standard that could easily be different without affecting the outcome.

How can I use "arbitrary convention" in a sentence?

You can use "arbitrary convention" to describe how something is typically done, but it could be done differently. For instance, "The definition of response categories in RECIST is an "arbitrary convention" that is not based on any clinical data".

What are some alternatives to "arbitrary convention"?

Alternatives to "arbitrary convention" include "subjective standard", "artificial rule", or "random agreement", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to challenge an "arbitrary convention"?

Yes, challenging an "arbitrary convention" is often appropriate, especially if it leads to inefficiencies or inequities. However, it's important to understand the reasons behind the convention before attempting to change it.