arbitrary distinction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arbitrary distinction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a difference or separation that seems random or not based on any logical reasoning. Example: "The arbitrary distinction between the two categories often leads to confusion among users."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

This feels like an arbitrary distinction.

The Economist

Spies are lurking below the surface, operating in the dark". It is not an arbitrary distinction.

The Guardian

That's an arbitrary distinction that doesn't have a basis in reality.

Harvard University

(Asked if this role marked the turning point between child star and adult actress, she dismissed it as "an arbitrary distinction").

The Guardian

Starting honors in basketball are oddly fickle and persistently self-important; it's an arbitrary distinction, but one players continue to care about.

The New York Times

A somewhat arbitrary distinction can be made between wrestling and the many forms of unarmed hand-to-hand combat categorized as martial arts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

He draws arbitrary distinctions between this essence and period details that puzzle or distract contemporary audiences.

The New York Times

If you're going to eat flesh, it's pernickety to make arbitrary distinctions between mammals.

The Guardian

The essence of all snobbery, Taylor says, is the making of arbitrary distinctions.

The Guardian - Books

Likewise, managerial decree quickly scrapped arbitrary distinctions between theoretical research and applied research if they stood in the way of getting the job done.

Harvard Business Review

It's people's arbitrary distinctions between what is "good" naked and what is "bad" naked that is the issue here – not nakedness itself.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "arbitrary distinction" to highlight separations that are based on personal preference or convenience rather than on objective criteria.

Common error

Avoid using "arbitrary distinction" when the distinction is based on a clear, if contested, rationale. "Arbitrary" implies a lack of any reasoned basis, not simply disagreement with the reasoning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arbitrary distinction" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "arbitrary" modifies the noun "distinction". It highlights a difference or separation that is not based on any objective criteria or logical reasoning, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

32%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "arbitrary distinction" is a frequently used phrase to denote a difference that lacks logical or rational justification. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and applicable across diverse contexts. Its frequent appearance in news, science, and academic domains underscores its versatility and relevance. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity about the absence of any valid basis for the distinction, and avoid using it when a rationale, even if disputed, exists. Alternatives such as ""unreasonable distinction"" or ""subjective distinction"" can provide nuanced emphasis, depending on the specific context. Keep in mind that the essence of snobbery resides in creating these "arbitrary distinctions".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unreasonable distinction

Emphasizes the lack of a rational basis for the distinction.

subjective distinction

Highlights the personal and opinion-based nature of the distinction.

artificial separation

Focuses on the contrived and unnatural nature of the separation.

unwarranted differentiation

Indicates the distinction lacks proper justification or necessity.

groundless differentiation

Points out the lack of a valid foundation for the differentiation.

tenuous demarcation

Suggests the boundary is weak and easily challenged.

artificial differentiation

Focuses on the separation as man-made and lacking natural basis.

contrived difference

Highlights the deliberate and often misleading nature of the distinction.

forced separation

Implies the distinction is created by external pressure.

artificial cleavage

Indicates a split or division that is not naturally occurring.

FAQs

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

You can use "arbitrary distinction" to describe a difference or separation that lacks a clear or logical basis. For example: "The company's choice to prioritize one project over another seemed based on an "arbitrary distinction"."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "arbitrary distinction"?

Similar phrases include "unreasonable distinction", "subjective distinction", or "artificial separation". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "arbitrary distinction" and "subjective distinction"?

While both suggest a lack of objectivity, "arbitrary distinction" emphasizes the absence of any reasoned basis, while "subjective distinction" implies the distinction is based on personal opinions or preferences.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "arbitrary distinction"?

Avoid using "arbitrary distinction" when the distinction, though possibly controversial, is based on stated, logical criteria. "Arbitrary" suggests the absence of any such basis, not merely disagreement with the existing rationale.