arbitrary imposition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arbitrary imposition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is imposed without any logical reasoning or fairness, often in a context of rules or authority. Example: "The new regulations felt like an arbitrary imposition on our creative processes, stifling innovation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"It is horrible that in a civilized country the arbitrary imposition of revenge continues to exist," he said.

The New York Times

And, as Breyer writes, "the arbitrary imposition of punishment is the antithesis of the rule of law".

The New Yorker

It also risks the worst possible outcome: the arbitrary imposition of a regulatory regime with chilling consequences for free speech.

Independent

That the course of the wall followed the boundaries of Berlin's administrative districts, as defined in the 1920s, allowed for an arbitrary imposition of geopolitics on the hugger-mugger of urban life: families were divided; city centre stations that connected severed districts became redundant.

The Guardian

Giaccio was a holding that an ancient Pennsylvania statute that permitted the jury to impose court costs upon an acquitted defendant, in order to offset the expenses of prosecution, violated the Due Process Clause because of vagueness and the absence of any standards preventing the arbitrary imposition of costs.

Cornell University

No executions took place from 1967 to 1977, owing in part to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down arbitrary imposition of the death penalty.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It is a rational continuum which, broadly speaking, includes a freedom from all substantial arbitrary impositions and purposeless restraints".

Wikipedia

He repeated his position that the Due Process Clause did not incorporate the Bill of Rights to the states; rather, the Bill of Rights was a "rational continuum, which, broadly speaking, includes a freedom from all substantial arbitrary impositions and purposeless restraints".

Wikipedia

Justice Harlan referred to his dissent in Poe v. Ullman (1961), in which he argued (drawing upon the Court's Lochner-era cases) that the Due Process of Law Clause protects individuals' "freedom from all substantial and arbitrary impositions and purposeless restraints".

Huffington Post

He referred to his dissent in Poe v. Ullman (1961), in which he argued (drawing upon the Court's Lochner-era cases) that the Due Process of Law Clause protects individuals' "freedom from all substantial and arbitrary impositions and purposeless restraints".

Huffington Post

The semi-arbitrary imposition of such cut-offs is unfortunate, in that it prevents direct comparison across the totality of signals (within and between related studies), in order to identify consistently positive markers.

European Journal of Human Genetics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "arbitrary imposition", ensure the context clearly demonstrates a lack of justifiable reason or standard for the action being described.

Common error

Avoid using "arbitrary imposition" when the action, while disliked, is based on established (even if unpopular) criteria. This phrase specifically implies a lack of consistent or logical application.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arbitrary imposition" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an act or instance of imposing something in an arbitrary manner, highlighting the lack of reason or fairness in the action.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "arbitrary imposition" describes the act of imposing something without a clear, justifiable reason, often evoking a sense of unfairness. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage in various contexts, primarily in news, academic, and scientific domains. While uncommon, it conveys disapproval or criticism towards decisions lacking logical basis. Alternatives like "random enforcement" or "unjust application" offer nuanced substitutes, and understanding its proper scope is crucial to avoid misapplication. When writing, focus on highlighting the lack of consistent application to truly capture the meaning of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

random enforcement

Emphasizes the unpredictable and inconsistent application of a rule or law.

unjust application

Focuses on the unfairness of how something is being applied or enforced.

capricious enforcement

Highlights the whimsical and impulsive nature of the enforcement.

unwarranted measure

Suggests that the action taken is not justified or necessary.

dictatorial assignment

Implies a forceful and authoritarian allocation or placement.

groundless demand

Highlights a request or requirement that lacks any reasonable basis.

unjustified burden

Focuses on the unfairness of the obligation or load being placed on someone.

oppressive mandate

Suggests the imposition is harsh and burdensome.

authoritarian rule

Emphasizes the domineering and controlling nature of the power being exerted.

unreasonable restriction

Highlights the lack of logic or fairness in the limitation.

FAQs

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

You can use "arbitrary imposition" to describe situations where a rule, punishment, or decision is applied without reasonable grounds. For example, "The new tax felt like an arbitrary imposition on small businesses."

What's the difference between "arbitrary imposition" and "random enforcement"?

"Arbitrary imposition" suggests a decision or rule is applied without reason, while "random enforcement" emphasizes the inconsistent application of an existing rule. The former is about the basis of the decision, the latter about its application.

What are some alternatives to using "arbitrary imposition"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "unjust application", "unwarranted measure", or "capricious enforcement" as alternatives to "arbitrary imposition".

Is "arbitrary imposition" formal or informal language?

"Arbitrary imposition" is generally considered formal language, suitable for academic, professional, or news contexts. Less formal situations might call for simpler phrasing.