arbitrary is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arbitrary is" is not correct and does not form a complete thought in written English.
It may be used in a context where "arbitrary" is meant to describe something, but it requires additional information to be meaningful. Example: "The decision made by the committee was arbitrary in nature."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

The scenario where the state sequence is random (rather than arbitrary) is also considered.

University of California, Berkeley

But the subtext of that old saw, that beauty is arbitrary, is wrong.

The Economist

"Lose that arbitrary drum hit?" "No, no! Arbitrary is our friend!" The intercom buzzed: Tony Krantz was on line one.

The New Yorker

As Darwin said: "I was much struck how entirely vague and arbitrary is the distinction between species and varieties".

The Guardian

But what is not arbitrary is the way that the electron density represents a molecule like this.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

To complain that the rules are contingent and somewhat arbitrary is beside the point: games are the celebration of such rules.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Since is arbitrary, are locally equicontinuous on.

Boundary Value Problems

Arbitrary detention is, in itself, harmful.

The Guardian - Opinion

It sounds very arbitrary but isn't.

Forbes

Arbitrary arrests are common.

The Guardian

But in sports, arbitrary rules are necessary.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "arbitrary", ensure it clearly modifies a noun. For instance, rephrase "arbitrary is" to "the choice is arbitrary" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "arbitrary is" as a complete sentence. Always specify what is arbitrary to make the sentence grammatically sound. Instead of saying "arbitrary is", say "the rule is arbitrary".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arbitrary is" typically functions as a predicate adjective when properly completed. It describes a noun or subject, indicating a quality of being random or without a clear reason. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase on its own is grammatically incomplete, requiring a subject to modify.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Academia

32%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "arbitrary is" frequently appears across various sources, it is grammatically incomplete without a subject. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, the phrase requires additional context to form a coherent thought. When appropriately used within a complete sentence, such as "the decision is arbitrary", it serves to express that something lacks a rational basis or is determined by chance. The phrase appears most commonly in News & Media, Academia, and Science, with a formal or neutral register depending on the context. To ensure clarity and correctness, always specify what exactly "is arbitrary" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is randomly determined

Focuses on the randomness aspect, highlighting that the determination lacks a systematic basis.

is subjectively chosen

Emphasizes that the selection depends on personal preferences or biases, rather than objective criteria.

lacks justification

Highlights the absence of a valid reason or explanation for the action or decision.

is based on whim

Suggests that the decision is impulsive and without careful consideration.

is without reason

Directly states that there is no logical or rational basis for the decision or action.

is a matter of chance

Indicates that the outcome depends on luck or unpredictable events.

is unsupported

Highlights the lack of evidence or validation for the decision.

is discretional

Implies the decision relies solely on the freedom of choice and judgement.

is groundless

Highlights that there are no facts or foundations to support the premise.

is capricious

Emphasizes the unpredictable and whimsical nature of the action or decision.

FAQs

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

Ensure "arbitrary" modifies a noun or noun phrase. For instance, use "the decision is arbitrary" instead of just "arbitrary is".

What phrases can replace "arbitrary is" to convey a similar meaning?

Consider alternatives like "is randomly determined", "is subjectively chosen", or "lacks justification" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say, "arbitrary is"?

No, "arbitrary is" is not grammatically correct on its own. It needs a subject to be grammatically complete. A correct usage example is: "The selection process is arbitrary."

What's the difference between saying "the choice is arbitrary" and "the choice is random"?

While both suggest a lack of a clear system, "the choice is arbitrary" implies a decision made without a specific reason, whereas "the choice is random" indicates a selection made by chance.