arbitrary lines

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arbitrary lines" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe boundaries or distinctions that are not based on any specific criteria or logic, often implying that they are chosen without reason. Example: "The artist blurred the arbitrary lines between reality and imagination in her work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

We shouldn't simply strip down employment to an hourly rate or draw arbitrary lines.

The Guardian - Business

And yet these arbitrary lines make cultures as much as they express them.

The New Yorker

They're delighted by these rules, these arbitrary lines that regulate behavior and mark off forbidden things".

The New York Times - Books

"Public policy tends to follow arbitrary lines, but the economy does not".

The New York Times

Other chefs are redrawing the sometimes arbitrary lines between vegetables, fruits and weeds.

The New York Times - Food

At one point, he writes, "The foundation of civilized society is not a community . . . which is bound by arbitrary lines".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

"You don't decide need based on an arbitrary line," Mr. Lee said.

The New York Times

A 10-inch display is edging close to an arbitrary line that might divide categories.

The New York Times

Many use an arbitrary line at about 30°25′ N latitude for the northern boundary.

Britannica

Don't worry about moments of inertia about an arbitrary line.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

To her generation, the border might have been a trivial and arbitrary line.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing complex or abstract concepts, use "arbitrary lines" to illustrate how artificial divisions can affect understanding or outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "arbitrary lines" in overly casual or informal writing. While the phrase is widely understood, it maintains a level of formality that may be inappropriate in certain contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arbitrary lines" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It is used to describe boundaries or distinctions that are not based on objective criteria. Ludwig examples show it often describes boundaries lacking a clear reason.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

26%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "arbitrary lines" is a noun phrase used to describe distinctions or boundaries lacking a logical or objective basis. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific domains. While it maintains a relatively neutral tone, the phrase serves a critical purpose in questioning the validity and fairness of certain divisions. Alternatives such as ""artificial distinctions"" or ""subjective boundaries"" may be used depending on the specific nuance one wishes to convey. When using this phrase, consider the level of formality required by the context and aim to illustrate clearly how the discussed divisions impact the subject matter.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

artificial distinctions

Focuses on the artificiality of the separation, emphasizing the man-made nature of the distinction.

subjective boundaries

Highlights the role of individual perception in defining the limits.

artificial borders

Similar to "arbitrary lines" but specifically refers to geographical or political boundaries.

ill-defined limits

Emphasizes the lack of clarity or precision in the boundaries.

unjustified divisions

Highlights the lack of a valid reason for the separations.

random demarcations

Focuses on the random nature of the boundary setting.

tenuous separations

Highlights the weak or fragile nature of the distinction.

contrived boundaries

Emphasizes the artificial and deliberate nature of the boundary.

artificial separations

Highlights that the divisions are not natural.

indefensible distinctions

Highlights the inability to justify the existence of the distinctions.

FAQs

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

You can use "arbitrary lines" to describe boundaries, distinctions, or classifications that lack a clear or logical basis. For example: "The new policy created "arbitrary lines" between departments, hindering collaboration."

What's a good alternative to "arbitrary lines"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "artificial distinctions", "subjective boundaries", or "unjustified divisions" as alternatives to "arbitrary lines".

Is it more appropriate to say "artificial lines" or "arbitrary lines"?

Both phrases are valid, but "arbitrary lines" emphasizes the lack of reason or logic behind the lines, while "artificial lines" simply suggests that the lines are man-made rather than naturally occurring.

In what scenarios is "arbitrary lines" most effectively used?

"Arbitrary lines" is effective in scenarios where you want to critique or question the validity of a division or classification, implying that it is based on subjective or illogical criteria.