arbitrary reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arbitrary reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a justification or explanation that seems random or without a clear basis. Example: "The decision to change the meeting time was made for an arbitrary reason that no one could explain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

If it reaches a number that, for an arbitrary reason, seems significant -- like 50percentt -- then it has reached a milestone.

The New York Times

Refusing to cooperate with the census for an arbitrary reason or to show disdain for the government does a disservice to the country.

The New York Times

He said it was "not appropriate for one person's property to be seized by someone else just because he got divorced or for some arbitrary reason".

The New York Times - Sports

Well, it's 1.55 am on a Monday public holiday morning here in Brisbane, and for some arbitrary reason unknown to me, it's designated the Queen's Birthday in Queensland today (foreign fields, England etc).

The Guardian - Sport

What jumps out most forcefully, however, is this: At a time when we need every dedicated, intelligent soldier we can muster, how can we afford to turn away even one for the arbitrary reason of sexual orientation?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"Benefit sanctions" are temporary suspensions of benefits, often for the most spurious or arbitrary reasons.

The Guardian - Books

And the aesthetics of Ohio and Michigan were much different, although for somewhat arbitrary reasons.

The New York Times

There are some writers who, for completely arbitrary reasons, pass from a period of renown almost directly into obscurity.

The New Yorker

He remembers seeing, as a child, videos of violent and vengeful Old Testament stories, images of people sent to hell for seemingly arbitrary reasons.

The New York Times

Like hundreds of thousands of other unemployed people, her £57.35 a week jobseeker's allowance has been sanctioned: a temporary suspension of benefits, often for the most arbitrary reasons.

The Guardian

But this seems wildly optimistic.Other TPP provisions covering labour, the environment, the protection of intellectual property, IT services and even rules preventing governments from blocking websites for arbitrary reasons, would be difficult for a number of countries.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "arbitrary reason", ensure it's followed by a clear explanation or example to illustrate the lack of logic or justification.

Common error

Avoid using "arbitrary reason" as a vague criticism. Always provide specific details or examples to support your claim that the reason is, in fact, arbitrary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arbitrary reason" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition or verb. It modifies a noun or pronoun to describe a cause or justification that is not based on logic, evidence, or any discernible pattern. Ludwig AI confirms this.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "arbitrary reason" is a noun phrase used to describe a justification that lacks logic or evidence. Ludwig AI analysis confirms the expression is grammatically correct. While relatively rare, it appears most frequently in News & Media sources. When employing the phrase, clarity and context are essential; avoid vague usage and provide specific details to support your claim. Alternatives like "unjustified cause" or "baseless rationale" may be suitable depending on the specific context. By understanding its function, purpose, and common usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate "arbitrary reason" into your writing to express criticism or disagreement about decisions lacking a sound foundation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unreasonable ground

Highlights that the "reason" does not make sense or is not fair.

unjustified cause

Replaces "reason" with "cause", implying a lack of fairness or justification.

irrational basis

Focuses on the lack of logical thought or reasoning.

baseless rationale

Substitutes "reason" with "rationale", suggesting a lack of factual support.

groundless motive

Replaces "reason" with "motive", focusing on the lack of a valid motivation.

without valid justification

A more verbose way of saying there is no good "reason".

capricious justification

Emphasizes the unpredictable and whimsical nature of the "reason".

random explanation

Highlights the lack of any discernible pattern or logic behind the "reason".

unfounded pretext

Suggests the "reason" is a false or insincere excuse.

gratuitous cause

Indicates the "reason" is excessive or unnecessary.

FAQs

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

You can use "arbitrary reason" to describe a decision, rule, or action that seems to lack any logical or justifiable basis. For example: "The company's decision to change its policy was based on an arbitrary reason that confused employees."

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "unjustified cause", "baseless rationale", or "irrational basis".

Is it better to say "arbitrary reason" or "unreasonable reason"?

Both "arbitrary reason" and "unreasonable reason" are valid, but they have slightly different nuances. "Arbitrary" suggests a lack of any clear pattern or system, while "unreasonable" suggests a decision that goes against logic or good sense.

What does it mean when something is done for an "arbitrary reason"?

If something is done for an "arbitrary reason", it means there's no clear, logical, or justifiable explanation for the action. The reason might seem random, based on personal preference, or even completely nonsensical.