arbitrary scale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arbitrary scale" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where a measurement or evaluation is based on subjective criteria rather than fixed standards. Example: "The results of the survey were plotted on an arbitrary scale, making it difficult to compare them with other studies."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Each value is expressed as a number on its own arbitrary scale, like 0 to 200.

The New York Times - Magazine

In Washington state, for example, each dollar invested in new prison places in 1980 averted more than nine dollars of criminal harm (using a somewhat arbitrary scale to assign a value to not being beaten up).

The Economist

The dots seem to be on an arbitrary scale, so don't try to make mathematical sense of them.

TechCrunch

OD values ranged on an arbitrary scale from 0 (lowest density) to 3 (highest density).

EJNMMI Research

The photo-based 3D model is set on an arbitrary scale.

Visualization in Engineering

It should be noted that such a reconstructed model generally is of arbitrary scale and orientation.

Heritage Science

(c) The probability distribution of relative humidity values from Heathrow 1949 2011; arbitrary scale.

Heritage Science

As illustrated in Figure 6, a photo-based 3D model is generated with an arbitrary scale at time T0.

Visualization in Engineering

Each was built in PhotoModeler based on three photos taken from three perspectives, with an arbitrary scale.

Visualization in Engineering

For clarity, the vertical axis has an arbitrary scale to superimpose the GDfast function with the other two functions on one graph.

EJNMMI Physics

The red filled curve shows the normalized total ICPMS signal (Na, Mg, Al, Si, K, Ca, Mn and Fe; arbitrary scale).

Geochemical Transactions

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the term "arbitrary scale", ensure you clearly define the parameters and limitations of that scale to avoid ambiguity. Explain how values are assigned and what they represent in your specific context.

Common error

Do not assume that readers will understand the "arbitrary scale" without explicit explanation. Failing to define the scale's parameters can lead to misinterpretations and invalidate your analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arbitrary scale" functions as a noun phrase, where 'arbitrary' modifies 'scale'. It is used to describe a measurement system or continuum where the values are not based on any fixed or universally recognized standard. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "arbitrary scale" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term, particularly within scientific and technical domains. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a measurement system lacking standardized units, values, or criteria and serves to communicate the subjective or relative nature of an assessment. While its usage is most prevalent in science-related contexts, it also appears in news and media and business publications. When employing "arbitrary scale", clearly define the scale's specific parameters to avoid potential misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subjective metric

Replaces "scale" with "metric", emphasizing the measurement aspect while retaining the subjective nature.

relative measure

Focuses on the comparative aspect of the scale, highlighting that it is defined in relation to something else rather than being absolute.

non-standard gauge

Uses "gauge" instead of "scale", suggesting a measurement tool that deviates from established standards.

uncalibrated range

Highlights the lack of calibration, implying that the scale's values are not tied to specific units or standards.

personal yardstick

Emphasizes the individual and subjective nature of the scale, implying it is based on personal judgment.

custom-defined index

Replaces "scale" with "index", emphasizing the constructed nature of the measurement system.

impressionistic assessment

Shifts focus to the evaluative process, highlighting its reliance on subjective impressions rather than objective criteria.

discretionary valuation

Emphasizes the element of choice and judgment in assigning values on the scale.

fluid spectrum

Suggests a scale that is not fixed but rather adaptable and changing based on context.

nominal classification

Highlights that the "scale" is more about categorizing than measuring precise quantities.

FAQs

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

You can use "arbitrary scale" to describe measurements or evaluations that are not based on standardized or universally recognized units. For example: "The intensity of the staining was graded using an "arbitrary scale" from 0 to 3.".

What does "arbitrary scale" mean?

An "arbitrary scale" refers to a measurement system where the units and values are not based on established standards but are instead determined subjectively or for a specific purpose. The values are relative and lack inherent meaning outside the defined context.

Which is correct, "arbitrary scale" or "subjective scale"?

"Arbitrary scale" and "subjective scale" are similar, but "arbitrary scale" emphasizes the lack of a standard, while "subjective scale" highlights that the scale is based on personal opinions or interpretations. The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use an "arbitrary scale"?

It is appropriate to use an "arbitrary scale" when standardized measurements are unavailable or unsuitable for the specific phenomenon you are studying. For example, in observational studies where behavior is graded based on qualitative assessments, an "arbitrary scale" might be necessary.