arbitrary things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arbitrary things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to items or concepts that are chosen or determined without any specific reason or system. Example: "In the discussion, we often end up debating arbitrary things that don't really matter in the grand scheme of our project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Life is arbitrary; things just happen.

The New Yorker

No matter how good you are, design is always an exercise in balancing what you think is best with someone else's needs, even arbitrary things.

The New York Times

For me, it was a good thing to do for a third or half of my time for seven or eight years, but at a certain point I got really tired of the arbitrary things that happen.

The New Yorker

People don't really have time to just be talking about arbitrary things.

Forbes

"You've got 12 million people living in fear of arbitrary things that can happen to them".

TechCrunch

We've learned some pretty amazing (and incredibly arbitrary) things from the Guinness Book of World Records.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

It's not some arbitrary thing.

The New York Times

A planet is an arbitrary thing.

The New Yorker

"It's sort of an arbitrary thing, isn't it?" Mets pitcher R. A. Dickey said.

The New York Times - Sports

All you've got to do, Charlie (I presume to use the familiar title), is want this arbitrary thing we call the win, glory, and all that stuff.

The Guardian - Sport

Walker's comparisons with vegetarians is quite apt: both groups are hugely heterogenous collections of people with just one, slightly arbitrary, thing in common.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "arbitrary things", ensure the context clearly indicates why these things are considered arbitrary. Providing specific examples can strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid assuming everything is arbitrary. While many things might seem so at first glance, thorough analysis often reveals underlying reasons or patterns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arbitrary things" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "arbitrary" modifies the noun "things". It acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. As Ludwig AI also indicates, the phrase is deemed correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "arbitrary things" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific and encyclopedic writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid and useful to highlight the lack of inherent reason or system behind certain choices or elements. When employing this phrase, consider providing context to clarify the reasons behind perceived arbitrariness and avoid overgeneralizing the concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

random matters

Focuses on the randomness and lack of a specific pattern in the matters being discussed.

chance occurrences

Highlights the accidental and unplanned nature of events.

subjective notions

Emphasizes that the ideas are based on personal feelings or opinions rather than facts.

unfounded assumptions

Highlights the lack of a solid basis or justification for the assumptions made.

capricious elements

Suggests that the elements are unpredictable and whimsical.

meaningless details

Underscores the lack of importance or significance of the specifics.

unwarranted actions

Emphasizes that actions are not justified or authorized.

groundless claims

Highlights that claims lack a factual or logical basis.

baseless assertions

Similar to groundless claims, focusing on the lack of evidence for the assertions.

unsubstantiated facts

Emphasizes that facts have not been proven or verified.

FAQs

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

You can use "arbitrary things" to refer to concepts or items chosen without any apparent reason or system. For example, "The rules seemed to be based on "arbitrary things" rather than logical principles."

What are some alternatives to saying "arbitrary things"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "arbitrary things" include "random matters", "subjective notions", or "unfounded assumptions".

Is it correct to say "arbitrary things" or should I use another phrase?

The phrase "arbitrary things" is grammatically correct and commonly used. Its appropriateness depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey. However, there aren't other alternatives to say this.

What's the difference between "arbitrary things" and "random things"?

"Arbitrary things" implies a lack of inherent reason or system, whereas "random things" simply suggests a lack of predictability or pattern. "Arbitrary" often carries a connotation of being imposed or decided without justification.