for arbitrary reasons

USAGE SUMMARY

'for arbitrary reasons' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to imply that something has been done or happened for no logical purpose or specific rationale. For example: "The judge dismissed the case for arbitrary reasons."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Neighborhood schools are being closed for arbitrary reasons.

The Washington Post

Of course, a team couldn't cancel a project for arbitrary reasons.

Harvard Business Review

Riders speak of colleagues who have been sacked for arbitrary reasons out of their control, including glitches in the system and mistakes made in the call centre.

The Guardian - Opinion

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

But that year the Supreme Court ruled that officials in California were violating prisoners' first-amendment rights by censoring mail for arbitrary reasons, like its political or religious content, or because it criticised the prison itself.So what gives, Missouri?

The Economist

"What we can't tolerate is when we get to that point when you finally get people out of their violent situation and then they are not be able to access it for arbitrary reasons," said Sara Shortt, executive director of the Housing Rights Committee, a tenants rights organization.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

For rather arbitrary reasons, mailed requests must be handwritten in order to be eligible for receipt of game pieces.

WikiHow

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

The House Republicans' bill seeks to end annual and lifetime caps on benefits, as well as to ban "recisions" -- by which insurers cancel policies for seemingly arbitrary reasons.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for arbitrary reasons", ensure the context clearly indicates that the lack of a valid reason is the central point. Avoid overuse in formal writing; consider more precise alternatives if available.

Common error

Be mindful not to confuse subjective preferences with arbitrary actions. An action based on personal taste isn't necessarily arbitrary if the preference is openly acknowledged as the basis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for arbitrary reasons" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the manner in which an action is performed or a decision is made. It describes actions lacking a clear or justifiable rationale, as evidenced by examples found in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for arbitrary reasons" is a grammatically sound and commonly used prepositional phrase, indicating that an action or decision lacks any logical or justifiable basis. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and academia, though it's crucial to ensure the context clearly conveys the lack of valid reasoning. While "for arbitrary reasons" is generally neutral, it often implies criticism or disapproval of the action being described. To enhance clarity and precision in writing, consider alternatives like "without justification" or "for no good reason", depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without justification

Focuses on the absence of a valid reason, simplifying the original phrase.

for illogical reasons

Directly contrasts with logical reasoning, emphasizing the lack of a rational basis.

for no good reason

Uses more informal language while retaining the core meaning of lacking justification.

without any basis

Emphasizes the lack of a foundation or rationale for the action or decision.

on a whim

Suggests a sudden and impulsive decision, lacking forethought or reason.

groundlessly

Similar to 'without any basis', emphasizing the absence of factual or logical support.

capriciously

Highlights the unpredictable and whimsical nature of the action.

for unsubstantiated reasons

Focuses on the lack of evidence or proof to support the reasons given.

without rhyme or reason

A more idiomatic expression conveying the lack of any discernible logic or pattern.

for purely subjective reasons

Indicates that the reasons are based on personal feelings or opinions, rather than objective facts.

FAQs

How can I use "for arbitrary reasons" in a sentence?

You can use "for arbitrary reasons" to describe a decision or action that lacks a clear or logical justification. For example: "The application was rejected "for arbitrary reasons", with no explanation provided."

What are some alternatives to "for arbitrary reasons"?

Some alternatives include "without justification", "for no good reason", "without any basis", or "on a whim", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something was done "for arbitrary reasons"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and widely understood. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, showing its use in various contexts.

What's the difference between "for arbitrary reasons" and "for subjective reasons"?

"For arbitrary reasons" implies a lack of any discernible reason, while "for subjective reasons" indicates that the reasons are based on personal feelings or opinions, even if those opinions are not universally shared. One emphasizes a lack of reason; the other, a personal or biased reason.