is perhaps arbitrary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is perhaps arbitrary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to suggest that something may be based on personal choice or opinion rather than a fixed standard or rule. Example: "The decision to implement this policy is perhaps arbitrary, as there are no clear guidelines to support it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Some now say that because the brain continues to mature while people are in their early 20s, the presumption that offenders should be treated as adults at 18 is perhaps arbitrary and misguided.But although it is always tempting to use hard science to explain otherwise perplexing behaviour, neuroimaging research is still in its infancy.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The Nazi colour choice was perhaps arbitrary.

Independent

The decision to end this show at the death of Henry VIII in 1547 is perhaps more arbitrary since many historians see the arrival of the Tudor dynasty in 1485 as marking the birth of modern England.

The New York Times - Arts

Horrible, violent, seemingly arbitrary death is perhaps the one constant in Westeros.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It is perhaps less intuitive than the original, but generalizes to an arbitrary number of stages far more easily.

Biometrical Journal

What is perhaps less appreciated, or at least more readily glossed over, is just how arbitrary the business of awards can be.

The Guardian

The decision to house families in a former prison was, perhaps, not so arbitrary after all.

The New Yorker

If you wanted to breed a clown, the Signor was perhaps the perfect parent, whose "arbitrary justice and irrationality had led him to understand the world as a shifting plane of ambiguities, void of the anchors of reason and authority a parent conventionally provides".

The Guardian - Books

The experiments had arbitrary conditions that were perhaps not obvious to the chimps, such as the rule that they were only allowed to make one choice per trial.

BBC

Our study should be perhaps criticized for dissecting the data to improve the ROC curve and for choosing an arbitrary range of A1C for this analysis.

Diabetes Care

The value of such deals is arbitrary: perhaps A$5,000 a well from some big companies.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is perhaps arbitrary" to express a cautious suggestion that something lacks a clear or logical basis. It's often used when acknowledging a degree of uncertainty or subjectivity in a decision or process.

Common error

Avoid using "is perhaps arbitrary" when you intend to convey that something is definitely random or illogical. The phrase implies a degree of possibility, not a certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is perhaps arbitrary" functions as a qualifying statement, softening a claim that something lacks a clear or logical basis. As Ludwig AI explains, it suggests a degree of uncertainty or possibility, rather than a definite assertion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is perhaps arbitrary" serves as a useful tool for expressing tentative opinions about decisions or rules that may lack clear justification. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it implies a suggestion rather than a definitive statement. Its neutral tone and common usage in news and media, as well as science, make it appropriate in a variety of contexts. When using the phrase, remember to carefully consider whether a more assertive statement is needed, or if the uncertainty implied by "perhaps" is more fitting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be somewhat random

Emphasizes the element of chance or unpredictability.

might be rather subjective

Highlights the dependence on personal opinions or feelings.

could be viewed as discretionary

Suggests that the decision is based on someone's judgment and not necessarily on fixed rules.

could be considered unjustified

Implies a lack of proper reasoning or support.

can be deemed optional

Highlights the non-compulsory nature of something.

may be seen as unfounded

Implies a lack of evidence or a solid basis.

appears to be inconsistent

Suggests a lack of uniformity or coherence.

seems potentially unwarranted

Implies a possible lack of justification or need.

is subject to interpretation

Highlights that meaning varies depending on individual viewpoint.

is liable to be capricious

Suggests unpredictability or impulsiveness.

FAQs

How can I use "is perhaps arbitrary" in a sentence?

You can use "is perhaps arbitrary" to suggest that a decision or rule lacks a clear or logical justification. For example, "The cut-off point for eligibility "is perhaps arbitrary", as there's no obvious reason for choosing that specific date".

What phrases are similar to "is perhaps arbitrary"?

Similar phrases include "may be somewhat random", "might be rather subjective", or "could be viewed as discretionary". These alternatives offer slightly different nuances but convey a similar sense of uncertainty or lack of a solid basis.

When is it appropriate to use "is perhaps arbitrary"?

Use "is perhaps arbitrary" when you want to gently suggest that something may lack a clear justification or logical basis, without being overly critical or accusatory. It implies a possibility, rather than a certainty, of arbitrariness.

What's the difference between "is arbitrary" and "is perhaps arbitrary"?

"Is arbitrary" suggests a definite lack of reason or justification, while "is perhaps arbitrary" indicates a possibility or suggestion of arbitrariness. The latter is more tentative and less assertive.