is pretty arbitrary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is pretty arbitrary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that seems random or lacking a clear reason or justification. Example: "The decision to change the meeting time is pretty arbitrary and doesn't consider everyone's schedules."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

My disdain for mulled red wine is pretty arbitrary.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This categorisation is pretty arbitrary (see article), but the practical result should be a drastic simplification of the rules and far better comparability between firms.

The Economist

That time limit is pretty arbitrary, Glenn says, and should be lowered to something a little more reasonable.

TechCrunch

"The deadline is pretty arbitrary and unworkable," said Anu Joshi of New York Immigration Coalition NYICC), which is helping provide free legal services for DACA recipients.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"I'd say it was pretty arbitrary".

The New York Times

Ultimately, state lines are pretty arbitrary.

The New York Times

"It's pretty arbitrary, isn't it," he shrugs.

The Guardian - Sport

Supposing it run off the end of a conditional, it's pretty arbitrary.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"It appears that their method so far has been pretty arbitrary," he said.

The New York Times

I don't worry about the rankings or how this will affect them, because they tend to be pretty arbitrary.

The New York Times

So if we look at George, right, there's a little bit of match up, but not very nice, and it's pretty arbitrary.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is pretty arbitrary", ensure that the context clearly indicates the lack of a logical or rational basis for the subject being described. This phrase is effective for expressing skepticism or criticism of decisions or classifications.

Common error

Avoid using "is pretty arbitrary" in highly formal or academic writing where a more precise and nuanced term like "unsubstantiated" or "discretionary" might be more appropriate. The phrase can come across as too casual.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is pretty arbitrary" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its quality of being based on random choice or personal whim. It indicates a lack of logical or rational basis. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is pretty arbitrary" effectively conveys that something lacks a clear, logical, or rational basis, suggesting it's based on random choice or personal whim. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. While generally neutral, it's advisable to use more formal terms in highly academic or professional settings. Alternatives like ""is fairly random"" or ""is rather subjective"" can provide nuance depending on the intended meaning. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Science, indicating its widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is fairly random

Substitutes "arbitrary" with "random", highlighting the lack of a discernible pattern.

is rather subjective

Replaces "arbitrary" with "subjective", focusing on personal opinion rather than randomness.

is quite unjustified

Replaces "arbitrary" with "unjustified", emphasizing the lack of valid reasons.

is largely a matter of opinion

Shifts the focus to the opinion-based nature of the subject, rather than its arbitrariness.

is rather unfounded

Expresses that something lacks a factual foundation.

is mostly discretionary

Highlights that the action or decision is based on someone's discretion rather than objective criteria.

is essentially baseless

Emphasizes the lack of a solid foundation or rationale.

is somewhat capricious

Replaces "arbitrary" with "capricious", suggesting impulsiveness and unpredictability.

is to some extent groundless

Highlights the fact that something lacks reasonable justification or support.

is more or less chance

Directly implies that the matter relies largely on luck or randomness.

FAQs

What does "is pretty arbitrary" mean?

The phrase "is pretty arbitrary" means that something is based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system.

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

You can use "is pretty arbitrary" to describe decisions, rules, or categorizations that lack a clear or logical justification. For instance, "The selection criteria "is pretty arbitrary" and doesn't seem to favor any particular skill set."

What are some alternatives to "is pretty arbitrary"?

Alternatives to "is pretty arbitrary" include "is fairly random", "is rather subjective", or "is largely a matter of opinion" depending on the specific context.

Is "is pretty arbitrary" suitable for formal writing?

While "is pretty arbitrary" is generally acceptable, it may be more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise and nuanced terms like "unsubstantiated", "discretionary", or "unjustified".