is quite arbitrary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is quite arbitrary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is based on random choice or personal whim rather than any reason or system. Example: "The selection of colors for the project is quite arbitrary, as we wanted to allow for personal expression."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"It is quite arbitrary.

The Guardian

While the assignment of animate nouns to such sex-based classes is fairly obvious, the assignment of inanimate nouns is quite arbitrary.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Neumann also noted, however, that this definition is quite arbitrary.

SEP

In the published literature related to docking-based IVS, the choice of a docking engine is quite arbitrary.

Biophysics Reports

When the initial condition is not rigid as in the case of a batch reactor, where the initial reaction temperature is quite arbitrary, optimization can also be applied to determine the "best" initial condition to use.

Chinese Journal of Chemical Engineering

If AI (_{M}) is close to 0, it indicates that the matching of the vertices is quite arbitrary with respect to the node weight used in calculating the assortativity index.

Vietnam Journal of Computer Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

These varying levels of allegiance can often be explained, but they can also be quite arbitrary.

The New York Times

I thought it would be a cathartic project, but I suddenly realised all that suffering was quite arbitrary, and my mum was unlucky to have married him.

The Guardian - Film

In this way, the behaviour of nonlinearities outside of this neighbourhood can be quite arbitrary.

Boundary Value Problems

Theorem 1.4 also complements Theorem 1.3 because can be quite arbitrary in the case of.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

In addition, many more texts and thinkers are at times identified by scholars as "Legalist"; but since most of these identifications are quite arbitrary they will not be considered in the framework of the current discussion.[1] Legalism is just one of the many intellectual currents that flourished in China during the three centuries prior to the imperial unification of 221 BCE.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is quite arbitrary" to describe situations where a decision or process lacks a clear rationale or justification. This phrase is effective in highlighting the absence of a systematic or logical basis.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "is quite arbitrary" in formal writing, as it can sometimes come across as dismissive or overly critical. Consider alternatives that offer a more nuanced perspective, such as "lacks clear justification" or "is subject to interpretation."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is quite arbitrary" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject as being based on random choice or personal whim. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

27%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is quite arbitrary" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe something lacking a clear rationale or systematic basis. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating its versatility. While effective in highlighting the absence of logic or reason, it's advisable to consider alternative phrasing for nuanced communication. Phrases like "is fairly random" or "is rather subjective" can offer a more precise meaning. When employing this phrase, remember it can sometimes come across as dismissive, making thoughtful word choice essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is fairly random

Changes the intensity of the arbitrariness and uses a more common adjective.

is rather subjective

Focuses on the personal viewpoint influencing the decision.

is essentially capricious

Replaces "arbitrary" with a more formal synonym emphasizing unpredictability.

is largely discretionary

Highlights the freedom of choice involved.

is mostly unfounded

Suggests a lack of solid justification.

is pretty much optional

Emphasizes that something is not required or essential.

is somewhat indefinite

Indicates a lack of clear definition or limits.

is to some extent gratuitous

Implies that something is unnecessary or uncalled for.

is nearly contingent

Focuses on dependence on chance or unpredictable factors.

is almost groundless

Emphasizes the lack of a rational basis or support.

FAQs

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

The phrase "is quite arbitrary" is used to express that something is based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any specific reason or system. For example: "The selection criteria "is quite arbitrary", lacking any clear guidelines."

What are some alternatives to "is quite arbitrary"?

You can use alternatives such as "is fairly random", "is rather subjective", or "is essentially capricious" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "is quite arbitrary"?

It is appropriate to use "is quite arbitrary" when you want to express that a decision, rule, or process lacks a clear or logical basis and appears to be based on personal preference or chance.

What does "arbitrary" mean?

The word "arbitrary" means based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system. Something that is arbitrary lacks a clear or logical basis.