is rather arbitrary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is rather arbitrary" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that seems random or lacking a clear reason or purpose. Example: "The decision to change the meeting time is rather arbitrary and doesn't consider everyone's availability."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Step length is rather arbitrary and will differ between people.

Cornell University

However, this number is rather arbitrary and is not backed up by federal regulations.

Harvard University

Moreover, as defense experts Richard Sokolsy and Gordon Adams have noted, the 2percentt guideline is rather arbitrary.

The Washington Post

On the other hand, the common selection of YUV or YIQ is rather arbitrary and in most cases not optimal.

Signal Processing: Image Communication

"The ordinance itself is not so strong," Mr. Yasuda said, "but I worry that it is rather arbitrary and fuzzy in its meaning".

The New York Times

Like a vibrating string, the motion of a fluid is rather arbitrary, although not completely d'Alembert was surprised to notice that a combination of the velocity components, u + iv, was a differentiable function of x + iy.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

After all, both numbers seemed to me to be rather arbitrary.

The New York Times

Clearly, both of the criteria for inclusion in the "most affected" group are rather arbitrary.

The Economist

The template design could be rather arbitrary, which usually ends up with a lot of excessive printed labels.

Computers & Operations Research

Since the results are going to be rather arbitrary this season because of the shortened schedule, why not tinker with the formula?

The Guardian - Sport

But there are lots and lots of Janes out there, and it was rather arbitrary that I happened to pick this one.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is rather arbitrary", follow it with a specific explanation of why the subject lacks a clear basis or rationale. This adds clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "is rather arbitrary" as a general dismissal. Always provide context and evidence to support the claim that something lacks a clear basis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is rather arbitrary" functions as an adjective phrase. It typically modifies a noun or noun phrase, expressing a judgment about its nature. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts, implying something lacks a clear or logical basis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is rather arbitrary" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adjective phrase that indicates something lacks a clear reason, system, or logic. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and versatility. While it appears across various contexts, including science, news, and academia, providing context and justification is crucial to avoid vagueness or misinterpretation. Alternatives like "is quite random" or "lacks a clear rationale" can offer different nuances, and it's found in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and Britannica.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is quite random

Highlights the lack of pattern or predictability.

lacks a clear rationale

Directly points out the absence of a reasoned explanation.

is somewhat subjective

Emphasizes the influence of personal feelings or opinions, rather than objective facts.

is not particularly well-defined

Emphasizes the lack of precise boundaries or criteria.

is a judgment call

Emphasizes the role of personal assessment and discretion.

is essentially discretionary

Focuses on the freedom to decide or choose.

is open to interpretation

Highlights the subjectivity and potential for varying understandings.

is largely a matter of opinion

Underscores the absence of definitive evidence or consensus.

is based on flimsy evidence

Indicates a reliance on weak or unconvincing support.

is to a degree unfounded

Suggests a lack of solid basis or justification.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "is rather arbitrary"?

When something "is rather arbitrary", it means that it appears to be based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any specific reason, system or logic. It suggests a lack of clear justification or rationale.

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

You can use "is rather arbitrary" to express that a decision, rule, or distinction seems to lack a solid basis. For instance, "The deadline for submissions "is rather arbitrary" and doesn't seem to align with the project's timeline."

What are some alternatives to saying "is rather arbitrary"?

Some alternatives to "is rather arbitrary" include "is quite random", "is somewhat subjective", or "lacks a clear rationale", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "is arbitrary" or "is rather arbitrary"?

Both "is arbitrary" and "is rather arbitrary" are grammatically correct. Adding "rather" softens the statement, making it less absolute and more of an observation. The choice depends on the context and the desired level of emphasis.