is relatively arbitrary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is relatively arbitrary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not strictly determined and can vary based on different factors or perspectives. Example: "The choice of colors in the design is relatively arbitrary, as it depends on personal preference."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"Isn't it our experience that a policy approach of this model is relatively arbitrary and authoritarian?" He said at a press conference.

Vice

The playlist below is relatively arbitrary, songs that that seem – sometimes retroactively – to provide foreground, or perhaps background to the work, along with songs that somehow magically touch some aspect of the thing I created.

The Guardian - Books

The 10 point difference is relatively arbitrary.

BMC Family Practice

The definition of a boundary between the improvement 'intervention' and the 'context' is relatively arbitrary.

BMJ Quality and Safety

We then reversed the direction of the sequences for alignment which is a proven method for detecting cases where alignment is relatively arbitrary [ 30].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

We acknowledge that the using of ScvO2 <60% to reveal the imbalance between oxygen delivery and oxygen consumption is relatively arbitrary.

Critical Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The deportation reprieves that President Obama extended to millions of immigrants this week are relatively arbitrary.

The Washington Post

Any number one picks from the air will be relatively arbitrary but a point per game is a little less arbitrary than anything else.

The Guardian - Sport

Again, these levels are relatively arbitrary but are trying to capture that a startup has either already raised quite a bit of money, no longer needs it, or is continuing to successfully raise meaningful amounts.

TechCrunch

These divisions are relatively arbitrary; all of the essays involve theoretical criticism in some way, and all are concerned with interpreting specific musics or sounds as texts, for example.

Johns Hopkins University

Whilst these are relatively arbitrary values the error introduced into DRE and M values is small compared to other sources of uncertainty.

Journal of Applied Volcanology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is relatively arbitrary", ensure the context clearly indicates what factors might influence or change the seemingly arbitrary nature of the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "is relatively arbitrary" when a more specific reason or influencing factor can be identified. Instead of simply stating arbitrariness, provide context or potential causes for the perceived randomness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is relatively arbitrary" functions as a descriptive expression, qualifying a noun or concept as lacking a strong or consistent rationale. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It conveys that while something may appear random, it's only relatively so.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is relatively arbitrary" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that indicates something is not strictly determined, possessing a degree of randomness or subjectivity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and the analysis reveals that while the phrase is not exceedingly common, it appears across diverse contexts such as science, news media, and academia. While alternatives such as "is somewhat arbitrary" or "lacks a clear rationale" exist, it's important to choose the option that most accurately conveys the intended meaning. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by indicating the factors that contribute to the perceived arbitrariness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is somewhat arbitrary

This alternative replaces "relatively" with "somewhat", softening the degree of arbitrariness.

is fairly arbitrary

Using "fairly" instead of "relatively" maintains a similar level of perceived arbitrariness.

is rather arbitrary

This substitute "relatively" with "rather", conveying a comparable sense of randomness.

is quite arbitrary

Replacing "relatively" with "quite" emphasizes the extent of arbitrariness.

is essentially arbitrary

This indicates the arbitrary nature is fundamental to the subject.

is largely arbitrary

This version suggests arbitrariness is the predominant characteristic.

is more or less arbitrary

This alternative introduces a sense of approximation to the arbitrariness.

lacks a clear rationale

This phrase shifts from describing a quality to indicating a missing reason.

is subject to interpretation

It focus on subjectivity and its dependence by the interpreter.

is not strictly defined

Focuses on the absence of precise parameters rather than on the arbitrariness of the subject.

FAQs

What does "is relatively arbitrary" mean?

The phrase "is relatively arbitrary" suggests that something is not strictly determined and may vary based on different factors or perspectives. It implies a degree of subjectivity or randomness.

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

You can use "is relatively arbitrary" to describe choices, boundaries, or distinctions that lack a clear or consistent rationale. For example: "The cutoff point for defining success "is relatively arbitrary", as it depends on individual goals."

What are some alternatives to "is relatively arbitrary"?

Some alternatives to "is relatively arbitrary" include "is somewhat arbitrary", "is fairly arbitrary", or "lacks a clear rationale", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is relatively arbitrary" versus "is completely arbitrary"?

"Is relatively arbitrary" suggests a degree of arbitrariness but implies some underlying influence or rationale, while "is completely arbitrary" suggests no rationale whatsoever. Choose the phrase that best reflects the situation's reality.