is somewhat arbitrary

USAGE SUMMARY

"is somewhat arbitrary" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something has been chosen arbitrarily, with little or no reason behind it. For example, "The decision to close the school at 3pm is somewhat arbitrary."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The number fifty is somewhat arbitrary, he concedes, but the set is intended to be "generative".

The New Yorker

The 50 percent point is somewhat arbitrary when it comes to calling a team a favorite.

The New York Times

The campaign is a good idea, but the target is somewhat arbitrary.

The Economist

The first obvious point is that his "top five" is somewhat arbitrary.

The Economist

Acute HCV infection refers to the 6-month period following infection acquisition, although this definition is somewhat arbitrary.

International Journal of Drug Policy

Categorizing treatment in this way is somewhat arbitrary as patients may have both aspiration and dysphagia; however, a goal-oriented format facilitates discussion.

Nature

These all flout the natural order, but since Fukuyama leaves them out of his discussion, his choice of topics is somewhat arbitrary.

The New York Times - Books

The goal is somewhat arbitrary, since the ideal would be nets for all, but that would more than double the cost.

The New York Times - Health

It's a place of both real potency and ersatz significance – as in the end the connection to the Bard is somewhat arbitrary.

The Guardian - Arts

What you should remember, though, is that the size of the spheres that I have drawn there to represent those oxygens and hydrogens is somewhat arbitrary.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It's about building relationships, not winning .Customary law is somewhat arbitrary, as it depends on unwritten rules and the whim of an unelected chief.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is somewhat arbitrary", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific aspect is arbitrary. Provide context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "is somewhat arbitrary" as a blanket statement without explaining why something is arbitrary. Always provide reasoning or evidence to support your claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is somewhat arbitrary" functions as a qualifier, modifying a statement to indicate that it is not based on fixed rules or logic, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to soften a claim, suggesting a degree of subjectivity or randomness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

33%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is somewhat arbitrary" is a versatile phrase used to convey that something lacks a firm basis in logic or reason. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While it appears most frequently in scientific and news-related contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. Remember to provide sufficient context when using this phrase to ensure clarity and avoid misinterpretations. When you are looking for alternative expression, try "is rather subjective".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is rather subjective

Replaces "arbitrary" with "subjective", emphasizing the role of personal opinion.

is to some extent random

Uses "random" to highlight the lack of a clear pattern or reason.

lacks a clear rationale

Focuses on the absence of a logical basis or justification.

is based on discretion

Highlights that the decision rests on someone's judgment.

is open to interpretation

Suggests that the meaning or application is not fixed or definitive.

is not entirely objective

Emphasizes the influence of personal biases or perspectives.

is not strictly defined

Indicates a lack of precise boundaries or criteria.

is a matter of preference

Positions the choice as being based on individual taste or inclination.

is a conventional choice

Highlights that the choice is more based on an unspoken social habit rather than rational reason.

is a conventional solution

Highlights that the choice is more based on an unspoken solution rather than rational reason.

FAQs

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

You can use "is somewhat arbitrary" to express that a decision, rule, or definition is not based on a solid or logical foundation. For example, "The deadline for submissions "is somewhat arbitrary", as it doesn't directly relate to project milestones."

What are some alternatives to "is somewhat arbitrary"?

Alternatives include "is rather subjective", "lacks a clear rationale", or "is open to interpretation". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

It means that the specific thing you are talking about is based on a random choice or personal whim, rather than any specific reason or system. It suggests there may be other equally valid options.

Is it always negative to say something "is somewhat arbitrary"?

Not necessarily. While it can imply a lack of justification, it can also simply acknowledge that a decision was made without strict criteria or may be flexible. Whether it's negative depends on the context and whether justification is actually required.