somewhat arbitrary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat arbitrary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a decision or choice that lacks a clear rationale or is based on personal preference rather than objective criteria. Example: "The criteria for selecting the winners seemed somewhat arbitrary, as there was no clear explanation for the choices made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Stock prices are somewhat arbitrary.

The New Yorker

Inevitably, these adjustments are somewhat arbitrary.

The New Yorker

These categories are, of course, somewhat arbitrary.

The Washington Post

But the reason for Chelsea's escape were somewhat arbitrary.

The Guardian - Sport

"Two thousand megawatts and four farms are somewhat arbitrary figures.

Stanford University

Here, then, is my somewhat arbitrary list, in alphabetical order.

The New York Times - Food

So its exclusion from the Oscars seems somewhat arbitrary.

The New York Times

They are adjusted for seasonal variation, a process that is always somewhat arbitrary.

The New Yorker

Dr. Vakoch admits that altruism is a somewhat arbitrary starting point, but a logical one.

The New York Times - Science

"Information flows instantaneously without respect to somewhat arbitrary borders of geography or nation state.

The New York Times

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

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat arbitrary" to acknowledge the inherent subjectivity or lack of definitive criteria in a decision, classification, or measurement. This adds nuance and transparency to your writing, especially when dealing with complex or contested issues.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat arbitrary" as a blanket statement to dismiss something without providing further explanation. Instead, specify why something seems arbitrary and what factors contribute to this perception.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat arbitrary" functions as an adverb-adjective combination, modifying nouns to indicate a degree of randomness, subjectivity, or lack of clear justification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

33%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "somewhat arbitrary" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe something as partially random or lacking a solid rationale. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable. This phrase appears most commonly in News & Media and Science. When using this expression, be precise about why something seems "somewhat arbitrary" rather than using it as a vague dismissal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rather random

Emphasizes the randomness aspect more strongly than "somewhat arbitrary".

slightly subjective

Highlights the influence of personal feelings or opinions.

somewhat capricious

Implies that decisions are impulsive and unpredictable.

kind of indefinite

Focuses on the lack of clear boundaries or limits.

not entirely rational

Suggests a deviation from logical reasoning.

loosely defined

Emphasizes the lack of precision in its boundaries or scope.

a touch indeterminate

Suggests that it is not exactly or definitely known or stated

partially discretionary

Highlights the element of choice or judgment involved.

not altogether consistent

Highlights the potential for internal contradiction or variation.

to some degree unjustified

Indicates a lack of sufficient reason or support.

FAQs

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

You can use "somewhat arbitrary" to describe rules, decisions, or criteria that lack a clear or consistent rationale. For example, "The selection process seemed "somewhat arbitrary", as there was no defined rubric for evaluation."

What are some alternatives to saying "somewhat arbitrary"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "rather random", "slightly subjective", or "loosely defined" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "somewhat arbitrary" or "completely arbitrary"?

The choice depends on the degree to which something lacks a clear rationale. "Somewhat arbitrary" suggests a partial lack of justification, while "completely arbitrary" implies a total absence of reason or rationale.

What is the difference between "somewhat arbitrary" and "somewhat random"?

While both suggest a lack of a clear pattern or reason, ""somewhat arbitrary"" implies a decision or choice based on personal preference or whim, whereas "somewhat random" suggests a process driven by chance.