- Have you ever felt that a rule was made up for no reason at all?
- Do you know how to describe a decision that isn’t based on facts or logic?
- Are you struggling to sound more professional when discussing unfair policies or random choices?
Learning arbitrary collocations is a game-changer for your English fluency. In natural English, words don’t live in isolation; they travel in “word partnerships.” Using the word “arbitrary” correctly helps you sound more precise, authoritative, and sophisticated in professional and academic settings. Instead of just saying something is “random,” using the right collocation allows you to express nuance regarding power, logic, and systems.
Common Collocations with ARBITRARY as an Adjective
The word “arbitrary” functions almost exclusively as an adjective in modern English. It describes something based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system. Below are the most frequent pairings used in 2024.
Decisions and Choices
In business and daily life, “arbitrary” is most frequently paired with words related to making a selection.
- Arbitrary decision: A conclusion reached without considering facts.
Example: The manager’s arbitrary decision to fire the staff caused a strike. - Arbitrary choice: A selection made without a specific preference.
Example: Since I didn’t know the brands, I made an arbitrary choice. - Arbitrary selection: Often used in research or data contexts.
Example: The test subjects were chosen through an arbitrary selection process.
Rules, Power, and Authority
This group is common in legal, political, and organizational contexts, often carrying a negative connotation of unfairness.
- Arbitrary rule: A regulation that seems to have no logical basis.
Example: Students protested against the arbitrary rule forbidding bottled water. - Arbitrary power: Authority used without restraint or regard for the law.
Example: Dictators are known for exercising arbitrary power over their citizens. - Arbitrary deadline: A time limit set without considering how much work is actually required.
Example: We are rushing to finish this project because of an arbitrary deadline. - Arbitrary arrest: A legal term for being detained without a valid reason.
Example: Human rights groups are monitoring the arbitrary arrest of journalists.
Mathematics, Science, and Technical Usage
In technical fields, “arbitrary” is less “unfair” and more about a value that can be anything within a set.
- Arbitrary value: A number assigned for the sake of calculation.
Example: Let’s assign an arbitrary value of ‘x’ to represent the unknown variable. - Arbitrary constant: A term used in calculus and algebra.
Example: When integrating, do not forget to add the arbitrary constant. - Arbitrary scale: A measurement system created for a specific purpose.
Example: The survey used an arbitrary scale from 1 to 10 to measure happiness.
Master Summary Table: Essential Arbitrary Collocations
| Collocation | Part of Speech | Quick Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Arbitrary decision | Adjective + Noun | A choice made without reason. |
| Arbitrary rule | Adjective + Noun | An unfair or illogical regulation. |
| Arbitrary value | Adjective + Noun | A random number used in math. |
| Arbitrarily assigned | Adverb + Verb | Given a role or value randomly. |
| Arbitrary power | Adjective + Noun | Uncontrolled authority. |
Common Mistakes: Natural vs Unnatural
Learners often confuse “arbitrary” with “random” or use it in contexts where it sounds awkward. Use this table to refine your usage.
| Do Not Say | Say This |
|---|---|
| It was an arbitrary person in the street. | It was a random person in the street. |
| He made an arbitrary of the colors. | He made an arbitrary choice of colors. |
| The boss gave an arbitrary order. | The boss gave an arbitrary command (or arbitrary instruction). |
| The weather is very arbitrary today. | The weather is very unpredictable today. |
Contextual Story: The Office Policy
“When the new CEO arrived, she immediately set an arbitrary deadline for the merger that left everyone stressed. It felt like an arbitrary exercise of power, as there was no financial reason for the rush. Many employees felt the arbitrary rules regarding remote work were unfair, leading to several resignations. Despite the arbitrary nature of these changes, the board of directors refused to intervene, leaving the staff to deal with arbitrarily assigned tasks that didn’t match their skills.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Arbitrary Collocations
What is the difference between “random” and “arbitrary”?
“Random” usually refers to chance or statistics (like a random number generator). “Arbitrary” implies that a human made a choice or a rule that lacks a logical reason or follows a personal whim. “Arbitrary” often sounds more formal and sometimes more negative (implying unfairness).
Is “arbitrary” always a negative word?
<pNot necessarily. In mathematics or computer science, an arbitrary value is neutral—it just means “any value you choose.” However, in social or legal contexts, an arbitrary decision is usually seen as negative because it lacks fairness or transparency.
Which prepositions follow the adverb form “arbitrarily”?
The adverb “arbitrarily” is often followed by “chosen,” “assigned,” or “selected.” For example: “The winners were arbitrarily selected from the database.” It is rarely followed directly by a prepositional phrase like “arbitrarily to.”
Can I say “arbitrary person”?
While grammatically possible, it is very rare. We usually say “a random person” or “an arbitrarily chosen individual.” We use “arbitrary” to describe the action or the system, not usually the person themselves.
How do I use “arbitrary” in a business email?
Use it when you want to politely point out that a decision lacks a clear basis. Instead of saying “Your deadline is stupid,” you could say, “The current arbitrary deadline may not account for the project’s complexity.”
Can you give an example of an 'arbitrary selection' in a scientific context?
I'm curious about the history of the word. Does it come from the same root as 'arbiter'?
Excellent linguistic insight, Isabella! Yes, it comes from the Latin 'arbiter' (a judge or witness). Originally, it just meant something left to the judgment of an arbiter, but over time it evolved to mean 'dependent on one's will'—which often feels random to others!
I've seen the phrase 'arbitrary and capricious' in news articles. Is that a common set phrase?
The explanation about 'arbitrary choice' versus 'arbitrary decision' helped me a lot. I'll be sure to use 'decision' when talking about my manager's weird policies from now on!
Haha, glad to hear it, Ingrid! It’s the perfect word for those 'weird' policies that don't seem to have a clear logic behind them.
Does 'arbitrary' always imply something negative? Or can a choice be arbitrary but still okay?
I'm an English teacher in India, and I'll definitely use this list with my advanced students. Collocations are the hardest part of reaching C1 level!
Thank you, Priya! We completely agree. Moving from 'good English' to 'natural English' is almost entirely about mastering these collocations. We're glad this helps your students!
Great post! Could you provide more examples of 'arbitrary' paired with adjectives? Like 'purely arbitrary'?
This word sounds quite formal. Is it okay to use 'arbitrary' when talking to friends, or will I sound too serious?
It is a bit formal, Mei! If you're with friends, 'random' is usually the way to go. Use 'arbitrary' when you want to sound more precise or when you're complaining about something that feels genuinely unfair.
I'm confused about the 'word partnerships' mentioned. Does this mean I shouldn't say 'random decision' anymore?
In my country, we talk about 'arbitrary power' when referring to the government. Is this phrase used in the US or UK too?
Yes, Amara. 'Arbitrary power' or 'arbitrary rule' is a common political science term used globally in English to describe a government that acts without regarding the law or the rights of citizens.