‘Subjective’ and ‘Objective’ sound very similar, but in fact they mean two very different things. ‘Subjective’ refers to information that is based on personal opinions, and ‘Objective’ refers to information that is based on factual evidence. They’re essentially descriptors for information or writing that help you decide whether they’re worthwhile sources.
Subjective
Anything that is subjective will contain personal opinion, assumptions, and beliefs. You’ll most commonly find subjective information in newspaper editorials, blogs, and comments on the internet. If something is subjective, it’s not suitable for decision making or reporting in the news.
Here are some examples of subjective text:
- ‘I don’t think that this company cares about what their customers think of them. In my experience, they haven’t been the best.’
- ‘This operating system isn’t the best one out there, it’s too slow for most people’s needs.’
These statements are very clearly made from the speakers’ own opinions, and their own experiences.
Objective
Objective statements, as opposed to subjective ones, are backed up by fact. If someone makes an objective statement, they can show you the evidence to support it. Objective statements often contain statistics that can be verified if needed.
Here are some examples of objective text:
- ‘47% of citizens underpay their tax bills.’
- ‘The company’s profits have doubled in the last year, thanks to the introduction of their new product.’
These statements have been made with the evidence to back them up. The data has been collected in order to get the right information.
FAQs
What do objective and subjective mean? Objective means verifiable information based on facts and evidence. Subjective means information or perspectives based on feelings, opinions, or emotions.
What is the difference between subjective and objective styles of writing? ›
Subjective writing is based on opinion, perspective, and personal views, while objective writing is based on facts and evidence. We use Subjective writing to express a point of view or opinion. It is often used in creative writing.
What is difference between subjective and objective? ›
Objective means making an unbiased, balanced observation based on facts which can be verified. Subjective means making assumptions, making interpretations based on personal opinions without any verifiable facts.
What is an example of a subjective writing? ›
The sentence “It's very cold outside” is a subjective statement, because how true this sentence is depends on personal opinions and experiences.
What is the difference between subjective and objective documentation? ›
A subjective information or idea belongs to the speaker, to their way of thinking. It comes from their perspective, and will express their particular experience. In a (very) broad way, we can think of objective information as FACTS, and subjective information as OPINIONS.
What is an example of objective writing? ›
In writing, objectivity is found in works that present facts and their verifiable evidence. Examples of objective writing are research papers, instruction manuals, and academic essays. These types of writing strive for accuracy and to create a foundation of knowledge.
What is an objective writing? ›
The convention of 'objective' writing is that arguments use impartial language, which is not personal, judgmental, or emotive. Objective language, therefore, is considered fair and accurate. It avoids exaggeration and bias, and shows respect for the views of others. Introduction. Everyday language is 'subjective'.
What is subjective writing? ›
A writing is subjective when it contains personal opinions, personal feelings and subjective views. The intent of subjective writing is to convey the writer's idea to the reader.
What is an example of objective and subjective? ›
Subjective relates to personal viewpoints, experiences, or perspectives, whereas objective refers to factual data that is not influenced by personal beliefs or biases. Subjective statement: The cake is delicious. Objective statement: The cake contains 250 calories per serving.
Is creative writing subjective? ›
Creative Writing is a very subjective discipline and mode of writing. However, there are some universal elements to consider and strengthen, no matter what genre you wish to write in. This guide will briefly go over images, voice, setting and story, which are central to any kind of Creative Writing you wish to pursue.
Although you can observe signs, in the context of a subjective assessment, the client shares this subjective information with you. For example, a rash is both subjective and objective data as it could be something that the client shares with you, but it is also something that you can observe.
Is cough subjective or objective? ›
Assessment of cough and its response to treatment has mainly been based on subjective symptom perception using cough diary scores and cough Visual Analogue Scales (VAS).
Is pain subjective or objective? ›
Pain is defined as a subjective experience,1 which means that it cannot be directly observed by those who are not experiencing it. Yet, clinicians and researchers rely upon observations and measures to assess and infer the pain experienced by other people.
What is a subjective style of writing? ›
Subjective writing is the language of perspective that is influenced by personal feelings. It aims to let the listener or reader know how the writer or speaker feels, thinks, or believes. Because it is subjective, it focuses mainly on feelings, attitudes, impressions, values, thoughts, and beliefs.
What is a subjective way of writing? ›
The term subjective is used to describe a writing style that is based on personal beliefs or preferences. Subjective language often. includes personal pronouns, is emotive, is exaggerated, and.
