Impartial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Impartial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone or something that is unbiased or fair, particularly in contexts like decision-making, reporting, or judgment. Example: "The judge must remain impartial throughout the trial to ensure a fair outcome for both parties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both sides had a loyal following, but it was Piketty whose meticulous examination of the evidence, seemed to provide the impartial proof audiences were craving.

The Guardian - Money

The former Tory treasurer, who now insists he is an impartial pollster, suggested that the Tories and Labour would be tied on 272 seats each.

The Guardian

We are proud that they have come to us in large numbers throughout the campaign and have trusted us to be clear, fair and impartial".

The Guardian

The BBC is absolutely committed to impartial and balanced coverage, whatever the subject, and would not bow to pressure from any quarter whatever the story.

The Guardian

An Ofcom spokesperson said: "Ofcom is investigating whether the programme was duly impartial to ask Nigel Farage about his prospects of winning the Thanet South constituency without reflecting the position of other candidates".

The Guardian

A statement issued through the federation's chairman, Glen Smyth, claimed that several reports into suspected police wrongdoings were making the IPCC appear "less than impartial" and "not unlike a pressure group with an agenda".

The Guardian

The big difference with the ABC is that unlike Channel Ten, unlike the Australian or the Telegraph, they have to be impartial".

The Guardian

In other words, the documents clearly point to a failure to complete an "impartial investigation into the allegations" in accordance with international law.

The Guardian - Opinion

The two men are understood to have initially discussed the wisdom of a public intervention by the monarch, who is scrupulously impartial.

The Guardian

Broadcasters – and the broadcast regulator – have a duty to be impartial in their election coverage.

The Guardian - Opinion

Let me be clear: the BBC is scrupulously impartial.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for impartiality, focus on presenting all sides of an issue fairly and without personal opinion. Use verifiable facts and evidence to support your statements.

Common error

Don't confuse being neutral with being "impartial". Neutrality implies not taking a side, while impartiality means being fair and unbiased, even if you have personal feelings on the matter. Impartiality requires active effort to ensure fairness, while neutrality can be passive.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "impartial" primarily functions to describe a quality of fairness and lack of bias. It modifies nouns to indicate that they are free from prejudice or favoritism. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through its extensive examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "impartial" is an adjective signifying fairness and a lack of bias. Ludwig AI data shows that it's "correct" and "very common" in written English, predominantly appearing in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. To achieve true impartiality, ensure a balance of perspectives and verifiable evidence. While neutrality might seem similar, remember that impartiality demands active fairness. Alternatives like "unbiased" and "objective" can also be used, depending on the desired nuance. So, if you're aiming for an evaluation of a situation that’s accurate and reasonable, then make sure to be impartial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Unbiased

Emphasizes the absence of prejudice or preconceived notions.

Unprejudiced

Highlights the absence of preconceived judgments or biases.

Neutral

Focuses on not taking sides or having an opinion in a situation.

Objective

Stresses the reliance on facts and evidence rather than personal feelings.

Fair-minded

Highlights the willingness to consider different perspectives and treat everyone equitably.

Equitable

Focuses on providing equal opportunities and outcomes, adjusting for individual needs.

Even-handed

Suggests a balanced approach that gives equal consideration to all sides.

Disinterested

Implies a lack of personal stake or investment in the outcome.

Open-minded

Stresses a willingness to consider new ideas and perspectives without prejudice.

Just

Emphasizes moral rightness and fairness in treatment or judgment.

FAQs

How can I use "impartial" in a sentence?

You can use "impartial" to describe someone or something that doesn't favor any side, such as, "The judge remained "impartial" throughout the trial" or "We need an "impartial" investigation to determine the truth."

What are some synonyms for "impartial"?

Alternatives to "impartial" include "unbiased", "neutral", "objective", and "fair-minded". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "impartial" and "neutral"?

"Impartial" means treating all sides equally and fairly, whereas "neutral" means not taking any side. A person can be "impartial" even if they aren't neutral, by consciously setting aside their personal preferences to ensure fairness.

Is it better to be "impartial" or "objective"?

Both "impartial" and "objective" are positive qualities, but they emphasize different aspects. "Impartial" stresses fairness and lack of bias, while "objective" emphasizes reliance on facts. In some contexts, being "objective" is crucial for ensuring that judgments are based on verifiable evidence.