a subjective question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a subjective question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question that is based on personal opinions, feelings, or interpretations rather than objective facts. Example: "When discussing art, it's important to recognize that beauty is a subjective question, varying from person to person."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

What is excessive, of course, is a subjective question.

The New York Times - Food

That's a subjective question each of us must answer based on our own experience and hunches.

Yale University

It's a subjective question, of course, but we will here attack it with at least a veneer of objectivity.

The New York Times - Books

Why Mr. Gore has not established a more winning presence in the news media is, of course, a subjective question.

The New York Times

Asked what his position was with the company now, Mr. Maierle, who is on parole in Michigan for possession of "child sexually abusive material," said that was "a subjective question".

The New York Times

What this development does suggest, though, is that the last of the three excesses that have burdened the economy since 1990 excess corporate debt, excess capacity and excess labour may now finally be on the point of elimination.Elimination is probably too strong a word, for whether something is excessive is a subjective question.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Photograph: Be Updated at 8.05pm BST 6.48pm BST Siri Showing off Siri, which can now do sports (or at least American sports - can it do British ones?) Now if you ask Siri "what's the best... .. it replies "that's a very subjective question... .. Or: "find a reservation for four for sushi at eight o'clock".

The Guardian - Tech

This is not a wholly subjective question.

Independent

"That's a totally subjective question".

The New Yorker

This is clearly a very subjective question, which is why it's important to make sure that other people find the accomplishment in question impressive.

Yale University

I do not doubt that 'voluntariness' is not always a purely subjective question as to the defendant's state of mind; it may involve an objective analysis of the fairness of the situation in which government agents placed him.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a subjective question", ensure the context clearly indicates that the answer depends on personal opinions, feelings, or interpretations, rather than objective facts. For example, when debating art or ethical values.

Common error

Avoid using "a subjective question" when the question has a clear, verifiable answer. Instead, use objective measures and verifiable facts when answering questions about objective topics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a subjective question" functions as a noun phrase, identifying a type of inquiry where the answer is based on personal opinions, feelings, or interpretations. Ludwig confirms this usage through various examples where it is used to frame topics open to individual perspectives.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

30%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a subjective question" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe inquiries where answers are based on personal opinions rather than objective facts. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, showing that it's most commonly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While not as frequent as other common phrases, understanding its usage can improve precision in your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a matter of opinion

Emphasizes that the answer depends on individual viewpoints.

a question of perspective

Highlights that different viewpoints can lead to different answers.

an open question

Suggests there is no single, definitive answer, allowing for subjectivity.

a matter of personal taste

Focuses on individual preferences as the determining factor.

a judgment call

Implies that a decision must be made based on personal assessment.

a value judgment

Highlights the role of personal values in forming an opinion.

a question of interpretation

Emphasizes the role of individual understanding in shaping the answer.

a personal assessment

Indicates an evaluation based on individual criteria.

a viewpoint-dependent inquiry

Highlights the reliance of an answer on individual opinions.

a question with no definitive answer

States directly that the question lacks an objective solution, highlighting the subjective component.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a subjective question" in a sentence?

Consider alternatives like "a matter of opinion", "a question of perspective", or "an open question" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a subjective question"?

Use "a subjective question" when the answer depends on personal opinions, feelings, or interpretations rather than objective facts. For example, asking about someone's favorite color is "a subjective question".

What's the difference between "a subjective question" and "an objective question"?

"A subjective question" relies on personal feelings or opinions, while an objective question has a verifiable or factual answer. For instance, "What is your favorite song?" is "a subjective question", whereas "What year did The Beatles release Hey Jude?" is an objective question.

Can "a subjective question" ever have a right or wrong answer?

No, by definition, "a subjective question" does not have a right or wrong answer because it's based on personal preference or interpretation. The validity of the response is in the experience, interpretation, and perspective of the person who is answering it.