is subjective

USAGE SUMMARY

'is subjective' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are describing something that can be interpreted differently by different people. For example: The quality of a movie is subjective; one person may love it while another may hate it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Taste is subjective.

The New York Times - Sports

Everyone's experience is subjective.

The New York Times - Arts

Humour is subjective.

The Guardian - Books

"Appreciation is subjective.

The New York Times - Arts

Food is subjective.

The New York Times - Magazine

Barron: Everything is subjective.

The New York Times - Magazine

Wine appreciation is subjective.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This is subjective.

The Guardian - Tech

And offensiveness is subjective.

Harvard Business Review

"True value" is subjective.

Harvard Business Review

Value is subjective.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is subjective" when you want to acknowledge that a statement or assessment is based on personal feelings, tastes, or opinions rather than objective facts. This is particularly useful in discussions about art, ethics, or personal experiences.

Common error

Avoid presenting subjective opinions as universal truths. While stating something "is subjective" acknowledges personal perspective, ensure you don't imply your viewpoint is the only valid one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is subjective" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a noun or concept as being influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions. Ludwig AI shows that it's used to acknowledge that evaluations and judgments are not based on objective standards but rather on individual perspectives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is subjective" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that a viewpoint or assessment is based on personal feelings or opinions rather than objective facts. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various domains, including News & Media and Academia. When using this phrase, remember to acknowledge the role of personal interpretation and avoid presenting subjective opinions as universal truths. Related phrases, like "depends on personal opinion" or "is a matter of taste", can offer subtle shifts in emphasis. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively communicate the role of personal perspective in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depends on personal opinion

Highlights the reliance on individual viewpoints, shifting from a general statement to a direct indication of dependence.

is a personal judgment

Underscores the role of individual assessment, framing it as a judgment call based on personal criteria.

is a matter of taste

Focuses specifically on preferences and aesthetic judgments, implying a lack of objective standards.

relies on individual perception

Focuses on the role of personal sensory or cognitive input, highlighting how individual perspectives shape understanding.

varies from person to person

Emphasizes individual differences in perception, moving from a trait to a comparison between individuals.

is open to interpretation

Highlights the potential for multiple valid understandings, focusing on the act of interpretation rather than inherent subjectivity.

is viewed differently by each person

Highlights the variability in how individuals perceive something, focusing on the act of viewing and its diversity.

is colored by personal experience

Emphasizes the influence of individual history and background, suggesting that personal experience shapes perception.

is not absolute

Asserts the lack of a fixed or universal standard, implying that the matter at hand is relative and context-dependent.

hinges on perspective

Indicates that the outcome or understanding depends significantly on the angle from which it is considered, highlighting the importance of viewpoint.

FAQs

How can I use "is subjective" in a sentence?

You can use "is subjective" to indicate that a particular assessment or viewpoint is based on personal feelings or opinions, rather than objective facts. For example, "The beauty of a painting /s/is+subjective, depending on the viewer's taste".

What are some alternatives to saying "is subjective"?

Alternatives include "depends on personal opinion", "is a matter of taste", or "is open to interpretation", each subtly shifting the emphasis on individual perspectives.

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

It's appropriate when discussing topics where personal feelings, tastes, or opinions play a significant role, such as art criticism, ethical debates, or personal experiences. It's less suitable when discussing objective facts or measurable data.

How does "is subjective" differ from "is relative"?

"Is subjective" implies that something is based on individual feelings or opinions, while "is relative" implies that something varies depending on circumstances or context. While related, subjectivity focuses on the individual, and relativity focuses on external factors. For instance, morality /s/is+subjective, but the cost of living is relative.