matter of taste

USAGE SUMMARY

"matter of taste" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to express the opinion that a particular choice or preference is subjective, and that many people may disagree. For example: "Whether to serve the salmon cold or hot is a matter of taste; some people prefer one while others prefer the other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Matter of taste.

The New Yorker

Last, there's the matter of taste.

The New York Times

Partly this is a matter of taste.

The New York Times

It's all a matter of taste.

The New Yorker

All that is a matter of taste.

The New York Times

It's a total matter of taste".

The New York Times

There is, however, the matter of taste.

The New York Times

It's a matter of taste.

The New York Times

It's more a matter of taste.

Princeton University

Perhaps grief is a matter of taste.

The New Yorker

That is a matter of taste.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "matter of taste" when acknowledging that opinions on a topic may vary and there is no objectively correct answer. It's suitable for discussions about art, food, fashion or personal style.

Common error

Avoid using "matter of taste" to dismiss legitimate criticism or concerns about quality. While preferences are subjective, objective flaws exist and should be addressed separately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "matter of taste" primarily functions as a noun phrase. Ludwig's examples show it's used to indicate that a particular choice, preference, or judgment is subjective and open to individual interpretation. It acknowledges that opinions may vary and there is no single correct answer.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "matter of taste" is a common noun phrase used to indicate that something is subjective and dependent on individual preference. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Academia. When writing, use "matter of taste" when you want to respect the variety of preferences without implying there is a correct choice. However, be mindful of distinguishing between subjectivity and objective flaws. Consider alternatives like "personal preference" or "subjective opinion" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

purely a question of preference

Emphasizes that the matter is only about what someone prefers.

it's a question of preference

Directly frames the issue as one of choosing what one likes better.

a matter of one's liking

Directly refers to what someone finds agreeable or enjoyable.

subjective preference

Focuses on the personal and individual aspect of the preference.

personal opinion

Highlights that the statement is based on someone's individual viewpoint.

depends on personal choice

Highlights the dependence of the outcome on the chooser's personal selection.

individual inclination

Emphasizes the personal tendency or desire influencing the choice.

down to individual sensibilities

Focuses on how personal feelings and perceptions affect the decision.

based on personal judgment

Points out that the decision is derived from someone's assessment.

entirely up to the individual

Indicates the decision rests solely with the person concerned.

FAQs

How can I use "matter of taste" in a sentence?

You can use "matter of taste" to indicate that something is subjective and based on personal preference. For example, "Whether you prefer coffee or tea is a "matter of taste"".

What's a good alternative to "matter of taste"?

Alternatives include phrases like "personal preference", "subjective opinion", or "individual inclination", depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to say something is just a "matter of taste"?

While useful for subjective topics, avoid using "matter of taste" to dismiss objective issues or constructive criticism. It's best reserved for situations where personal preference is the primary factor.

How does "matter of taste" differ from "personal opinion"?

"Matter of taste" specifically relates to preferences in sensory experiences or aesthetic choices, while "personal opinion" is a broader term covering any individual belief or viewpoint.