subjective convention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "subjective convention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to norms or practices that are based on personal opinions or interpretations rather than objective standards. Example: "In art, what is considered beautiful often varies from person to person, highlighting the role of subjective convention in aesthetic appreciation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

R.A. Fisher, the father of p-value based inference, provides us with evidence that the application of a thoughtful yet subjective convention can be very productive.

BioData Mining

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

And you better be prepared, because once you hit this point you're going to find yourself staring at several millennia of storytelling tradition, a complex language of cinema going back a hundred years, and any number of other subjective conventions that can't be solved programmatically (sorry Zynga).

TechCrunch

"So long as we're not violating the Geneva Convention, our subjective opinions as to whether it's a good idea or bad idea or even whether its right or wrong have no bearing on our obligation to execute the order".

Huffington Post

Given the pervasive use of common source data in HR research, scholars may like to reconsider the current convention of relying on subjective measures of performance and shift towards an objective or combined approach.

Frontiers of Business Research in China

For determining indices of arousal, we followed standard convention in using IAPS subjective ratings [ 22, 45] and calculated the mean of arousal ratings to unpleasant, pleasant and neutral pictures respectively.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

Of course it's art, though by a well-worn Warholian formula: the subjective objectified and the ephemeral iconized, in forms that appear to insult but actually conserve conventions of fine art.

The New Yorker

'Normal' is subjective.

WikiHow

Hume already anticipated a role for subjective psychological traits, noting that our choice of convention often depends upon "the imagination, or the more frivolous properties of our thought and conception" (Treatise, p. 504, note 1).

SEP

Now, however, as games have become more readily accepted into the cultural space alongside movies and music, a new approach has emerged – something much more subjective, but also more informed by wider critical conventions and systems.

The Guardian - Tech

When we attended this year's Democratic National Convention, we rated all the speeches given -- on a purely subjective scale -- on how effective and heartfelt we felt all the speeches were.

Huffington Post

In using the designation 'sign' we follow the medical convention that signs are objective evidence of illness while symptoms are subjective complaints.

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "subjective convention", ensure the context clarifies whose subjectivity is influencing the convention. Provide specific examples to illustrate how personal feelings or interpretations shape the norm being discussed.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "subjective convention" is universally understood as biased or unreliable. Instead, acknowledge its potential limitations while recognizing its value in contexts where personal perspectives are important or unavoidable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "subjective convention" functions as a noun phrase, where "subjective" modifies "convention". According to Ludwig, this indicates that a convention is based on personal feelings or interpretations rather than objective standards. Examples show it describing norms influenced by personal tastes.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

50%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "subjective convention" refers to a norm or practice rooted in personal feelings or interpretations, as Ludwig AI confirms. While grammatically correct and usable, its frequency is rare. It appears across science, news, and wiki domains, carrying a neutral to formal register. When using it, ensure clarity about whose subjectivity is at play and acknowledge its potential limitations. Consider alternatives like "personal norm" or "opinion-based norm" for nuanced expression. Ludwig's analysis underscores the importance of understanding the context in which "subjective convention" is employed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subjective custom

Replaces "convention" with a synonym, maintaining the subjective aspect.

opinion-based norm

Directly states that the norm is based on opinions.

personal norm

Emphasizes the individual aspect of the convention.

individual standard

Highlights the personalized nature of the benchmark.

relative standard

Emphasizes that the standard varies depending on the individual.

biased practice

Conveys the idea that the convention is influenced by prejudice or favoritism.

idiosyncratic rule

Focuses on the unique and peculiar nature of the convention.

perception-driven practice

Highlights the role of perception in shaping the convention.

personal understanding

Shifts the focus to the interpretation behind the convention.

personal agreement

Focuses on the agreement being based on personal beliefs rather than objective criteria.

FAQs

What does "subjective convention" mean?

The phrase "subjective convention" refers to a norm or practice that is based on personal opinions, interpretations, or feelings, rather than objective or universally accepted standards.

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

You can use "subjective convention" to describe situations where personal taste or judgment plays a significant role in establishing a standard or practice. For example: "In art, what is considered beautiful often reflects a "subjective convention" within a particular culture or time period."

What are some alternatives to "subjective convention"?

Some alternatives to "subjective convention" include "personal norm", "individual standard", or "opinion-based norm", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "subjective convention" always a negative thing?

Not necessarily. While it implies a lack of objective basis, a "subjective convention" can be valuable in areas like aesthetics or personal expression, where individual perspectives are central. However, it's important to acknowledge its limitations when objectivity is desired.