very subjective

USAGE SUMMARY

'very subjective' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that something is based solely on personal opinion or feeling, as opposed to facts or objective truth. For example, "The criteria he used to judge the entries were very subjective."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"So it's very subjective".

The New York Times

That is very subjective".

The Guardian

It's very subjective".

The New York Times

Art is very subjective.

The New Yorker

"It certainly is very subjective".

The New York Times

And sometimes it's very subjective.

The New York Times

"It's a very subjective thing.

The Guardian - Arts

Gymnastics is a very subjective sport.

Independent

"Integration is very subjective," Ms. Bain said.

The New York Times

"That's a very subjective approach," he said.

The New York Times

However, prudence can be very subjective.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "very subjective", clarify the context or area where subjectivity is prominent to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify if it's subjective due to personal taste, cultural background, or situational factors.

Common error

Avoid presenting "very subjective" assessments as definitive truths. Acknowledge that others may hold different perspectives and provide reasoning for your subjective claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very subjective" functions as an intensifying adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something is heavily influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions. Ludwig highlights its common usage in describing matters lacking objective standards.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very subjective" is a common phrase used to emphasize that a statement or evaluation is based on personal opinions or feelings rather than objective facts. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the context of subjectivity and acknowledging differing perspectives. Although it fits in diverse registers, it is important to consider the tone in formal settings. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase conveys that a decision or assessment is driven more by personal interpretation than by definitive criteria.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on personal feelings

Highlights the role of emotions and sentiment rather than objective fact.

purely a matter of opinion

Highlights that the matter depends entirely on someone's individual belief.

influenced by perspective

Suggests that the assessment is shaped by one's angle.

open to interpretation

Suggests the matter can be understood in different ways.

relative to the individual

Indicates that the matter is not universally applicable.

highly personal

Emphasizes the individual's unique perspective influencing the assessment.

shaped by experiences

Highlights the impact of life events in defining a subjective matter.

colored by individual bias

Indicates the influence of prejudice on an assessment.

reflective of one's viewpoint

Focuses on how one's position influences perception.

a question of taste

Implies that preference is the deciding factor.

FAQs

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

You can use "very subjective" to describe something that is based on personal opinions and feelings rather than facts. For example, "The grading criteria seemed "very subjective", with no clear guidelines".

What's the difference between "very subjective" and "subjective"?

The phrase "very subjective" is used to emphasize the degree of subjectivity. While "subjective" indicates that something is based on personal opinions, "very subjective" amplifies this, suggesting a higher reliance on individual perspectives.

What can I say instead of "very subjective"?

Alternatives to "very subjective" include "highly personal", "purely a matter of opinion", or "open to interpretation", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "very subjective" in formal writing?

Yes, it is appropriate, but ensure it aligns with the writing's overall tone. In formal contexts, provide context or justification for the subjectivity. In less formal settings, it can be used more freely.