Objective vs Subjective: Meaning, Difference, and Examples

Objective and subjective writing are two different ways of sharing information.

• Objective writing is based on facts, proof, and evidence.
• Subjective writing is based on personal opinions, feelings, and experiences.

Tip:

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What does objective mean?

Being objective means talking about facts. An objective statement can be checked and proven. It does not depend on personal feelings or opinions.

Example: The movie is 180 minutes long.

This is objective because the movie length can be measured. Everyone who checks it will get the same answer.

More objective examples

• Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius at sea level.
• The report is twelve pages long.
• The company’s revenue increased by 10 percent last quarter.
• The cake has cream cheese frosting.

What does subjective mean?

Being subjective means sharing an opinion, feeling, belief, or personal experience. A subjective statement may be different from person to person.

Example: The movie is too long.

This is subjective because “too long” is a personal opinion. Some people may agree, while others may enjoy long movies.

More subjective examples

• I do not like the cake’s frosting.
• Dogs are better pets than cats.
• Winter is the most enjoyable season.
• Classical music sounds better than pop music.

Objective vs. subjective: What is the difference?

• Objective writing answers: What do the facts show?
• Subjective writing answers: What does someone think or feel?

Objective writing helps readers trust the information.

Subjective writing helps readers understand someone’s personal view.

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When should you use objective writing?

Use objective writing when your reader needs clear and fair information.

It is best for research papers, business reports, legal writing, technical guides, and news articles.

Examples of objective writing

• Research paper: There were 500 participants in the study.
• Business report: Sales increased by 8 percent in the second quarter.
• News report: The meeting ended at 10:00 AM.
• Technical guide: Hold the power button for three seconds.

Objective writing usually includes

• Neutral words
• Facts and numbers
• Clear details
• Sources or proof
• Words that do not show personal likes or dislikes

When should you use subjective writing?

Use subjective writing when you want to share your personal view, feeling, or experience.

It works well in reviews, opinion articles, personal essays, and reflection papers.

Examples of subjective writing

• Review: The restaurant served the best pasta I have ever eaten.
• Personal essay: I felt nervous when it was my turn to speak at the conference.
• Opinion article: Companies that offer remote work make employees happier.
• Reflection: Traveling changed the way I think about teamwork.

Subjective writing may include

• Words like I, we, me, my, and our
• Opinion words like good, bad, best, worst, boring, or enjoyable
• Personal feelings
• Personal judgments or preferences

Objective and subjective examples

Some sentences can be written in both objective and subjective ways.

How can you check if a sentence is objective or subjective?

A sentence is usually subjective if it shows personal feelings, opinions, or preferences.

It is usually objective if it includes facts, numbers, dates, measurements, or proof.

Ask yourself:

• Does the sentence show a personal opinion?
• Does it use words like best, worst, boring, beautiful, or enjoyable?
• Does it include numbers, dates, or measurements?
• Can the statement be proven with evidence?
• Would most people agree after checking the same facts?

If the sentence depends on personal judgment, it is subjective. If it can be checked and proven, it is objective.

How do you know which type of writing to use?

Choose the style based on your purpose and audience.

Use objective writing when you want to inform, explain, or report facts. Use subjective writing when you want to share your opinion, experience, or reaction.

Sometimes, you may use both in the same sentence.

Mixed sentence:
The laptop weighs 1.3 kg and is nice and light to carry around.

Objective part:
The laptop weighs 1.3 kg.

Subjective part:
It is nice and light to carry around.

Improved sentence:
The laptop weighs 1.3 kg, so I find it easy to carry during my daily commute.

This version clearly gives a fact and then shares a personal opinion.

Conclusion

Objective writing is based on facts that readers can check.

Subjective writing is based on personal opinions, feelings, and experiences. Knowing the difference helps you write more clearly and helps readers understand what fact is and what is opinion.