Differences between Objective & Subjective

The difference between objective and subjective is important in English grammar. These two words, objective and subjective, are totally opposite in meaning. This is based on the point of views which often determines the type of writing in a prose. While subjective is based on personal opinions or views, objective is based on facts. In other words, subjective is influenced by personal feelings, while objective is influenced by facts only. The differences along with the definitions are explained below.

Objective:

Objective statements always give the facts. An objective implies a goal, but being objective implies that the person is unbiased. Hence, if a person is objective about something, then it can be inferred that the person does not have any personal feelings about the thing. In English grammar, the word ‘objective’ is related to the object of a sentence. Therefore, when an objective opinion is needed, it indicates that an unbiased and fact based opinion is required for something. Sometimes, third party point of view is collected about any issue when a neutral point of view is needed. Hence, objective information or analysis is always based on facts, which is observable and often measurable.  

The objective point of views are most commonly found in the Encyclopedias, news reporting, text books, and reports based on data. This type of information is highly suitable for decision making and news reporting.

Subjective:

The term subjective is related to anything that reflects feelings or personal emotions. A subjective opinion refers to one that is influenced by personal feelings or emotions or point of view. Anything subjective is dependent on interpretation or judgment, which is not unbiased. In English grammar, the word ‘subjective’ is associated with the subject of the sentence. Therefore, the basic definition of subjective is something which is influenced by emotions or feelings. Usually, human beings have feelings and hence, their opinions on something are often subjective. Hence, personal opinions, beliefs, interpretations and assumptions are always considered to be subjective, and due to this feature of being subjective, opinions regarding something have the chance of varying from one person to the other. For example, regarding a product review, some people may find that useful while some might be disappointed and therefore the opinions or judgment about the product and its quality will be different. However, that does not change the facts about that particular product, although satisfaction level and opinions and therefore the reviews vary.  You can get English assignment help from Assignmenthelp.us.

Subjective information is not suitable for decision making or news reporting as these can be biased. Subjective writings or opinions are mostly found in newspaper editorials, biographies, blogs, comments on discussion forum, product reviews, and comments on the internet and social media.

Examples of objective and subjective statements:

In many cases, both the words are USD in a single sentence. For example:

‘The pathologists need more objective test results and measures for the disease, as symptoms are subjective to a certain degree’.

 ‘One should be objective while writing news reports, or while writing a book report, however, one can be subjective in newspaper editorials or book reviews’.

List of fundamental differences between objective and subjective:

1. A neutral statement is always objective if is based on true and real information and is balanced and unbiased. On the other hand, a subjective statement shows the writer’s or speaker’s personal outlook or personal point of view and therefore, it does not show the clear picture.
2. Objective statements are always based on observations and facts, while subjective statements are always based on assumptions, judgments, beliefs, and influenced by personal emotions and feelings.
3. Objective information is measurable, observable and can be proved as it is based on facts. On the contrary, subjective information is entirely related to the subject, that is, the writer or the speaker, who is presenting it.
4. Objective information and statements are unbiased and balanced and can be checked and verified, while subjective information and statements are biased and cannot be checked or verified.
5. When an information is objective, it remains same irrespective of the individual reporting it. On the contrary, a subjective information differs from one person to another.
6. Unlike subjective statement or information, objective statement or information is useful for decision making.
7. Objective information can be found in text books, encyclopaedias, theoretical science books, and news reports, while subjective information is found in biographies, reviews, social media comments and discussions, newspaper editorials and blogs.