1.17 Writing Style: Objective and Subjective
What is Style?
In English speaking and writing contexts, styles can be categorized into two distinct groups: subjective and objective. A combination of both styles, however, can be used. Skilled writers know how to distinguish the two. They also know which style or which combination of styles is appropriate for which context. Likewise, careful readers can detect which style(s) is (are) being used in a given text.
The term subjective is used to describe a writing style that is based on personal beliefs or preferences. Subjective language often
- includes personal pronouns,
- is emotive,
- is exaggerated, and
- passes judgements.
The term objective is used to describe a writing style that focuses on facts and uses balanced, disinterested language that leads readers to critically evaluate the content presented in the text. Objective writing style does, in fact, include judgement. The judgements are supported by facts and are presented in a distant way.
Examples of Subjective and Objective Writing Style
She loves the snow. (opinion)
It is snowing heavily. (fact)
She loves the snow because she is a skier. (opinion with a fact)
Employees will probably be late to work today because it is snowing heavily. (prediction based on fact)
The order picker messed up our order terribly. (opinion, emotive language)
The order picker neglected to include several items in our order. (vague fact, negative language)
The order picker messed up our order; he neglected to include several items. (vague fact, negative language)
Two boxes of cleaning solution were not included in this morning’s order. (fact presented in an impartial manner)
In 2016, Zara launched its Join Life line as an initial step towards increasing product sustainability. (fact)
In 2016, Zara launched its Join Life line as an initial step towards supposedly increasing product sustainability. (fact, emotive language challenging the fact)
The Join Life women’s collection consists of about 280 pieces. (fact)
Zara’s other collections include about 1,500 items in its women’s dress category. (fact)
While Zara purports to be interested in sustainability, its sustainability collection includes only 280 items. (fact, judgement)
Zara is simply trying to trick customers into believing that it is concerned about sustainability, for a mere 280 of its items are part of its Join Life line. Moreover, most of its products are manufactured by underpaid labourers who live in some of the poorest countries in the world. (strong judgement supported by some fact, strong emotive language)
Compared to its other collection of over 1,500 items, Zara’s sustainability collection includes only 280 items. It, therefore, appears that Zara’s is doing little to address sustainability issues. (judgement based on fact, language is distanced)
The content about Zara was sourced and adapted from the reference below.
Objective Style in Report Writing
A report is a document created to impart information to a specific audience for a specific purpose. In the business world, reports can be informational or analytical. Whether informational or analytical, report writers present their information using balanced, disinterested language so that report readers can make their own conclusions once they have read the report. Therefore, it is critical for report writers to use effective structure and appropriate language.
Well written reports
- are effectively structured,
- include critical analysis of research,
- provide various perspectives if required,
- include evidence-based arguments, and
- maintain an objective tone.
1. Use the Passive Voice (Sparingly)
Since the passive voice removes the actor from the sentence, using it is an effective way of establishing an objective tone. While using the passive voice is effective, a report that relies heavily on it would be cumbersome to read, so it should be used sparingly.
| Active/subjective voice | I consulted several studies as part of my research. | I created a table to show the fluctuations in engagement. |
|---|---|---|
| Passive/objective voice | Several studies were consulted as part of the research. | A table was created to show the fluctuations in engagement. |
2. Use Ergative Verbs
To convert some passive voice constructions, use ergative verbs. Ergative verbs are used in the active voice even though they do not have a real actor. Common ergative verbs used in business include begin, start, increase, decrease, accumulate, reduce, advance, and improve.
| Active voice/subjective | We increased the employee pension contribution in 2022. | The accounting team started audits two weeks ago. |
|---|---|---|
| Passive voice/objective | The employee pension contribution was increased in 2022. | Audits were started by the accounting team two weeks ago. |
| Ergative verbs – effective to reduce passive voice constructions | The employee pension contribution increased in 2022. | Audits started two weeks ago. |
3. Focus on the evidence.
Use introductory words or phrases that focus on the evidence.
- The study highlights
- The graph indicates
- The report suggests
4. Use information from your sources.
- Olive (2021) summarizes the Icelandic study. He notes….
- In his article, Rodriguez (2021) comments on Canadian work culture.
5. Use “It and There” sentences.
These sentences are often used with hedges (to soften the information) and boosters (to strengthen information). Such sentence constructions allow comments on something without using subjective language.
| Subjective language |
I think that gender stereotyping dissuades many women from pursuing skilled trades careers. |
I have pinpointed four benefits to the proposed policy change. |
I believe that this is a terrible solution. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hedges and booster |
It is clear/evident that gender stereotyping dissuades many women from pursuing skilled trades careers. |
There are four benefits to the proposed policy change. or The four benefits to the proposed policy change are worth consideration. |
The solution has several disadvantages. or Several disadvantages to the solution exist. |
6. Personify the subject of the sentence.
Use phrases as indicated in the examples below.
- This report explores some effective implementations of the four-day work week.
- This report concludes that more research should be conducted before Company ABS considers implementing a four-day work week.
References
Coughlan, B. (2021, June 21). Why most eco-lines are just another form of greenwashing. re/make. https://remake.world/stories/news/why-most-eco-lines-are-just-another-form-of-greenwashing/?gclid= EAIaIQobChMIh9WL3MDj8wIVqGpvBB3KJQlVEAMYASAAEgJeVPD_BwE#post-14925
