Biased vs Impartial: Which Should You Use In Writing?

When it comes to conveying information, it is crucial to use the right words. One of the most commonly confused pairs of words is “biased” and “impartial.”

So, which one is the proper word to use? The answer is both. Biased and impartial are two sides of the same coin, representing opposite approaches to presenting information.

Biased means having a preference or inclination for one side or the other. It is a partial viewpoint that is not based on fact but rather on personal beliefs or opinions. In other words, a biased person or source is not objective and is likely to present information in a way that supports their own point of view.

On the other hand, impartial means unbiased or neutral. It is an objective viewpoint that is not influenced by personal beliefs or opinions. An impartial person or source presents information in a way that is fair and balanced, without taking sides or showing favoritism.

Throughout this article, we will explore the differences between biased and impartial and why it is important to be aware of these distinctions when consuming or creating content.

Define Biased

Biased refers to a preference or inclination towards a particular perspective, idea, or group, which may lead to unfairness or prejudice in decision-making. It is a state of mind that can influence one’s judgment, behavior, and actions in a way that is not objective or neutral. Bias can be conscious or unconscious and can be caused by personal beliefs, experiences, cultural background, or social norms.

Define Impartial

Impartial means being neutral, fair, and unbiased in decision-making, without any favoritism or prejudice towards any particular perspective or group. It involves the ability to consider all relevant facts and evidence objectively, without being influenced by personal beliefs or emotions. Impartiality is an essential quality for professionals such as judges, journalists, and scientists, who are expected to make decisions based on evidence and facts rather than personal opinions or biases.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the words “biased” and “impartial” correctly is important in conveying the intended meaning of a sentence. Here’s how to use them properly:

How To Use “Biased” In A Sentence

The word “biased” refers to having a preference or inclination towards a particular idea, person, or group, often resulting in unfair treatment or judgment. Here are some examples of how to use “biased” in a sentence:

• The news article was biased towards the political party it supported.
• The judge was accused of being biased towards the defendant.
• Her opinion was biased due to her personal relationship with the subject.

Notice how in each of these examples, the word “biased” is used to describe a situation where someone is showing favoritism towards something or someone, which can result in an unfair outcome.

How To Use “Impartial” In A Sentence

The word “impartial” refers to being fair and unbiased, without showing favoritism towards any particular idea, person, or group. Here are some examples of how to use “impartial” in a sentence:

• The judge was praised for being impartial and making a fair decision.
• The news article presented both sides of the argument in an impartial manner.
• It’s important for journalists to remain impartial when reporting the news.

Notice how in each of these examples, the word “impartial” is used to describe a situation where someone is being fair and unbiased, without showing favoritism towards any particular side or idea.

More Examples Of Biased & Impartial Used In Sentences

In this section, we will provide examples of how the words biased and impartial can be used in sentences. By understanding how these words are used in context, we can better understand their meanings and how to use them effectively in our own writing.

Examples Of Using Biased In A Sentence

• The journalist’s article was clearly biased towards one political party.
• The judge was accused of being biased towards the defendant.
• The company’s hiring process was found to be biased against minorities.
• The teacher’s grading was perceived as biased by some students.
• The study was criticized for having a biased sample size.
• The news network was accused of having a biased agenda.
• The movie review was biased due to the reviewer’s personal opinions.
• The athlete accused the referee of being biased against their team.
• The survey was deemed biased due to leading questions.
• The historian’s interpretation of the events was considered biased by some scholars.

Examples Of Using Impartial In A Sentence

• The judge promised to be impartial and fair in the trial.
• The mediator acted as an impartial third party in the negotiation.
• The journalist’s reporting was praised for being impartial and objective.
• The committee was tasked with making an impartial decision based on the evidence presented.
• The referee was commended for making impartial calls throughout the game.
• The scientific study was conducted in an impartial manner to avoid any biases.
• The arbitrator was chosen for their reputation of being impartial in past cases.
• The hiring manager promised to be impartial in the selection process.
• The ombudsman’s role is to remain impartial and investigate complaints fairly.
• The news network claimed to be impartial in their coverage of the election.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to discussing information and opinions, it’s important to understand the difference between being biased and being impartial. Unfortunately, these terms are often used interchangeably, which can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Mistake #1: Using Biased And Partial Interchangeably

Biased and partial may sound similar, but they have different meanings. Biased means having a preference or inclination towards a particular point of view, while partial means being incomplete or limited. Using these terms interchangeably can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of information. For example, saying that a news article is “partial” may be interpreted as meaning that it is biased, when in fact it may simply be incomplete.

Mistake #2: Assuming Impartiality Equals Objectivity

While impartiality is an important aspect of objectivity, it does not guarantee it. Being impartial means being fair and balanced in presenting information, but it does not necessarily mean that the information presented is accurate or unbiased. It’s important to remember that even impartial sources can have biases, whether conscious or unconscious. Therefore, it’s important to evaluate the information presented critically, regardless of its source.

Mistake #3: Failing To Recognize Personal Biases

We all have personal biases, whether we are aware of them or not. Failing to recognize these biases can lead to unintentional bias in our own opinions and information sharing. It’s important to be aware of our own biases and to actively seek out diverse perspectives and information to counteract them.

Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes

• Use the terms biased and impartial correctly and avoid using them interchangeably.
• Recognize that impartiality does not guarantee objectivity and evaluate information critically.
• Be aware of your own biases and actively seek out diverse perspectives and information.

Context Matters

When it comes to the choice between using biased or impartial language, context is a crucial factor to consider. Depending on the situation, one may be more appropriate than the other. Let’s explore some examples of different contexts and how the choice between biased and impartial language might change.

Academic Writing

In academic writing, impartial language is generally preferred. This is because academic writing aims to present information objectively and without bias. Using biased language can undermine the credibility of the research and the author. For example, instead of saying “I think,” it is better to say “Research suggests.” This minor change in language can make a significant difference in the overall tone and credibility of the piece.

Opinion Pieces

Opinion pieces, on the other hand, often rely on biased language to convey a particular point of view. In these cases, the writer is not aiming to present an objective perspective but rather to persuade the reader to agree with their opinion. For example, a writer advocating for a particular political candidate may use biased language to highlight the candidate’s strengths and downplay their weaknesses.

Advertising

Advertising is another context where biased language is commonly used. Advertisers often use language that is designed to evoke an emotional response in the reader or viewer. For example, an advertisement for a weight loss product may use biased language to make the product seem more effective than it actually is. Phrases like “miracle cure” or “instant results” are examples of biased language that can be used in advertising.

News Reporting

News reporting is a context where impartial language is crucial. Journalists aim to present the news objectively and without bias. Using biased language can undermine the credibility of the news organization and the journalist. For example, a news report that uses biased language to describe a particular political candidate may be seen as partisan and not objective.

As we can see, the choice between using biased or impartial language depends on the context in which it is used. In academic writing and news reporting, impartial language is preferred, while in opinion pieces and advertising, biased language is often used. It is important to consider the context when choosing which type of language to use to ensure that the message is conveyed effectively and appropriately.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the terms “biased” and “impartial” are generally used to describe the objectivity of a person or source, there are certain situations where the rules for using these terms might not apply. Here are some exceptions to consider:

1. Personal Opinions

When it comes to personal opinions, it’s important to note that everyone is entitled to their own biases. While it’s important to strive for objectivity in journalism and other forms of media, personal opinions can sometimes seep through. In these cases, it might be more appropriate to use terms like “subjective” or “personal” rather than “biased.”

2. Creative Writing

In the realm of creative writing, the rules for using biased and impartial are a bit different. In fact, many writers intentionally inject bias into their work in order to create a certain effect or to make a point. For example, a fictional story from the perspective of a biased character might be more interesting and engaging than a completely impartial one.

3. Marketing And Advertising

Marketing and advertising are industries where bias is not only accepted, but often encouraged. Companies want to present their products or services in the best possible light, and will often use biased language and imagery to do so. In these cases, it’s important for consumers to be aware of the bias and to take it into consideration when making purchasing decisions.

4. Scientific Research

While scientific research should always strive for objectivity, there are certain situations where bias might be unavoidable. For example, if a researcher has a personal connection to the subject matter, they might have a harder time remaining completely impartial. In these cases, it’s important for researchers to acknowledge their biases and to take steps to minimize their impact on the research.

While the rules for using biased and impartial are generally straightforward, there are certain exceptions to consider. By understanding these exceptions and the contexts in which they apply, we can better navigate the complex world of media, writing, and research.

Practice Exercises

Improving your understanding and use of biased and impartial in sentences requires practice. Here are some exercises to help:

Exercise 1: Identifying Bias

Read the following sentences and identify whether they are biased or impartial:

Sentence	Biased or Impartial?
The new policy unfairly targets low-income families.	Biased
The study found no significant difference between the two groups.	Impartial
The company’s CEO is a visionary leader.	Biased
The journalist reported the facts without bias.	Impartial

Answer Key: 1. Biased, 2. Impartial, 3. Biased, 4. Impartial

Exercise 2: Writing Impartial Sentences

Rewrite the following biased sentences to make them impartial:

1. The Republican candidate is the only one who can save the country from disaster.
2. The new product is the best thing on the market.
3. The teacher unfairly gave the student a failing grade.

Answer Key: 1. Both candidates have different approaches to solving the country’s problems. 2. The new product has received positive reviews from customers. 3. The student received a failing grade due to not meeting the requirements of the assignment.

Practice these exercises regularly to improve your understanding and use of biased and impartial in sentences.

Conclusion

After exploring the concepts of biased and impartial language, it is clear that the words we choose to use can have a significant impact on how our message is received by others. Biased language can create division and perpetuate harmful stereotypes, while impartial language can promote understanding and inclusivity.

It is important to be mindful of our language use in all aspects of communication, from everyday conversations to professional writing. By taking the time to consider the words we use, we can ensure that our message is being conveyed in a clear and respectful manner.

Key Takeaways

• Biased language can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and create division.
• Impartial language promotes understanding and inclusivity.
• Being mindful of language use is important in all aspects of communication.

By implementing impartial language in our writing, we can create a more inclusive and respectful environment for all readers.

Continuing Your Learning

If you are interested in learning more about grammar and language use, there are many resources available to help you improve your skills. Consider taking a writing course or attending a workshop to gain more knowledge and practice. Additionally, there are many online resources and guides available for free to help you improve your writing and communication skills.

Remember, language is a powerful tool that can be used to unite or divide. By continuing to learn and improve our language use, we can create a more inclusive and respectful society for all.