neutral

(adjective)

Favoring neither the supporting nor the opposing viewpoint of a topic of debate; unbiased.

Related Terms

  • opposition
  • straw man
  • concession
  • credibility

Examples of neutral in the following topics:

  • Gender-Neutral Language

    • Gender neutrality in language minimizes assumptions about the gender or sex of people referred to in writing or speech.
    • Gender-neutral language is neither masculine nor feminine and avoids using gender specific pronouns such as "he" or "she." 
    • The purpose of gender neutrality in writing is to minimize assumptions about the gender or sex of people.
    • Using gender-neutral pronouns avoids presumptions of male superiority.
    • Different authorities have presented guidelines on when and how to use gender-neutral, or "non-sexist" language.
  • Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement

    • Gender-neutral pronouns include you, they, their, theirs, we, us, our, ours, your, and yours.
    • In the case where the gender of the antecedent is unknown, the pronoun should be gender-neutral or avoided altogether. 
    • [By making the antecedent plural, you can use the gender-neutral plural pronoun their.]
  • Entertaining Objections

    • When you address the opposing point of view and demonstrate how your claim is stronger, you neutralize their argument.
  • Techniques for Acknowledging Opposing Views

    • Whichever way you choose to bring the counterargument into the discussion, however, you'll want to use neutral language.
    • Here are some examples of neutral verbs you can use to introduce another author's opposing view: "contends," "argues," "suggests," "admits," "claims," "believes."
    • There are many valid ways to introduce an opposing view, but do try to present it in a neutral manner before you shoot it down.
    • Modify language to be neutral in tone when presenting a counterargument
  • Introducing Objections Informally

    • These informal devices can help authors entertain another opinion in a neutral manner.
  • The Importance of Addressing Opposing Views

    • If you fail to neutralize a common objection, readers will have an excuse to reject your argument.
  • The Practice of Conversation

    • By addressing opposing points of view in your paper and demonstrating how your own claim is stronger, you neutralize those other arguments.
  • The Importance of Reliability

    • "Author bias" means that the author feels strongly about the topic one way or another, which prevents the author from taking a neutral approach to presenting findings.
  • Active Voice vs. Passive Voice

    • Active voice is generally more direct and neutral than passive voice.
Subjects
  • Accounting
  • Algebra
  • Art History
  • Biology
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  • Calculus
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  • Management
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  • Microbiology
  • Physics
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  • Psychology
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  • Statistics
  • U.S. History
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  • Writing

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