Meaning & use
I may be biased
Last updated
Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
A polite warning that the speaker's opinion might be unfair because of personal feelings or experience.
Grammar: Often used before giving an opinion, to admit possible unfairness.
Patterns
- I may be biased, but ...
I may be biased, but I think my hometown has the best food.
I may be biased because I work here, but this is a great company.
I may be biased, but I found the movie absolutely brilliant.
Common combinations
- I may be biased, but
- I may be biased, but I prefer this brand.
- slightly biased
- The report seemed slightly biased.
- heavily biased
- The news coverage was heavily biased.
Synonyms and how they differ
- prejudiced
- Stronger and more negative; 'biased' can be mild and is often admitted by the speaker.
- partial
- More formal; 'biased' is more common in everyday speech.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: I may be biased or I may be tired?
I may be biased vs I may be tired
Similar structure but completely different meaning. 'Biased' is about unfairness, not tiredness.
Practice
When would you say 'I may be biased'?
Choose one answer.
'I may be biased' warns that your opinion could be influenced by personal feelings. It is not for facts, questions, or apologies.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “I may be biased”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.