Opinion

give opinion

Could you read this essay and give me your opinion on it before I hand it in to my tutor?

respect opinion

I always value our teacher’s opinion. He’s a man whose opinion I respect.

form opinion

What do you think of this new government?

>It’s too early to say. I haven’t really formed an opinion yet.

influence opinion

There can be no doubt that television and newspaper do influence public opinion.

revise opinion

The fact that he passed the exam has made me revise my original opinion of him. He’s obviously more intelligent than I thought he was.

express opinion

Would anyone like to express an opinion on this matter?

share opinion

I know what you think, but do the other members of the team share your opinion?

ask opinion

If you ask my opinion, there’s a danger I’ll disagree with you – so it’s better not to ask!

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Their marriage is almost at an end. Over the years irreconcilable differences of opinion have developed.

Zidane is the greatest footballer the world has ever seen. That’s a matter of opinion. I think Pele was a better player.

The government needs to find out what the current climate of opinion is before it makes any changes to the tax on fuel. It’s important that they know what people generally think.

Most people are fed up with the congestion and pollution that traffic brings a substantial body of opinion supports the idea of banning all cars from the city centre.

Over the last twenty years there has been a distinct shift in opinion on the issue of abortion. More and more people seem to approve of it these days.

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strong opinion

Many people have very strong opinions on capital punishment. My father, for example, thinks that all murderers should be executed.

popular opinion

The article accurately reflects popular opinion. It’s what the majority of people think.

second opinion

I’m grateful for his advice, but I really need to get a second opinion before I make a final decision. I don’t want to do something that I might regret.

honest opinion

Ok, if you want my honest opinion, I think the dress looks awful. It just doesn’t suit you.

high opinion

I have a very high opinion of Mark’s abilities as an actor, but a very low opinion of him as a father. He hardly saw his children as they grew up.

considered opinion

Prime Minister, we have discussed the present crisis in depth and it is our considered opinion that for the good of the country you should resign.

expert opinion

Expert opinion is divided on the issue of how to treat this condition. Some doctors would operate; others favour drugs.

personal opinion

My personal opinion doesn’t really matter here. We need to decide for the good of everyone.

 

Notes

• If someone thinks too highly of themselves, we say:

He’s got too high an opinion of himself!

• Note these expressions:

The general opinion is that the new traffic scheme is a good thing.

The doctor was of the opinion that an operation was not necessary.

Everybody is entitled to their own opinion!

Opinion is deeply divided on this issue. I can see little hope of reaching any sort of agreement.

• Note this very common expression:

In my opinion, interest rates are going to go up.

• Newspapers often carry out ‘opinion polls’ to find out the opinions of lots of people on the popularity of political parties.