Opinion
Refers to a judgement that someone or an organization has. Opinions are not facts, they are just what someone thinks. They can be based on knowledge or just be someone’s point of view.
There are many collocations with opinion. Here are some of the most widely used.
1. Public Opinion
Refers to what the majority of the public thinks. In this case public is referring to a group of people. For example during elections public opinion polls are taken. In that case the public is the citizens of the country.
- Politicians are always paying close attention to public opinion.
- Public opinion has not moved on this issue.
2. Opinion Polls
Refer to gathering scientific information about how a certain group of people feel about a certain topic. Opinion polls can be done on any subject.
A small sample size of people are given a multiple choice question or multiple questions and they choose an answer. This sample size is representative of what the larger group thinks. This is often used in political campaigns.
- Opinion polls show that many people support this measure.
- Governing by opinion polls can be dangerous and shows a lack of leadership.
3. Low Opinion
Means that someone or something is viewed badly. One person can have a low opinion of someone or something or a whole group can view something in a negative way.
- After the way she behaved I had a low opinion of her.
- The group has a low opinion of that hotel after staying there.
4. Difference of Opinion
Refers to two or more people or organizations not agreeing on something. One person thinks one thing, the other person thinks something else.
It doesn’t have to result in an argument or any sort of negativity, it just means that two people or organizations see things differently.
- We had a difference of opinion and are no longer working together.
- It’s ok for friends to have a difference of opinion.
5. Express an Opinion
Refers to two or more entities saying what they think.It can be a positive opinion, or a negative one. It can also refer to someone just saying what they think about a subject.
- This will give everyone an opportunity to express their opinion.
- He’s not very good at expressing his opinion.
6. General Opinion
Refers to someone having an opinion about something that is widespread and broad, but not specific. It could be a general opinion about anything. For example someone may have a general opinion about science.
There are many different types of sciences, but a general opinion just talks about your overall feeling. General opinions are often given when someone doesn’t have all of the details on a subject.
- My general opinion of her is not good.
- I know you don’t know about everything, but what’s your general opinion?
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7. Opinions Should
Refers to someone’s opinion about opinions. It refers to how someone thinks people should express their feelings.
- People’s opinions should be based in facts.
- My opinions should be taken just as seriously as anyone else’s.
8. Have or Hold an Opinion
Refers to what someone thinks about a subject. It is someone’s ability to have or express their thoughts.
- Do you have an opinion on the subject.
- You don’t have to hold an opinion about everything.
9. Give an Opinion
Simply refers to someone stating how they feel or what they think about something.
- Tell me what happened and then I’ll give my opinion.
- She is always giving an opinion, even when no one cares what she thinks.
10. Form an opinion
Refers to the process of coming up with an opinion. It refers to when someone is gathering the information that they will use to determine what their opinion is.
- It takes me awhile to form an opinion.
- You formed an opinion before you got to know me.
11. Personal Opinion
Refers to the thoughts or views that one person has. Personal opinion is often used to make it very clear or emphasize that what someone is saying is not a fact, nor is it what another person or group thinks.
This collocation is used to make it clear that the stated feeling or thoughts only belong to the person speaking (or on occasion being spoken about).
- It is my personal opinion that he is guilty.
- What’s your personal opinion on the matter.
12. Strong Opinion
Refers to someone really thinking or feeling a certain way.
- I have a strong opinion on the subject.
- It’s a controversial subject, everyone has strong opinion about it.
