a qualified opinion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a qualified opinion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a viewpoint that is conditional or limited in scope, often indicating that the opinion is based on certain qualifications or reservations. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, I can only offer a qualified opinion on the matter, as there are still many unknowns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Without such a plan, Moody's said, Conseco's accountants could issue a qualified opinion questioning the company's ability to continue operating.

The New York Times

After firing Arthur Young & Company (now Ernst & Young), which had tarnished it with a qualified opinion, Penn Square hired Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Company (now KPMG).

The New York Times

Mr. Theede also disputed market talk that PriceWaterhouseCoopers might have to issue a qualified opinion on Yukos's financial statements, based on the uncertainty on how it will pay the $3.4 billion tax claim.

The New York Times

If the AC is effective in facilitating the labour of the external auditor, then the auditor's opinion about the financial statements should be improved, evolving from a qualified opinion to a favourable one, or, in the case of maintaining a qualified opinion, producing certain modifications to the qualifications.

SERIEs

A qualified opinion is used when there were scope limitations on the auditor's work.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It is probably never wise to give an author a negative or "qualified" opinion of his book, but I am moved to do so because I liked your last book, all parts of it, very, very much and I guess because I assumed that if you sent me your book it was because you were interested in my opinion of it.

The New Yorker

Similarly, other studies have arrived at the conclusion that the presence of an independent AC does not affect the quality of accounting information (García Osma and Gill de Albornoz 2007) and that neither the existence nor the composition of the AC have an influence on the tendency to receive qualified opinions in the audit reports (Pucheta and De Fuentes 2007).

SERIEs

Why then would the mainstream media run stories where a doctor or scientist offers a qualified, considered, researched, opinion and then turn to a wing nut who's spent a couple of hours on Dr Google and has decided vaccines are bad, m'kay?

The Guardian - Opinion

According to these reported ideas, the authors recommends that faculty members could actively assist the student in acquiring a qualified and professional opinion regarding the presence of test anxiety, if identifying at-risk nursing students.

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

In Clark's personal opinion, the answer is a qualified yes.

Science Magazine

The answer, a qualified yes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a qualified opinion", clearly state the limitations or conditions that influence the viewpoint to ensure transparency and avoid misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a qualified opinion" as a definitive conclusion. Acknowledge the uncertainties and limitations that contribute to the qualified nature of the viewpoint.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a qualified opinion" functions as a noun phrase that describes the nature of an assessment or judgment. It suggests that the opinion is not absolute or unconditional, but rather is subject to certain limitations or reservations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a qualified opinion" is a noun phrase used to express an assessment or judgment that is not absolute or unconditional. It indicates that the opinion is subject to certain limitations or reservations. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. It is most frequently found in news, media, and scientific contexts and its communicative purpose is to convey an assessment that acknowledges uncertainties or conditions. When using this phrase, it is important to clearly state the limitations influencing the viewpoint to ensure transparency. Some alternatives include "a tentative assessment", "a guarded viewpoint", and "a reserved judgment".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reserved judgment

Using 'judgment' instead of 'opinion' and 'reserved' to indicate a withholding of complete approval or agreement.

a guarded viewpoint

This uses 'viewpoint' instead of 'opinion' and 'guarded' to suggest caution or reservation in expressing the opinion.

a tentative assessment

This alternative replaces 'opinion' with 'assessment' and adds 'tentative' to emphasize the uncertainty or lack of complete confidence.

a circumspect evaluation

This phrase replaces 'opinion' with 'evaluation' and uses 'circumspect' to convey careful consideration and a degree of skepticism.

a hesitant agreement

This alternative replaces 'opinion' with 'agreement' and adds 'hesitant' to show some reluctance.

a cautious endorsement

This alternative uses 'endorsement' to suggest support, but 'cautious' to temper the enthusiasm.

a limited concurrence

This phrase uses 'concurrence' instead of 'opinion' and 'limited' to show only partial agreement.

an ambivalent perspective

Here, 'perspective' replaces 'opinion' and 'ambivalent' indicates mixed feelings or contradictory ideas.

a conditional approval

This alternative uses 'approval' instead of 'opinion' and makes it dependent on certain conditions being met.

a measured response

This uses 'response' in place of 'opinion' and 'measured' to indicate a careful and deliberate expression.

FAQs

How do you properly use "a qualified opinion" in a sentence?

Use "a qualified opinion" to express a viewpoint that is conditional or limited in scope. For example: "After reviewing the initial data, I can only offer "a qualified opinion" on the project's feasibility, as further research is needed."

What are some alternatives to using "a qualified opinion"?

You can use alternatives like "a tentative assessment", "a guarded viewpoint", or "a reserved judgment" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to provide "a qualified opinion" or withhold judgment entirely?

Providing "a qualified opinion" is often more helpful than withholding judgment, as it offers some insight while acknowledging limitations. This allows for a more nuanced understanding of the situation.

What's the difference between "a qualified opinion" and "an unqualified opinion"?

"A qualified opinion" indicates reservations or limitations, whereas "an unqualified opinion" signifies complete agreement or approval without any reservations. The former acknowledges uncertainties, while the latter asserts certainty.