a separate opinion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a separate opinion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an individual viewpoint that is distinct from the majority or prevailing opinion, often in contexts like legal or academic discussions. Example: "In the court's decision, Justice Smith issued a separate opinion, highlighting his differing views on the matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Each judge wrote a separate opinion.

The New York Times

Justice O'Connor concurred in a separate opinion.

The New York Times

She did not write a separate opinion to explain herself.

The New York Times

1. Justice Sotomayor authored a separate opinion concurring in the judgment.

Columbia University

Justices McReynolds, Brandeis, and Sanford, in a separate opinion, hold the cause moot.

Cornell University

Justice Stephen G. Breyer concurred in a separate opinion, which Justice David H. Souter joined.

The New York Times

Justice Antonin Scalia objected in a separate opinion to this aspect of the court's opinion.

The New York Times

Judge Henderson, a conservative Republican, issued a separate opinion largely supporting the justification for the search.

The New York Times

In a separate opinion, Gorsuch wrote, "All of us face the problem of complicity.

The New Yorker

In a separate opinion, Knoll wrote that Crawford should have been acquitted.

The New Yorker

He reached the same conclu sion in a separate opinion about the tenant farmers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a separate opinion" in legal or academic writing, clearly identify the author of the opinion to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "Justice Kennedy wrote a separate opinion".

Common error

Avoid using "a separate opinion" when you actually mean a "divided opinion". "A separate opinion" refers to an individual's view, while "a divided opinion" implies a split among multiple parties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a separate opinion" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to indicate a viewpoint that differs from the main or majority view. As Ludwig AI shows, it appears frequently in contexts where individual judgments are highlighted, especially in legal and academic settings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

37%

Science

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a separate opinion" is a common and grammatically sound expression, primarily used to denote a differing viewpoint, particularly in legal and academic settings. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalent usage in News & Media and Academia. While its register is typically neutral to formal, it effectively serves the communicative purpose of expressing individual judgments or perspectives that diverge from the majority. When employing this phrase, it's essential to clearly identify the author of the opinion and to differentiate it from the concept of a "divided opinion", which describes a split amongst multiple parties. Consider alternative phrases such as "an alternative viewpoint" or "a distinct judgment" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dissenting view

Specifically indicates disagreement.

a divergent stance

Emphasizes a deviation from the standard or accepted position.

an alternative viewpoint

Highlights the difference in perspective.

a differing perspective

Focuses on the contrast in outlook.

another interpretation

Highlights the possibility of understanding something differently.

a distinct judgment

Emphasizes the quality of being noticeably different in judgement.

an independent analysis

Stresses the unbiased nature of the analysis.

an individual assessment

Focuses on the individuality and judgment of the assessment, which refers more in detail on the act of judging.

a supplementary perspective

Suggests an additional, rather than conflicting, viewpoint.

a concurring statement

Indicates agreement with the outcome but for different reasons.

FAQs

How is "a separate opinion" typically used in legal contexts?

In legal settings, "a separate opinion" refers to a judge's written explanation that either concurs with the majority decision for different reasons, or dissents from it. These are often called concurring opinions or dissenting opinions, respectively.

What's the difference between "dissenting opinion" and "concurring opinion"?

A "dissenting opinion" disagrees with the majority ruling and explains why. A "concurring opinion" agrees with the outcome of the ruling, but offers different reasons or legal analysis for reaching the same conclusion.

Can "a separate opinion" be used outside of legal or academic contexts?

Yes, though it's less common. It can describe any situation where someone expresses a viewpoint that differs from the prevailing one. For example, "While the team agreed on the marketing strategy, John offered a separate opinion /s/a+different+opinion about the target demographic".

What are some synonyms for "a separate opinion"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "an alternative viewpoint", "a distinct judgment", or "a differing perspective" to convey a similar meaning.