a settled opinion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a settled opinion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a viewpoint or belief that is firmly established and unlikely to change. Example: "After years of research, the scientists reached a settled opinion on the effects of climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The judge, Joseph E. Gary, refused to allow the defense to challenge for cause prospective jurors who had already formed a settled opinion of the defendants' guilt.

The New Yorker

Mr. Storr of Yale said, "I think we will never get a settled opinion on him, and unlike Hopper, there will not be an agreed upon general status for him".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It seems to me that there is a deeper process accompanying the nascent "conservative revolt": as the true nature of Bush policy and its consequent failures becomes settled opinion among a broad spectrum of America, there will be a need to maintain that those days are behind us.

The New York Times

Bloom dangles the promise of an arousing and dangerous philosophical quest, which will take the student far from his (and his friends' and parents' and other professors') settled opinions about what is good and decent.

The New Yorker

Roy Moore is so well known in Alabama that people had very settled opinions about whether they wanted them as their senator before the race even started," said University of Alabama political scientist Joseph L. Smith.

The Washington Post

No matter how controversial the standing of a great statesman, the passing of almost 500 years since his death might be expected to settle opinion one way or the other.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Prepare a settle list.

WikiHow

The court also saw itself as confirming the settled U.S. opinion condemning the Sedition Act of 1798.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If you talk to political pros in D.C. these days, you'll hear them say that "gravity" — voters' apparently settled low opinion of the Republican Party — will eventually drag McCain down.

The New York Times

Candidate factors are not restricted to what institutions said; nor are they restricted to what settled legal opinion considers relevant.

SEP

But the four reviewers, which included specialists on wolf genetics, disagreed with USFWS's idea of a separate eastern wolf, stating that the notion "was not universally accepted and that the issue was 'not settled' "—an opinion shared by other researchers.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a settled opinion" when you want to convey that a viewpoint is not easily changed or influenced by new information. It suggests a considered and firm belief.

Common error

Avoid using "a settled opinion" to describe viewpoints that should be open to revision. Overusing it can make you seem close-minded or unwilling to consider alternative perspectives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a settled opinion" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "settled" modifies the noun "opinion". It describes a viewpoint or belief that is firmly established and unlikely to change. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a settled opinion" is a useful way to describe a firmly held belief that is unlikely to change. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English. While not extremely common, it's appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. Keep in mind that overuse can suggest close-mindedness, so consider the context carefully. Alternatives include "a firm conviction" or "an established view".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a firm conviction

Emphasizes the strength and certainty of the belief.

an established view

Highlights that the view is recognized and accepted.

a decided belief

Focuses on the decisiveness and clarity of the belief.

a concluded judgment

Implies that the opinion is the result of careful consideration.

an agreed-upon conclusion

Stresses the element of consensus and shared understanding.

a definitive position

Highlights the clear and unambiguous stance taken.

a fixed viewpoint

Emphasizes the rigidity and resistance to change of the viewpoint.

a resolved perspective

Implies that any previous doubts or uncertainties have been overcome.

a set belief

Highlights that the belief is firmly in place.

an unwavering stance

Emphasizes the consistency and determination in maintaining the viewpoint.

FAQs

How can I use "a settled opinion" in a sentence?

You can use "a settled opinion" to describe someone's firm belief, for example: "The judge refused jurors who already had "a settled opinion" of the defendant's guilt."

What phrases are similar to "a settled opinion"?

Alternatives to "a settled opinion" include "a firm conviction", "an established view", or "a decided belief" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a settled opinion" formal or informal?

"A settled opinion" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in more casual settings, simpler phrases like "strong belief" might be preferred.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a settled opinion"?

Use "a settled opinion" when you want to emphasize that an idea or viewpoint is firmly established and unlikely to change easily. It's appropriate when discussing well-considered judgments or convictions.