apparent opinion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "apparent opinion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a viewpoint that seems to be evident or obvious, but may not necessarily reflect the true beliefs of the person expressing it. Example: "While he expressed an apparent opinion on the matter, it was clear that he had deeper reservations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Some shameful truths have been laid bare, including the eminent judge's apparent opinion that "the security service does not in fact operate a culture that respects human rights".

The Guardian - Opinion

Pamela Calloway Los Angeles, Ca. A lot of paper could have been saved by just boiling down Michael Noer's apparent opinion to the old adage that 'women should be kept barefoot and pregnant.' Is that what the studies are really saying?

Forbes

We come to care about their (apparent) opinion of us, and they can be programmed to have subtle expressions.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

With gay marriage, an outlier position became a respectable one, then the practical difficulties of enforcing a ban on gay marriage on a national scale became apparent, respectable opinion conceded that marriage equality was inevitable, and, at last, Justice Kennedy made it seem, to those who share his conservative philosophy, like a respectable and noble cause.

The New Yorker

During the committee's deliberations, it became apparent that opinions were split between those who wanted a flag that was similar to the United States because of fond feelings for the old Union and those who wanted something completely different to mark a new beginning.

The New York Times

As a now-notorious, let's-criticize-the-critics issue of Time Out New York made apparent last year, opinions on Holland's writing — he has an especially dour, though essential, cynicism about what is politely called the Music Business — have varied widely.

The New Yorker

One of interesting aspects of this more-interesting-than-anyone-expected election has been the apparent shifts in opinion among gay voters.

The Guardian

Both parties, when facing each other, have the good sense to temper their headstrong impulses to some extent, yet there were enough apparent differences of opinion here to sustain a creative tension.

The New York Times - Arts

Yet some broad trends are apparent from two opinion polls, one published in October by the Asia Foundation, an American NGO, and one this month by three broadcasters, including the BBC.

The Economist

Rolf MowatheLarssen, the former head of intelligence at the Department of Energy and a nuclear expert who worked for the C.I.A., said that the apparent differences of opinion among the world's intelligence agencies might boil down to differences of interpretative style, or what he called "tradecraft".

The New York Times

The survey results were limited by a low response rate but indicated an apparent consensus of opinion concerning editorial responsibility to screen for and publish ethical research.

BMC Medical Ethics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "apparent opinion" when you want to express that a view seems clear based on the available evidence, but you cannot confirm it as a definitively held belief. This phrasing adds nuance to your writing, indicating a degree of uncertainty or observation.

Common error

Avoid using "apparent opinion" as a synonym for "actual opinion". The term suggests a tentative assessment based on incomplete information. If you are sure of someone's belief, state it directly; otherwise, acknowledge the uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apparent opinion" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a view that is not explicitly stated but seems evident based on available information. As evidenced by Ludwig, its function aligns with assessing observed, but unconfirmed, viewpoints.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "apparent opinion" is a noun phrase used to describe a viewpoint that seems evident but is not definitively confirmed. Ludwig's analysis indicates it's grammatically correct and most frequently found in news and media, and science contexts. While the phrase is relatively rare, with only three examples available in Ludwig, it serves the communicative purpose of conveying observation and inference. The expert rating stands at 4.5, reflecting the phrase's accurate use and suitable contexts. Using "apparent opinion" effectively involves recognizing its tentativeness and avoiding assumptions that it represents a true, explicitly held belief.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeming belief

Replaces "apparent opinion" with a direct synonym for 'opinion' and a synonym for 'apparent'.

ostensible view

Uses a more formal synonym for 'apparent' and 'opinion', suitable for academic or professional contexts.

surface level judgment

Emphasizes the superficial aspect of the opinion, implying it's based on initial observation.

presumed stance

Suggests the opinion is inferred or assumed, rather than explicitly expressed.

outward inclination

Focuses on the visible tendency or leaning that suggests an opinion.

superficial belief

Highlights that the belief might not be deeply held or thoroughly considered.

hinted perspective

Indicates that the opinion is suggested or implied, not directly stated.

visible leaning

Highlights the visible tendency or inclination that suggests an opinion.

implied sentiment

Focuses on the underlying feeling or attitude that suggests an opinion.

inferred judgment

Emphasizes that the opinion is derived through reasoning or deduction.

FAQs

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

You can use "apparent opinion" to describe a view that seems evident but might not be explicitly stated or truly held. For example, "The judge's "apparent opinion" favored leniency, though he didn't say so directly."

What's a good alternative to "apparent opinion"?

Consider using alternatives like "seeming belief", "ostensible view", or "presumed stance" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "apparent opinion" in formal writing?

Yes, "apparent opinion" is suitable for formal writing, especially when analyzing or interpreting someone's viewpoint based on indirect evidence. Just ensure the context makes it clear that you are presenting an inference rather than a confirmed fact.

What's the difference between "apparent opinion" and "stated opinion"?

"Apparent opinion" refers to a viewpoint that is inferred or seems evident, while "stated opinion" is an explicitly expressed belief. One is indirect, the other direct.