developing an opinion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "developing an opinion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of forming or shaping a personal viewpoint or belief on a particular topic. Example: "After researching the topic thoroughly, I found myself developing an opinion that aligns with the evidence presented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But he is so often in New York these days, for regular conjugal stints, that he risks developing an opinion of Mayor de Blasio.

The New Yorker

Parise is a career Devil, much like Martin Brodeur, much like Elias, who said he was a bit uncertain about DeBoer at first – "every coach that gets fired, you're going to get some positive, you're going to get some negative," he said – but waited for DeBoer to install his system before developing an opinion.

The New York Times

At the same time, the survey found voters are still getting to know the new mayor, with a third saying they are still developing an opinion on how he is doing.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Notice that, once the twentysomething men enter the environment, the chameleon instantly develops an opinion on David Foster Wallace".

The New Yorker

But none of it feels bitchy and, in any case, these are the audience members you want: folks to whom performance matters enough to develop an opinion.

The New Yorker

Philosophers note that humans have difficulty processing information in a rational, unbiased manner once they have developed an opinion about the issue.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As first lady of New York City during much of the 1990s, Donna Hanover - the former Mrs. Rudolph W. Giuliani - surely developed an opinion or two about the ferocity of the City Hall press corps.

The New York Times

"It is like many other issues that you think about and you develop an opinion about, but it doesn't rise to the top of any agenda because there are other more pressing issues, like the upstate economy".

The New York Times

Ms. Long, who won a three-way primary last month, is not well known around the state; four in five voters said they had not heard enough to develop an opinion about her.

The New York Times

Part of Mr. Lasher's challenge will be to raise awareness of the work that Mr. Schneiderman has done since he took office in 2011; polls have found that most New York voters have not developed an opinion of him.

The New York Times

In "Fracking" in the American Mind: Americans' Views on Hydraulic Fracturing in September , 2012 we find that, surprisingly, Americans have limited familiarity with this issue, and fewer than half of American adults have developed an opinion in support or in opposition to it.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "developing an opinion" when you want to emphasize the gradual process of forming a viewpoint, rather than a sudden realization or conclusion.

Common error

Avoid presenting a preliminary thought as an absolute certainty when you're still "developing an opinion". Qualify your statements to reflect the evolving nature of your viewpoint.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "developing an opinion" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as a noun within a sentence. It describes the ongoing process of forming a viewpoint, as seen in the provided examples by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "developing an opinion" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes the process of forming a viewpoint. According to Ludwig, it is most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When writing, be mindful to qualify statements to reflect the evolving nature of your opinion, and to clearly indicate the subject being considered. Ludwig also provides alternatives, such as "forming a judgment" and "shaping a viewpoint", to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forming a judgment

This alternative focuses on the act of making a decision or evaluation.

shaping a viewpoint

Emphasizes the process of constructing a particular perspective.

formulating a perspective

Highlights the creation of a specific point of view.

arriving at a conclusion

Focuses on reaching a final determination after consideration.

coming to a decision

Indicates the process of making a choice.

crystallizing one's thoughts

Suggests the refinement and clarification of one's ideas.

cultivating an understanding

Implies the gradual growth of comprehension.

establishing a position

Emphasizes the act of taking a firm stance.

refining one's stance

Implies making subtle changes to a position.

framing an argument

Highlights the structuring of a persuasive case.

FAQs

What does "developing an opinion" mean?

Developing an opinion means forming a viewpoint or judgment about something, often through consideration and learning.

How can I use "developing an opinion" in a sentence?

You might say, "After researching the issue, I am "developing an opinion" that supports stricter regulations."

What are some alternatives to "developing an opinion"?

Alternatives include "forming a judgment", "shaping a viewpoint", or "arriving at a conclusion" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "developing an opinion" or "having an opinion"?

"Developing an opinion" implies a process, while "having an opinion" suggests a settled viewpoint. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the formation or the existence of the opinion.