difference in opinion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difference in opinion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing varying viewpoints or beliefs between individuals or groups. Example: "There was a significant difference in opinion regarding the best approach to the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The book also had endorsements from a different set of cardinals, perhaps illustrating a difference in opinion among Catholic leadership on how to approach LGBT matters.

The Washington Post

"There's definitely a difference in opinion [with Purkiss] on different matters such as eligibility etc.," said Taylor.

BBC

The difference in opinion was even bigger when it comes to cleaning.

The New York Times

The survey found a drastic difference in opinion between Democrats and Republicans.

Independent

But both admit that the difference in opinion led to one of the best discussions the group ever had.

The New Yorker

A new management took over her store and due to a difference in opinion, she was let go.

The Guardian

Nonetheless, the difference in opinion demonstrates the fractures that have been hidden for so long in the neocon-decent alliance.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We must discuss this issue as there is a difference in opinion between Japan and South Korea".

The New York Times

And this difference was entirely due to the difference in opinion among rich Californians and rich West Virginians.

The Economist

Behind the dispute is a basic difference in opinion about how widespread a problem fatigue is for commercial aviation.

The New York Times

Poor form was clearly a big factor but a difference in opinion over the backroom team appears to have been the sticking point.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "difference in opinion", clearly state what the differing opinions are about to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "difference in opinion" without specifying the topic or issue at hand. For example, instead of saying "There was a difference in opinion", say "There was a "difference in opinion" regarding the new marketing strategy."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difference in opinion" functions as a noun phrase that describes a state of disagreement or varying viewpoints between two or more parties. Ludwig AI identifies its use in various contexts, ranging from neutral reporting to academic discussions, indicating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difference in opinion" is a common and grammatically correct way to express disagreement. As Ludwig AI highlights, its usage spans across diverse fields like news, science, and business. While it maintains a neutral to professional tone, remember to specify the subject of the disagreement for clarity. Consider alternatives like "divergence of opinion" or "varying perspectives" to add nuance. When you use the phrase "difference in opinion", ensure it accurately reflects the context of the disagreement you are describing. Given its broad applicability and general acceptance, "difference in opinion" is a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

divergence of opinion

Emphasizes the separation or branching out of opinions.

disagreement on the matter

Highlights the point of contention or subject of the disagreement.

conflict of views

Implies a more direct and potentially contentious opposition of viewpoints.

varying perspectives

Focuses on the multiple, distinct ways individuals perceive a situation.

split decision

Suggests a formal decision where opinions were divided.

clash of ideas

Highlights the conflict and incompatibility between different ideas.

mismatch in viewpoints

Underscores the lack of alignment or agreement in how things are seen.

contending beliefs

Highlights that the beliefs are in direct contrast and competition.

differing assessments

Emphasizes the variance in how individuals evaluate or judge something.

discrepancy in attitudes

Highlights the inconsistency and variance in opinions and feelings.

FAQs

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

You can use "difference in opinion" to indicate disagreement between two or more parties. For example: "The committee had a "difference in opinion" regarding the budget allocation."

What are some alternatives to saying "difference in opinion"?

You can use alternatives like "divergence of opinion", "disagreement on the matter", or "varying perspectives" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "difference of opinion" or "difference in opinion"?

"Difference in opinion" is more commonly used and generally preferred over "difference of opinion", although both are grammatically acceptable. The former emphasizes the scope or area where the disagreement exists.

What's the difference between "difference in opinion" and "conflict of views"?

While both phrases indicate disagreement, "conflict of views" implies a stronger, potentially more contentious disagreement than a simple "difference in opinion". A "conflict of views" suggests opposing stances, while a "difference in opinion" can be a milder divergence.