difference of opinion

USAGE SUMMARY

"difference of opinion" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when two parties disagree on a topic or when they have different thoughts or views on something. For example, "There was a difference of opinion between the two politicians on how to handle the country's economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Difference of opinion.

Yale University

I experienced this difference of opinion firsthand.

The New Yorker

"He has a difference of opinion.

The New Yorker

Obviously, there was a difference of opinion".

The New York Times

There's a difference of opinion.

The New York Times

It's a difference of opinion.

The New York Times

But I don't want difference of opinion.

The Guardian - Opinion

There's just a difference of opinion.

The New York Times

See, that's a difference of opinion.

The New York Times

This difference of opinion is pretty striking.

The Guardian

The difference of opinion has not.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a "difference of opinion", clearly state the different perspectives involved to provide a balanced view.

Common error

Avoid using "difference of opinion" as a euphemism for fundamental disagreements or ethical issues, as it can downplay the severity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difference of opinion" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a state of disagreement or divergence in viewpoints, as evidenced by Ludwig AI's analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difference of opinion" is a commonly used and grammatically sound noun phrase that describes a disagreement. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and academic writing. When employing this phrase, consider whether it accurately reflects the severity of the disagreement and avoid using it to mask underlying issues. Exploring alternatives such as "disagreement" or "clash of views" can provide nuance depending on the desired emphasis. Remember, the phrase itself is neutral in tone, so context is key to its effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disagreement

This alternative offers a more direct and concise way to express a lack of consensus.

clash of views

This alternative emphasizes the conflicting nature of the opinions.

divergence of opinion

This alternative highlights the act of opinions moving apart from each other.

conflict of ideas

This alternative focuses on the opposition between the underlying concepts.

split decision

This alternative implies a formal judgment where opinions are divided.

contested point

This alternative refers to a specific issue where disagreement exists.

matter of debate

This alternative frames the disagreement as a topic for discussion.

varying perspectives

This alternative focuses on different angles and viewpoints.

discordant views

This alternative underlines the lack of harmony among the opinions.

opposing viewpoints

This alternative highlights the contrasting nature of the opinions.

FAQs

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

You can use "difference of opinion" to describe situations where people disagree. For example: "There was a significant difference of opinion within the team regarding the project's direction."

What's a more formal way to say "difference of opinion"?

More formal alternatives include "divergence of opinion" or "disagreement". While subtle, these choices can elevate the tone of formal writing.

What can I say instead of "difference of opinion" to emphasize conflict?

To emphasize conflict, consider using phrases like "clash of views" or "conflict of ideas" which highlight the opposing nature of the viewpoints.

Is it appropriate to use "difference of opinion" in professional communication?

Yes, it's appropriate. However, ensure it doesn't downplay serious disagreements. Use it to acknowledge differing viewpoints respectfully.