difference of opinions

USAGE SUMMARY

"difference of opinions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a disagreement or lack of agreement between two or more people. For example, "The board was split down the middle due to the difference of opinions on the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

As in every case, a higher court will eventually resolve the difference of opinions".

The New York Times

But, he said, "it's not a controversy, but a difference of opinions".

The New York Times - Sports

They may conceivably have to address once again the issue of humanitarian intervention, and there will probably be a wide difference of opinions among them.

The New York Times

"The headlines that were trying to be made that there's difference of opinions between the leaders, and that's not true," the aide said.

The New York Times

The retired National Hunt superstar, who won five King Georges and two Cheltenham Gold Cups, was required to make an early departure from his stable in Somerset after a difference of opinions between trainer Paul Nicholls and owner Clive Smith.

Independent

Having been dismissed after a 3-0 defeatoto West Brom in September, rumours emerged that a training ground bust-up between the Di Canio and his players had paved the way for his exit, but he remains adamant that no such thing happened and it was just a difference of opinions at a regular post-game analyst meeting.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Obviously, there was a difference of opinion".

The New York Times

I experienced this difference of opinion firsthand.

The New Yorker

"He has a difference of opinion.

The New Yorker

There's just a difference of opinion.

The New York Times

There's a difference of opinion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difference of opinions", ensure the context clearly indicates what the opinions differ about to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "difference of opinions" is acceptable, overuse can make writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "divergence of views" or "conflicting perspectives" to enhance readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difference of opinions" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig indicates it is a correct and usable phrase. It denotes the existence of divergent viewpoints on a particular matter.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

24%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difference of opinions" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe a situation where people hold varying viewpoints. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate for written English. It's important to provide context to avoid ambiguity. While acceptable in both formal and informal settings, varying your vocabulary with synonyms like "divergence of views" can enhance readability. The analysis shows that the phrase is frequently used in "News & Media" and "Science", confirming its relevance in describing disagreements in various domains. When using the phrase "difference of opinions", clarity in context is key to ensure that your message is clear and effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

divergence of views

Uses 'divergence' to emphasize the separation or branching out of different viewpoints.

disagreement on viewpoints

Highlights the disagreement aspect more directly, specifying that it concerns viewpoints.

conflicting perspectives

Focuses on the conflict between different ways of seeing things.

varying standpoints

Emphasizes that the differences arise from distinct standpoints or positions.

clash of ideas

Suggests a more forceful opposition or conflict between different ideas.

opposition of thoughts

Directly states that there is an opposition, highlighting conflicting thoughts.

disparate opinions

Uses 'disparate' to emphasize the distinct and unrelated nature of the opinions.

differing assessments

Highlights the difference in how something is evaluated or assessed.

contending beliefs

Focuses on beliefs that are in contention or competition with each other.

discordant views

Uses 'discordant' to suggest a lack of harmony or agreement in the views expressed.

FAQs

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

You can use "difference of opinions" to indicate a disagreement or variance in viewpoints. For example, "The committee was unable to reach a consensus due to the significant difference of opinions among its members."

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

For a more formal tone, consider using "divergence of views" or "disagreement on viewpoints". These alternatives convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated vocabulary.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state a "difference of opinions"?

No, sometimes the context implies a "difference of opinions". However, explicitly stating it can add clarity, especially when addressing complex or contentious issues.

What is the difference between "difference of opinion" and "difference of opinions"?

"Difference of opinion" refers to a disagreement between two people, while "difference of opinions" refers to disagreements among multiple people or on multiple issues. Both are grammatically correct but used in slightly different contexts.