divided opinion

USAGE SUMMARY

"divided opinion" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means that people have differing opinions or perspectives on a particular issue. Example: The new policy on immigration has divided opinion among the citizens, with some praising its strictness while others criticize its lack of compassion.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You get divided opinion.

The Guardian - Sport

The St . Pauls campsite has divided opinion.

The New York Times

They have so far divided opinion.

Independent

Blackpool, way to the north, divided opinion.

The Economist

Arbus's own writing similarly divided opinion.

The Guardian - Books

But it has deeply divided opinion.

The Guardian

South Korea's manager also divided opinion.

The Guardian - Sport

From the beginning, his reputation divided opinion.

The Guardian - Books

The Don Valley decision has divided opinion.

The Guardian

It is a response that divided opinion.

The Times

Lamela has divided opinion among Spurs fans.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "divided opinion" to objectively describe situations where differing viewpoints exist without taking a side. This demonstrates neutrality and enhances credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "divided opinion" to downplay or minimize strong disagreements. Instead, acknowledge the intensity of feelings if they are present in discussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "divided opinion" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a state or situation characterized by disagreement or differing viewpoints. Ludwig examples show it being used to describe reactions to events, policies, or figures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "divided opinion" is a frequently used noun phrase to describe situations where there is a lack of consensus and differing viewpoints exist. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and commonly used. It is predominantly found in News & Media sources and has a neutral register. While there are several alternative phrases available, such as "conflicting viewpoints" or "divergent perspectives", the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, aim for objectivity and consider the emotional context to avoid misrepresentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

differing opinions

Simply uses 'differing' instead of 'divided' to express the variation in opinions.

varied opinions

Replaces 'divided' with 'varied', indicating a range of different opinions exist.

conflicting viewpoints

Replaces 'opinion' with 'viewpoints' and 'divided' with 'conflicting', emphasizing the opposition between the views.

divergent perspectives

Substitutes 'opinion' with 'perspectives' and 'divided' with 'divergent', highlighting the separation in viewpoints.

mixed reactions

Focuses on the responses to something, rather than the opinions themselves, and uses 'mixed' to convey the division.

polarizing views

Emphasizes the extreme opposition of opinions, suggesting they are at opposite ends of a spectrum.

lack of consensus

Shifts the focus to the absence of agreement, rather than the division itself.

disagreement exists

States directly that disagreement is present, avoiding the noun 'opinion'.

split decision

Implies a formal vote or judgment where opinions were not unanimous.

controversy surrounds

Highlights the contentious nature of a topic which leads to a "divided opinion".

FAQs

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

You can use "divided opinion" to describe situations where there are conflicting viewpoints on a particular topic. For example, "The proposal for the new highway has created a "divided opinion" among residents."

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

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "divergent perspectives" or "lack of consensus". These alternatives maintain a professional and objective tone.

What can I say instead of "divided opinion" to emphasize strong disagreement?

To emphasize strong disagreement, consider using phrases like "polarizing views" or "conflicting viewpoints". These options highlight the intensity of the disagreement.

Is it better to say "divided opinions" or "divided opinion"?

While "divided opinions" isn't incorrect, "divided opinion" is more commonly used as a general descriptor of a situation where viewpoints differ. Using "divided opinions" might imply you are referring to specific, enumerated opinions.