formulate an opinion

USAGE SUMMARY

"formulate an opinion" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are asking someone to think carefully about a topic and make a statement about it. For example, "Please formulate an opinion on the current economic situation and come prepared to discuss it at the next meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

It comes to mind every time whenever I formulate an opinion.

TechCrunch

Despite this lack of consensus, when attempting to formulate an opinion on evolution, Americans are still most interested in the stances of scientists and science teachers (CSS 2009).

Evolution: Education and Outreach

To get more in-depth information, this could include vignettes that provide participants with a clear case study to formulate an opinion.

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

It took less than 30 seconds to formulate an opinion.

Huffington Post

Like actually having to formulate an opinion on things, constantly ensuring you've got a take — it's exhausting.

Vice

If done well, jokes about gender can be smart and insightful and after watching a full episode or two of a show I can then, formulate an opinion.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Do we really have to exert precious mental energy formulating an opinion about long-shot candidates?

The New York Times - Magazine

Another key voice in the debate could be Mr. Gates, who told reporters during a visit to Iraq with Mr. Bush earlier this week that he had formulated an opinion about troop adjustments.

The New York Times

The difference is that CBS News and The New York Times actively encourage respondents to say that they have an undecided view of a candidate, or don't know enough about the candidate to have formulated an opinion.

The New York Times

In Gallup polling conducted from June 27 through July 10 — essentially, the two weeks immediately following the initiation of her campaign — 56 percent of Republican voters held a favorable view of Mrs. Bachmann, against 11 percent unfavorable, with the remaining 33 percent of Republicans not yet recognizing her name or not yet having formulated an opinion.

The New York Times

Getting feedback during the interview is tricky: Some interviewers won't want to show their hand; others may not have formulated an opinion yet.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Before you "formulate an opinion", consider consulting a diverse array of sources.

Common error

Avoid "formulating an opinion" based solely on emotions or biases. Strive for objectivity and consider diverse perspectives before reaching a conclusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formulate an opinion" functions as a verb phrase describing the action of forming or developing a considered judgment. As shown by Ludwig, this process involves careful thought and evaluation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formulate an opinion" is a grammatically sound phrase that describes the process of developing a considered judgment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears regularly in various sources, including news and media, science, and formal business contexts. Alternative phrases such as "develop a viewpoint" or "reach a conclusion" can be used depending on the desired nuance. When using "formulate an opinion", prioritize gathering sufficient information and avoid premature conclusions based on bias or emotion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

develop a viewpoint

Focuses on the development aspect of forming an opinion.

form a judgment

Emphasizes the evaluative aspect of forming an opinion.

reach a conclusion

Highlights the finality of arriving at an opinion after consideration.

draw an inference

Stresses the reasoning process involved in forming an opinion.

arrive at an assessment

Focuses on the evaluative and analytical nature of forming an opinion.

frame a perspective

Highlights the construction of a personal viewpoint.

shape an impression

Emphasizes the initial formation of an idea or feeling.

crystallize one's thoughts

Implies clarifying and solidifying one's thinking to form an opinion.

conceive an idea

Focuses on the initial generation of a thought or concept.

construct a belief

Highlights the building or development of a belief system.

FAQs

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

You can use "formulate an opinion" to describe the process of developing a viewpoint after careful consideration. For example, "After reviewing the evidence, the committee will "formulate an opinion" on the proposed policy changes."

What's the difference between "formulate an opinion" and "have an opinion"?

"Formulate an opinion" describes the process of developing a viewpoint, while "have an opinion" refers to already possessing a viewpoint. You "formulate an opinion" through research and thought, and then you "have an opinion".

Which is more formal, "formulate an opinion" or "have an opinion"?

"Formulate an opinion" tends to be more formal, suggesting a more deliberate and thoughtful process than simply "have an opinion".

What are some alternatives to "formulate an opinion"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "develop a viewpoint", "reach a conclusion", or "form a judgment".