general opinion

USAGE SUMMARY

"general opinion" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the view that is generally or widely shared by a broad range of people. For example, "The general opinion of the public is that the new law should be changed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a general opinion.

The Guardian - Sport

§ 80.8 Attorney General opinion.

Cornell University

Attorney General opinion.

Cornell University

Contrary to general opinion, it was Iran.

The New York Times

Mackenzie's awed judgment became the general opinion.

The Guardian - Books

Too much time, in general opinion.

The Guardian - Sport

28 CFR § 80.8 - Attorney General opinion.

Cornell University

That it will come soon is a general opinion tonight".

The New York Times

General opinion settled on the unfortunate-catastrophe thesis.

The Economist

"The general opinion is that Lukashenko is one of us.

The Guardian

'But you cannot listen to the general opinion.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "general opinion", consider specifying the group or community whose opinion you are referring to for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "general opinion" to support a claim without providing evidence that the opinion is actually widespread. Back up your statements with data or specific examples.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "general opinion" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a belief or judgment that is widely held by a group of people. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "general opinion" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase that describes a widely held belief or perspective. Ludwig confirms that its a functional and grammatically correct phrase. It appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When using the phrase, clarity is key; specify the group holding the opinion and avoid overgeneralization without sufficient evidence. Alternatives include "prevailing view" or "common consensus", offering nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively incorporate "general opinion" into their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prevailing view

Emphasizes the dominance or widespread acceptance of a particular viewpoint.

common consensus

Highlights the agreement or shared understanding among a group of people.

popular belief

Focuses on the widespread acceptance of an idea, often without critical examination.

public perception

Refers to how something is understood or regarded by the general public.

widespread sentiment

Highlights the emotional aspect of a shared opinion or feeling.

accepted wisdom

Indicates a belief that is widely held and rarely questioned, often passed down through generations.

conventional wisdom

Similar to accepted wisdom, but may imply a more critical or skeptical perspective.

collective judgment

Emphasizes the result of a group's deliberation or assessment.

dominant narrative

Focuses on the story or explanation that is most widely accepted or promoted.

shared understanding

Highlights the common ground or agreement among people regarding a particular issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "general opinion" to introduce a widely held belief or perspective, for example: "The "general opinion" is that the new policy will be ineffective."

What's a good alternative to "general opinion"?

Consider using phrases like "prevailing view", "common consensus", or "popular belief" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always accurate to rely on the "general opinion"?

No, it's important to remember that the "general opinion" may not always be accurate or well-informed. Critical thinking and independent research are essential.

How does "general opinion" differ from "expert opinion"?

"General opinion" reflects the views of the public at large, while "expert opinion" represents the informed perspective of specialists in a particular field.