have a contrary opinion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have a contrary opinion" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when expressing a differing viewpoint or belief on a particular issue. Example: "While many support the new policy, I have a contrary opinion regarding its effectiveness." Alternative expressions include "hold a different view" and "have an opposing viewpoint."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

More generally, if you have a contrary opinion, don't dance around it.

HuffPost

The many in attendance would probably have a contrary opinion about his assertion that "school spirit, which often rallies around the football team, has all but disappeared from Hoover High School". That last game of the year versus cross-town rival Glendale High ended in victory.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Hoch has never been afraid to take a contrary opinion, and his view of Shinnecock Hills clashes with most players' views of the 6,996-yard 6,996-yarde course.

The New York Times - Sports

Well, that's his opinion, and I don't have a contrary one.

The New York Times

She also pursued them through persuasion and reasoned argument that had respect for both the facts and the right of others to hold a contrary opinion.

The Guardian - Opinion

You take a contrary opinion?

Forbes

"There are some who, in any context, but particularly during election years, are so unwilling to have a reasonable discussion about these programs that they will go out of their way to silence any alternative viewpoints and stigmatize anyone who has ever expressed a contrary opinion".

Los Angeles Times

At the time of the amendment's passage, three Senators, including Trumbull, the author of the Civil Rights Act, as well as President Andrew Johnson, asserted that both the Civil Rights Act and the Fourteenth Amendment would confer citizenship on such children at birth; however, Senator Edgar Cowan of Pennsylvania had a definitively contrary opinion.

Wikipedia

Anyone who expressed a contrary opinion, he threatened, would have his tongue cut out.

Los Angeles Times

Before that we had been able to discuss things we disagreed about, but if I expressed a contrary opinion then, he became hostile.

Huffington Post

The risk to MY life outweighs the will to express a contrary opinion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing a "contrary opinion", ensure you provide well-reasoned arguments and evidence to support your viewpoint, enhancing your credibility and encouraging constructive dialogue.

Common error

Avoid simply stating a "contrary opinion" without providing sufficient justification. Unsupported dissenting views can be easily dismissed and may undermine your overall argument. Instead, offer evidence and logical reasoning to bolster your position.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a contrary opinion" functions as a means of expressing disagreement or holding an opposing viewpoint. It's a common way to indicate that one's perspective differs from others. As confirmed by Ludwig, this is a correct expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have a contrary opinion" is a grammatically correct and relatively common phrase used to express disagreement or hold an opposing viewpoint. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, showing it often appears in news articles, academic discussions, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, remember to substantiate your opinion with evidence and logical reasoning to enhance its impact. Alternative phrases include ""hold an opposing view"" or ""disagree with the prevailing sentiment"".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold an opposing view

Replaces "opinion" with "view" and "contrary" with "opposing", emphasizing the conflicting nature of the viewpoint.

hold a dissenting opinion

Directly replaces "contrary" with "dissenting", maintaining the core meaning of disagreement.

disagree with the prevailing sentiment

Shifts from personal opinion to disagreement with a general sentiment, highlighting the conflict with popular belief.

take exception to the common belief

Indicates a more formal disagreement, suggesting a specific objection to a widely held belief.

not be in agreement

A simpler, more direct way of saying that one does not share the same opinion.

dissent from the majority viewpoint

Emphasizes a formal divergence from a group's opinion, implying a reasoned objection.

embrace a divergent perspective

Focuses on the adoption of a different viewpoint, highlighting the contrast with conventional perspectives.

maintain an alternative stance

Suggests a sustained and different position, emphasizing a commitment to a non-standard viewpoint.

differ in one's assessment

Highlights a difference in judgment or evaluation, focusing on the variance in how something is perceived.

espouse a conflicting perspective

Focuses on actively supporting a viewpoint that is in opposition to others, emphasizing advocacy.

FAQs

How can I express a dissenting view politely?

Use phrases such as "While I appreciate your perspective, I "hold an opposing view"" or "I understand your point, but I "disagree with the prevailing sentiment"."

Is it better to say "contrary opinion" or "dissenting opinion"?

Both "contrary opinion" and "dissenting opinion" are valid, but "dissenting opinion" often implies a more formal or official disagreement, while "contrary opinion" is more general.

What does it mean to "take exception" to something?

To "take exception to the common belief" means to object to it or disagree with it, often because you feel it is inaccurate or inappropriate.

When should I use the phrase "espouse a conflicting perspective"?

Use "espouse a conflicting perspective" when you are not only holding a different view but actively promoting or advocating for it.