popular opinion

USAGE SUMMARY

"popular opinion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the generally accepted opinion of a large group of people on a particular topic. For example, "According to popular opinion, the restaurant offers the best burgers in town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But popular opinion prevailed.

The New York Times

It's a popular opinion.

The Guardian - Opinion

Traditionally, popular opinion was considered irrelevant.

The New York Times - Books

Popular opinion in Italy is fuzzier.

The Economist

This was not a popular opinion.

The New York Times - Books

"I think they caved to popular opinion.

The New York Times

Gestures to popular opinion may be necessary.

The Guardian - Opinion

If anything, it will isolate them further from popular opinion.

The Guardian - Opinion

Popular opinion seems to be running against the Republicans.

The New York Times

But Mr Mugabe insisted the result reflected popular opinion.

Independent

Contrary to popular opinion, I am actually very shy.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing complex issues, qualify "popular opinion" with data or sources to avoid generalizations. For instance, specify which polls or surveys support the claim.

Common error

Don't automatically equate "popular opinion" with factual accuracy or ethical correctness. Critically evaluate whether it's based on evidence or misinformation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "popular opinion" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It refers to the collective viewpoint or sentiment of a significant portion of the population on a particular issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Opinion

15%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

2%

Music

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "popular opinion" serves as a versatile and widely recognized term, denoting the collective viewpoint of a large group of people. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. Its presence in diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to academic discussions, underscores its widespread applicability. While frequently used, it's important to critically assess whether "popular opinion" is rooted in fact or influenced by bias. The related phrases, such as "public sentiment" and "general consensus", offer nuanced alternatives for expressing the same basic concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

public sentiment

Focuses more on the emotional aspect of public thought, emphasizing feeling rather than rational judgment.

prevailing wisdom

Suggests a widely accepted belief or idea, often implying that it has been established over time.

general consensus

Emphasizes agreement among a group, highlighting the collective decision-making process.

common belief

Simply refers to a belief that is widely shared, without necessarily implying strong agreement or active support.

mass viewpoint

Highlights the perspective of a large number of individuals, often used in discussions of social or political issues.

vox populi

A Latin term meaning "the voice of the people", often used to suggest a spontaneous or authentic expression of public opinion.

public voice

Focuses on the expression of public sentiment, highlighting how the public makes its views known.

accepted view

Suggests that the opinion is not only widespread but also considered valid or appropriate by many.

mainstream thought

Refers to ideas and beliefs that are considered normal or conventional within a society.

collective judgment

Emphasizes the evaluation or assessment made by a group, suggesting a more deliberate and thoughtful process.

FAQs

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

You can use "popular opinion" to describe the prevailing view on a subject, as in, "Popular opinion seems to be running against the Republicans".

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

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "public sentiment" or "general consensus", which convey a similar meaning with a slightly elevated register.

Is "popular opinion" always the correct opinion?

No, "popular opinion" reflects what is commonly believed, but it is not necessarily accurate or ethical. It's essential to critically evaluate it and not assume its validity.

What influences "popular opinion"?

"Popular opinion" can be influenced by various factors, including media coverage, political discourse, social trends, and personal experiences.