shape an opinion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shape an opinion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of forming or influencing someone's viewpoint or belief about a particular topic. Example: "The media plays a significant role in shaping public opinion on various social issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A second element may often help shape an auditor's opinion: the considerable money the auditing firm earns by providing consulting services to the companies it audits.

The New York Times

Looking closer at just the opinion articles we can see the following: Opinion sections can shape a society's opinions and therefore are an important measure of women's voices in society.

The Guardian

Plenty of research suggests that the social acceptability of an opinion shapes the willingness of poll respondents to divulge it, and it's imaginable that voters would be reluctant to acknowledge support for a controversial figure like Mr. Trump.

The New York Times

As Google says, a poor mobile web experience can negatively shape a consumer's opinion of a brand or company and make it hard for them to engage or make a purchase.

TechCrunch

WASHINGTON — The White House has begun an aggressive campaign to use approaching Supreme Court arguments on the new health care law as a moment to build support for the measure seen as President Obama's signature legislative achievement, hoping to shape public opinion on an issue at the center of the battle for the White House and Congress.

The New York Times

All of that is likely to be true but it misses the point completely - and by doing so continues to shape public opinion in an unrealistic and counterproductive manner.

Huffington Post

But now the foundation spends a fortune trying to shape public opinion, working with a wide range of partners from governments to companies to churches.

The Economist

But it also served to underscore how the Kremlin seemed to mishandle the campaign to shape public opinion worldwide — a pivotal arena as Russia and Georgia sought to cast blame over who started the fighting.

The New York Times

They marked a new phase in the government's almost frenetic battle to shape public opinion against a group that has refused to wither away since it was banned in July 1999 as an "evil cult" and many of its domestic organizers were arrested.

The New York Times

Lawyers and witnesses often played to the cameras, trying to either get publicity for themselves or shape public opinion in a way that could ultimately influence the jury.

Vice

The gaps reflect not only a desire to shape public opinion, but also something more significant: a growing distance between two peoples who used to have daily interactions, but who are being forced apart by violence, mutual demonization and a policy of separation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shape an opinion" when you want to emphasize the active process of influencing or guiding someone's perspective on a specific topic.

Common error

Avoid using "shape an opinion" when describing a situation where opinions are formed without active influence. Instead, use phrases like "opinions formed" or "views emerged."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shape an opinion" functions as a verb phrase, where "shape" is the verb indicating the action of influencing or forming, and "an opinion" serves as the object. It describes the process of influencing someone's viewpoint.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shape an opinion" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to describe the act of influencing or forming a viewpoint. While Ludwig confirms its validity, the lack of real-world examples indicates it's less frequently used than alternatives like "form an opinion" or "influence an opinion". It's suitable for neutral registers and is best used when highlighting the active process of guiding someone's perspective. Consider using related phrases to add variety and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

influence an opinion

Focuses directly on the act of influencing the formation of an opinion.

form an opinion

Emphasizes the creation of an opinion rather than influencing it.

develop an opinion

Suggests a gradual process of opinion formation.

mold an opinion

Implies a strong influence, similar to shaping but more forceful.

sway an opinion

Highlights the act of persuading someone to change their opinion.

affect one's view

Uses "view" instead of "opinion", broadening the perspective.

determine a viewpoint

Focuses on the decision-making aspect of forming a viewpoint.

impact one's thinking

Broadens the scope to general thinking processes, not just opinion.

frame an argument

Refers to constructing an argument to influence opinions.

color someone's judgment

Suggests a subtle, often biased, influence on someone's judgment.

FAQs

What does "shape an opinion" mean?

"Shape an opinion" means to influence or guide the formation of someone's viewpoint or belief about a particular subject. It suggests an active process of influencing perspective.

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

You might say, "The media can significantly shape an opinion about political candidates" or "Personal experiences often shape an opinion on social issues".

What are some alternatives to "shape an opinion"?

You can use alternatives like "influence an opinion", "form an opinion", or "develop an opinion" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "shape an opinion" or "form an opinion"?

Both "shape an opinion" and "form an opinion" are correct. "Shape an opinion" implies more active influence, while "form an opinion" simply means to create one.