sought opinion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sought opinion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of asking for someone's thoughts or views on a particular matter, often in a formal context. Example: "The committee sought opinion from various experts before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

As is normal journalistic protocol, I sought opinion on the mass defection from the party leader.

The Guardian

The ISG has sought opinion from senior members of the Clinton administration as well as the Bush administration.

The Economist

The survey sought opinion and perceptions of AF and its treatment, and many physician questions solicited physician opinions on patients' beliefs.

Europace

We also sought opinion as to whether it would make a difference to views on ethics and participation if subjects were pre-consented, or if deception were minimised.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Several doctors misdiagnosed the injury, and his family sought opinions on their own.

The New York Times - Sports

During this period, Bush relates, "I sought opinions on Iraq from a variety of sources".

The New Yorker

Those who knew Mr. Burke said he thrived on lively debate and sought opinions wherever he went.

The New York Times

The museum even sought opinions about a video for its 18th century galleries.

The New York Times - Arts

This year's survey was the first in which J. D. Power sought opinions about the trustworthiness of loan originators.

The New York Times

The Russians initially wanted to ask about attitude towards the "fascist junta in Ukraine", while the Poles sought opinions on "pro-European changes in Ukraine".

The Guardian

As EU government leaders met behind closed doors in Brussels, the BBC's Laurence Peter sought opinions on the elections from European reporters covering the summit.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sought opinion", ensure the context clearly indicates who was asked and what the topic of the opinion was. This provides clarity and strengthens the communication.

Common error

Avoid using "sought opinion" in casual conversation; it's generally more appropriate for formal or professional settings. Alternatives like "asked for advice" or "got their take" may be more suitable for informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sought opinion" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, where 'sought' acts as the past tense of the verb 'seek,' indicating an action of requesting or obtaining, and 'opinion' represents the object of that action. This phrase typically introduces a clause describing an action taken to gather viewpoints.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sought opinion" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, predominantly found in formal and professional contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not extremely common, it effectively communicates the act of actively seeking someone's viewpoint. Alternative phrases include "requested opinion" or "solicited input", which can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. When using "sought opinion", it's important to ensure that the context clearly indicates who was asked and what the topic of the opinion was. This helps to maintain clarity and strengthens the communication. Overall, the expression is best suited for more formal writing and speech where a deliberate and considered tone is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requested opinion

Replaces "sought" with a more direct synonym, suggesting a formal request.

solicited input

Suggests a formal and active request for contributions or ideas.

canvassed opinion

Implies a wider and more thorough effort to gather opinions from a diverse group.

gathered feedback

Focuses on collecting evaluative responses rather than general viewpoints.

assessed viewpoints

Focuses on evaluating different opinions or perspectives that already exist.

obtained perspective

Emphasizes gaining a specific point of view or insight on a matter.

took counsel

Suggests seeking advice or guidance, often from a trusted advisor.

consulted experts

Highlights seeking advice from knowledgeable individuals in a particular field.

explored attitudes

Emphasizes investigating underlying feelings or beliefs related to a specific topic.

investigated sentiment

Implies a more in-depth and analytical approach to understanding prevailing feelings or opinions.

FAQs

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

You can use "sought opinion" when you want to describe the act of asking for someone's thoughts or views on a particular matter. For example: "The committee sought opinion from various experts before making a decision."

What phrases are similar to "sought opinion"?

Similar phrases include "requested feedback", "asked for input", and "solicited views". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "sought opinion" formal or informal?

"Sought opinion" tends to be more formal. In informal contexts, phrases like "asked what they thought" or "got their take" might be more appropriate.

When should I use "sought opinions" instead of "sought opinion"?

Use "sought opinions" when you are referring to multiple distinct opinions. Use "sought opinion" when referring to the general act of seeking someone's viewpoint or when the opinions are considered collectively.