uncommon opinion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uncommon opinion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a viewpoint or belief that is not widely held or is considered unusual. Example: "While many people support the new policy, I hold an uncommon opinion that it may lead to unforeseen consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Brady said at the start of the season that he "hates" the Jets — certainly not an uncommon opinion in New England.

The New York Times - Sports

Although I missed out on all of it — not only on the brothers Mario and the Nintendo games but on Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, SimCity, and Halo — I saw legions get sucked in, and so I formed the not uncommon opinion that video games, like motorcycles or heroin, were irresistibly seductive and profoundly insidious.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

In 1972, in the case of Gian Singh & Co. Ltd. v. Banque de L'Indochine, Singh wrote a dissenting opinion – uncommon in Singapore – when sitting in the Court of Appeal with Chief Justice Wee Chong Jin and Justice Tan Ah Tah.

Wikipedia

He was, Bagehot concluded, "a man of common opinions and uncommon abilities" and as such the model of a "constitutional statesman".

The New York Times

Hospital influenza outbreaks are not uncommon [ 31], and expert opinion suggests that additional precautions for patients admitted with influenza are an important element of control of transmission of influenza in ICUs [ 22, 32, 33].

Critical Care

Such opinions are not uncommon these days: "it's our money, so it's wrong to take it off us".

The Guardian - Opinion

Again, differing opinions are not uncommon; Hardcore Gamers Thomas Wilde was disappointed to find the game akin to an exaggerated science-fiction soap opera.

Wikipedia

Other developing countries in East Asia and the Middle East have the worst press freedom records, where closing of newspapers and presenting journalists to courts because of their opinions is not uncommon in places like Egypt and Jordan [ 4].

BMC Medical Ethics

It's not uncommon for communities to sing their opinions to politicians when they visit.

The Guardian

Private differences of opinion over policy are not uncommon within the White House, but their public airing by multiple officials certainly is.

The New York Times

It's not uncommon for women to feel that their opinions are not valued as highly as their male colleagues' and gaining respect and career progression within some organisations can feel like a battle.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "uncommon opinion" to introduce a viewpoint that deviates from the mainstream or popular belief, providing context for its divergence.

Common error

Avoid using "uncommon opinion" when the viewpoint is simply a nuanced take on a widely held belief. Ensure the opinion truly represents a minority perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uncommon opinion" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a viewpoint or belief held by a minority. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It denotes a perspective that is not widely shared or is considered atypical.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "uncommon opinion" effectively identifies a viewpoint that deviates from the mainstream. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, albeit recognizing its relative infrequency in common parlance. When employing this phrase, it is beneficial to provide ample context to clarify its rationale, and avoid exaggerating its rarity. Consider alternatives like "rare perspective" or "unusual viewpoint" for stylistic variation. As noted by Ludwig, the expression is suitable for a range of contexts, maintaining a neutral tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rare perspective

Focuses on the viewpoint being scarce or infrequent.

unusual viewpoint

Highlights the atypical or unconventional nature of the opinion.

minority view

Emphasizes that the opinion is held by a smaller group compared to the majority.

divergent opinion

Indicates a departure from the commonly accepted or prevailing opinion.

exceptional opinion

Stresses the unique or remarkable quality of the opinion.

isolated viewpoint

Suggests the opinion is held independently and not widely shared.

idiosyncratic belief

Highlights the personal and peculiar nature of the belief.

non-mainstream opinion

Indicates the opinion is outside of the dominant or popular viewpoint.

singular perspective

Focuses on the uniqueness and individuality of the viewpoint.

atypical sentiment

Emphasizes the uncommon or non-standard nature of the feeling or belief.

FAQs

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

You can use "uncommon opinion" to introduce a viewpoint that differs from the majority, such as, "While many experts agree, I hold the "uncommon opinion" that further research is needed."

What's a more formal way to express "uncommon opinion"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "divergent perspective" or "minority view". These alternatives maintain the sense of a differing viewpoint while conveying a higher level of formality.

What can I say instead of "uncommon opinion" to sound less judgmental?

To avoid sounding judgmental, try using phrases like "alternative perspective" or "different viewpoint". These options focus on the difference in opinion without implying negativity.

Is it always necessary to qualify an "uncommon opinion"?

While not always necessary, providing context for an "uncommon opinion" can help your audience understand its reasoning. Explain the basis for the viewpoint to increase its credibility.