Expressing opinions in English: “According to” and “Opinion”

Introduction

Expressing opinions in English is an important aspect of communication. It allows us to share our thoughts, beliefs, and perspectives on various topics. In this blog post, we will compare three common phrases used to express opinions: “according to,” “point of view,” and “in my opinion.” We will also discuss some common mistakes that people make when using these phrases in English.

1. “According to”

“According to” is a phrase commonly used to introduce information or opinions from a source. It is often used in formal writing and when referring to experts, research, or statistics. For example:

“According to a recent study, regular exercise can improve overall health.”

When using “according to,” it is important to accurately attribute the information to a specific source. This helps to establish credibility and avoid misrepresenting information. Additionally, it is crucial to use the correct verb tense when using this phrase. For example:

Incorrect: “According to the study, regular exercise improves overall health.”

Correct: “According to the study, regular exercise can improve overall health.”

2. “Point of view”

“Point of view” is a phrase used to express personal perspectives or opinions. It is often used in discussions, debates, and when sharing subjective viewpoints. For example:

“From citizens point of view, the government should invest more in renewable energy.”

When using “point of view,” it is important to clearly state that it is your personal opinion. This helps to differentiate it from objective facts or information. Additionally, it is essential to provide supporting reasons or evidence for your point of view to make it more convincing. For example:

Incorrect: “My point of view is that climate change is not real.”

Correct: “In my opinion, climate change is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention due to the increasing global temperatures and extreme weather events.”, or

Correct: “From the ecologists’ point of view, climate change is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention due to the increasing global temperatures and extreme weather events.”

When expressing “from a particular point of view” we do not use: on, in, witch, at, to etc instead of “from.”

3. “In my opinion”

“In my opinion” is a phrase used to express personal beliefs or judgments. It is commonly used in informal conversations and when sharing subjective thoughts. For example:

“In my opinion, this movie is one of the best films of the year.”

When using “in my opinion,” it is important to acknowledge that it is subjective and may not be universally shared. It is also helpful to provide reasons or examples to support your opinion. Additionally, it is advisable to use this phrase sparingly to avoid sounding repetitive or dismissive of other perspectives. For example:

Incorrect: “In my opinion, everything about this restaurant is terrible.”

Correct: “In my opinion, the service at this restaurant could be improved, but the food is delicious.”

Using “According to Someone”

When we want to reference a specific source or individual, we often use the phrase “according to someone”. This phrase is particularly useful when citing experts, research findings, or well-known figures in a particular field.

For example:

According to a study conducted by Harvard University, regular exercise can improve cognitive function in adults.

In this sentence, the phrase “according to a study conducted by Harvard University” establishes the source of the information, lending credibility to the statement.

A common mistake is to say “according to me“, where the correct form is “in my/our opinion.

the phrase “in my opinion” makes it clear that the statement reflects the writer’s personal perspective rather than an objective evaluation.

For example:
Incorrect: “According to me, the movie adaptation stayed true to the essence of the book.”

Correct: “In my opinion, the movie adaptation stayed true to the essence of the book.”

Using “in sb’s opinion”

Although we use “according to someone”, it is important to note that there is also the phrase “in sb’s opinion” in English, which can be incorrectly used with “according to sb’s opinion“.

For example:

Incorrect: “According to John’s opinion, more money should go to the army.”

Correct: “In John’s opinion, more money should go to the army.”

Give or express your opinion

A common mistake in English is to say that someone said their opinions, instead of expressing or giving their opinion.

For example:

Incorrect: “Individualists are not afraid to say their opinion.”

Correct: “Individualists are not afraid to express their opinion.”

Common Mistakes

When using these phrases, there are some common mistakes that people make. Here are a few to be aware of:

1. Confusing “according to” with “in my opinion” or “point of view.” Remember that “according to” refers to information from a source, while “in my opinion” and “point of view” express personal perspectives.

2. Overusing “in my opinion” or “point of view.” While it is important to express your opinion, using these phrases too frequently can make your writing or speaking repetitive.

3. Failing to provide supporting reasons or evidence for your opinion. Simply stating your opinion without any justification may weaken your argument or make it less persuasive.

4. Using the wrong verb tense with “according to.” Ensure that the verb tense in your sentence matches the tense used in the source you are referring to.

5. using “in my/own opinion” instead of ” according to me“.

6. In English there is “in sb’s opinion” instead of “According to sb’s opinion.”

7. Correct usage is “express/give their/your etc. opinion” instead of “say their/your etc. opinion“.

8. The statement “from my point of view” is wrong because of “my“, it should be “in my opinion.”

Conclusion

Expressing opinions is an essential skill in English communication. By understanding the differences between “according to,” “point of view,” and “in my opinion,” and avoiding common mistakes, you can effectively convey your thoughts and perspectives. Remember to use these phrases appropriately and provide supporting reasons or evidence to strengthen your opinions.