hear the doctor's opinion

Question

I'd like to get some advice from a doctor. (an M.D.)Is it okay to say, "I'd like to hear the doctor's opinions."Any better suggestions?Thanks,

Davkett · Accepted Answer

It's fine, particularly if you want the doctor's opinions to be voiced.

More neutral might be, "I'd like to obtain the doctor's opinions."

Or,

"I'd like to get the doctor's opinions."

Khoff · Answer

It's not a big difference, but I think I'd be more likely to use "opinion" (singular), unless you are saying "I'd like to get the opinions of several different doctors."

Meantolearn · Answer

Hi, khoff.

Did you mean that "I'd like to hear the doctor's opinion", "I'd like to obtain the doctor's opinion" and "I'd like to hear the doctor's opinion" pretty much mean the same?

I got it. Opinion got to be singular because there's only one doc.

Thanks for Dave's input also.

Davkett · Answer

Meantolearn
. Opinion got to be singular because there's only one doc.

I confess I did pause over the singular/plural issue, and am still unsure as to any principal that would apply in your sentence, (which we have without a context).

The first definition of opinion in Merriam-Webster suggests that the word, in the singular, indicates a judgment on a given issue (my emphasis). Thus, one might conclude that if you had more than one issue on your mind, (not more than one doctor), you might say opinions, here (e.g., "have I got a kidney problem, doc?; what is this mole on my hand?; should I stop eating chocolate?; who's going to win the World Series?, etc.).

It's just foggy enough for me that I let the singular/plural form slide here.

Meantolearn · Answer

Hi Dave,

Thanks for your comments.

I guess if a patient has more than one issue to talk about, then opinions is more approriate.

For intance, the patient has both heart and stomach problems and would like to hear/get/obtain opinions from his/her family doctor.

Davkett · Answer

Yes, that was my point. At least with the way you wrote the sentence. However, it is appropriate, perhaps preferable, to say, 'I'd like to hear my doctor's opinion on a number of issues.'

The other possibility that argues for the plural form (again when there is no context) is that there are occasions where an individual (including even a doctor) may have more than one opinion on a single subject, particularly if the subject is multi-faceted.

Clive · Answer

Hi guys,

I'd like to bring this standard expression to your attention, in case it is of interest.

Tom went to the doctor, who said 'You have lung cancer'. Tom said 'I'd like a second opinion'.

This means he wants to go to another doctor, and see if the second doctor agrees with the first doctor.

Best wishes, Clive

PS - There are other, specialized words for a doctor's opinions, eg:

diagnosis: You have lung cancer.

prognosis: You will die in 3 years

MrPedantic · Answer

Another option:

"I'd like to ask the doctor's opinion about [the large swelling on my leg, etc.]."

MrP

hear the doctor's opinion

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