Opinion

Question

Hi,I checked my dictionary for the possible prepositions which collocate with the word "opinion" and got the following ones:1- What's your opinion of Cathy?2- He asked his wife's opinion on very important decision.3- The two women had very different opinions about drugs.My doubt is that whether we can use these prepositions interchangeably or not.I appreciate any help in advance,Iman

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

1- What's your opinion of/on/about Cathy?
2- He asked his wife's opinion of/on/about a very important decision.
3- The two women had very different opinions of/on/about drugs.

Yours is not an easy question, Iman. In the above sentences, I find 'on' odd in #1, 'of' odd in #2, and 'of' odd in #3.

I can see that 'of' does not work in #2 and #3 because the 'of'/'about' relationship is the same as it is in 'think of/about': 'think of' is a brief consideration while 'think about' is in more depth. Opinions tend to be in depth.

As for #1, I have a feeling that 'on' refers to topics rather than people.

That's the best I can do for you.

Prajwalkr · Answer

imantaghaviMy doubt is that whether we can use these prepositions interchangeably or not.

Hi
The preposition depends on what meaning of 'opinion' you use.
Generally speaking---

On is the preposition you use when the opinion is an idea or ideas about a particular matter. Eg: opinion on the new RTI act, opinion on the new house purchased...

of is used to express ideas about people. I have seen adjectives before opinion in such cases. Eg: high opinion of himself....

about and on are interchangeable in most of the cases. You can also use regarding in place of about.(though it isn't a preposition)

MM has already indicated the choices.

These are my choices---
1- What's your opinion of/about/regarding Cathy?
2- He asked his wife's opinion on a very important decision.
3- The two women had very different opinions about/on/regarding drugs.

Just my two cents....

Regards
Prajwal

Regards · Answer

Hi,

Mister MicawberI can see that 'of' does not work in #2 and #3 because the 'of'/'about' relationship is the same as it is in 'think of/about': 'think of' is a brief consideration while 'think about' is in more depth. Opinions tend to be in depth.

I'll second that.

PS - Congratulations, MM -- 60,000 posts!

Regards

Mister Micawber · Answer

Congratulations, MM -- 60,000 posts!— Thanks, Regards. I hope that about 50,000 of them offered good advice.

Regards · Answer

Hi,

Mister MicawberI hope that about 50,000 of them offered good advice.

I'm sure they did. Keep it up!

Regards

Imantaghavi · Answer

Hi Mistre Micawbre,

Thanks a million for the helpful response. It couldn't be clarified better than that.

Best Regards,

Iman

Imantaghavi · Answer

Thanks a lot Praj. That was useful,too.

Iman

CalifJim · Answer

RegardsCongratulations, MM -- 60,000 posts!

I'll second that!

CJ

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