"Usage of opinion of/about"

Question

Which is correct? :"What is your opinion of/about him?" When do we use 'opinion of' and 'opinion about'? Thanks.

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

fatimah0786When do we use 'opinion of' and 'opinion about'?

I think I use 'of' a person and 'about' something else.

My opinion of Chuck, of Larry, of Susan, of Diane, of the Smiths, ... (What are these people like? Nice? Rude?)
My opinion about/on the economy, the government, politics, religion, ... (What do I believe about these topics?)

CJ

Fatimah0786 · Answer

Thanks C.J, your reply was very helpful.

CalifJim · Answer

Here are some examples. You'll see here that there are several uses. Be careful about the first two groups; they aren't the same.

opinion of ~ opinion held or stated by

This does not represent the opinion of the government. (The government has the opinion.)
Be strong enough to resist the critical opinion of others. (Others have the opinion.)
The opinion of most therapists is that treatment plans are pivotal to treatment. (The therapists have the opinion.)

opinion of ~ opinion concerning someone

The impasse between player and team hasn't changed the company's opinion of him.
Please address the issues that I raised, and not your or my opinion of McCarthy.
Their opinion of you is just as valuable as that of your clients and suppliers.

opinion of ~ opinion about a place

How can he have a valid opinion of Wolverhampton when he hasn't even been here ?
They gave an unfavorable opinion of the area partly due to the dangerous reefs.
Around three in four have an unfavorable opinion of America, both polls showed.
_________________

opinion on (a topic)

The League of California Cities has commissioned a legal opinion on the subject.
Why would being obviously illiterate prevent me from forming an opinion on beer?
He expressed his opinion on biodiversity and the importance of plant life.
___________________

opinion about (a topic)

Have you consulted another vet and gotten a second opinion about this situation?
The library is asking for your opinion about its services at all county branches.
Opinion about the government's role in regulating scientific research is mixed.

opinion about (a person) [There are not many of these.]

In an earlier publication Jacobi was opposed to Mendelssohn's opinion about Spinoza.
Such is the impact Frankel has made, everyone in racing has an opinion about him.
Your blog has the power to completely influence someone's opinion about you.

CJ

"Usage of opinion of/about"

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