opinion synonym for essay

16 Other Ways to Say “In My Opinion” in an Essay

Is it ever okay to express a personal opinion in an essay? If you do, is the phrase “in my opinion” a suitably formal way to start?

We’re here to answer all these pressing questions, but that’s not all! We’ve also compiled a list of synonyms for the phrase “in my opinion” so you’re never at a loss for words!

Other Ways to Say “In My Opinion”

• It could be argued
• From my perspective
• As I see it
• One might argue
• It would seem
• It is my belief
• As far as I’m concerned
• From my point of view
• I would argue
• In the author’s opinion

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• In general, you should avoid using the phrase “in my opinion” in an academic essay.
• “It could be argued” is a better phrase to use in an essay, thesis, or dissertation.
• In professional settings, you can use the phrase “from my perspective” to change your phrasing from time to time.

Stay where you are! In the next section, we’ll discuss our choice of synonyms for “in my opinion” in more detail. We’ll even provide a few helpful examples.

Afterward, we’ll discuss whether you can use the phrase “in my opinion” in an essay. Are there any circumstances where it’s appropriate?

It Could be Argued

If you’re trying to figure out how to say “in my opinion” in an essay, “it could be argued” is a great choice.

Firstly, this phrase removes the personal pronoun “I.” Some professors and academics believe that first-person phrasing should be avoided in formal writing. Therefore, this would be a better option to use if you want to appease the person grading your paper.

Secondly, this phrase sounds more objective than the highly subjective original phrase. In many cases, readers don’t want to know the opinion of the author. Instead, they want to know what conclusions the author has drawn from their thorough research.

Finally, let’s look at a couple of examples making use of this alternative:

It could be argued that Fraud’s conclusions were based on only a very narrow sample of Western males and that his findings are, therefore, limited in this respect.

Although bands like Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin are often praised as the inventors of heavy metal music, it could be argued that this genre initially developed in African American rock spaces.

From My Perspective

If you’re wondering how to say “in my opinion” professionally , we would go with “from my perspective.”

Essentially, this phrase is just a direct synonym for “in my opinion.” It is not a superior phrase to the original, but you can use it to mix up your language from time to time.

For example, it never hurts to change your phrasing in the workplace or in formal emails to your colleagues. It’s perfectly okay to express your opinion about work matters with your fellows.

Nonetheless, in academic writing, this phrase may be considered too subjective. Therefore, a more academic alternative may be better if you want to express this sentiment in a more formal way.

Consider the following professional examples to see this phrase in action:

From my perspective , reaching a settlement would be the most beneficial solution for all parties involved.

There is no difference between these two alternatives from my perspective , but if you think one is more suitable than the other, I will trust that.

Can You Say “In My Opinion” in an Essay?

In normal circumstances, it is suitable to start a sentence with the phrase “in my opinion” where you are expressing a viewpoint.

However, the phrase “in my opinion” is not suitable to use in an academic essay. You should never start an essay or thesis statement with this phrase.

Moreover, many academics believe that outwardly expressing a personal opinion in an argumentative or narrative essay is bad writing. Many professors urge their students to avoid the use of personal pronouns like “I” or “my.”

That being said, there are exceptions to this rule . In fact, in recent years, many academics have stated that academic papers ought to be more accessible. This means they should be written in a more straightforward manner that anyone can understand.

Proponents of more accessible writing may be quite comfortable with phrases like “in my opinion.” Therefore , we would suggest speaking to the person who is going to grade your essay and learning what they’d prefer before you start.

In conclusion, as a rule of thumb, you should avoid using the phrase “in my opinion” in an essay. However, we recommend communicating with your professor to determine their preferences before you start.

If you think you might make use of our list of synonyms in your future essay writing, why not bookmark this page to keep them nearby?

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10 English Phrases to Express Your Opinion in an Essay

This is a guest post by  Sam Pealing.  Make sure to visit his website EnglishForStudy.com for more academic English help!

I admire international students. Seriously.  If you’re a non-native English speaker doing a degree or doctorate in English, then I take my hat off to you.

I get a lot of questions about writing essays, and I’ve taught hundreds of students how to write effective essays (which get good grades).  One of the most common mistakes that I see is a lack of opinion.

Most of the time, students describe a situation, but they don’t give their opinion or stance. This can really damage your grade because lecturers are always looking for ‘critical thinking’. If you don’t give your opinion in your essays, your lecturers can’t see your critical thinking.

To put it simply: If you don’t put your opinion or stance in an essay, then you’ll probably lose marks.

In this article, you’ll learn 10 effective phrases that you can use to give your opinion in your essay.  I’ve also created a free lesson pack which will help you to practice the phrases in this article. CLICK HERE to download it.

Introducing the Phrases

If you’re looking for a quick fix for your essay, these phrases should help you to start putting your own opinions in your essays.

But, before you rush over to your essays to start putting these phrases in, there’s something you need to know.

If you’re writing an academic essay, you will need to support your opinions with strong evidence . This is especially true if you are using some of the stronger phrases.

This evidence can be a journal article, a lecture, a textbook, or something else which is a trustworthy source of information.

In a more informal essay, like one in an IELTS or TOEFL language test, you don’t need to support your answers with strong evidence. Your experiences or opinions will be enough.

Quick note : I know! You’re ready to see the phrases.

This won’t take long and it’s really important.

1. For these phrases to be really effective, you’ll need to review your grammar. Shayna has some great videos on her Espresso English Youtube channel .

I recommend these:

• Subject/Verb agreement
• Formal and Informal English
• Correcting Grammar Mistakes

2. If you want to know the structure of a good essay paragraph, check my post here .

Informal English Phrases

These phrases are suitable for language tests such as TOEFL or IELTS. In an academic essay, these phrases will probably be too informal because they are too personal.

“In my opinion, + [your sentence]”

• In my opinion , a good education is more important than a good car.

“I believe that + [your sentence]”

• I believe that schools should encourage students to walk or cycle to school rather than drive.

“In my mind, + [your sentence]”

• “ In my mind , no-one should have to pay for medical care.”

More Formal Academic Phrases With ‘That’

These phrases are more suitable for academic essays. If you are unsure whether you should use an informal phrase or an academic phrase, use an academic one. If you think your writing might be informal, read this post to learn more.

The patterns here are quite straightforward. Just add your sentence after ‘that’.

“It would seem that + [your sentence]”

Use this when you support your opinion with evidence.

• “ It would seem that children learn best when they are feeling comfortable.”

“It could be argued that + [your sentence]”

Use this when you want to challenge an existing opinion.

• “ It could be argued that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks in this situation.”

“This suggests that + [your sentence]”

Use this when you don’t want to fully commit to an opinion. You’re giving yourself some distance.

• “ The evidence suggests that people who speak more than one language have more job opportunities.”

“This proves that + [your sentence]”

Use this when you are confident with your opinion. This phrase is quite strong*

• “ This proves that the best way to lose weight is through a controlled diet and a good exercise program.”

“This supports the idea that + [your sentence]”

Use this one when you are supporting an opinion that you have already made.

• “ This new research supports the idea that successful English learners look for opportunities to use English.”

Other Ways to Express Opinion

“although [idea you disagree with], [idea you agree with]”.

Use this when you want make your opinion seem balanced.

• “ Although reports suggest that cigarettes could help people to lose weight, there are too many serious health problems associated with smoking.”

Note: The ‘ although’ pattern is very effective because it shows two sides of the argument. In the example, I support the idea that smoking is bad for your health –BUT- I recognise that it could have some benefits.

Structure your ‘ although’ sentence like this: Although, [weaker argument you disagree with], [stronger argument you agree with].

Using Adverbs, Adjectives and Nouns

You can use adjectives to show your opinion.

• “This research was poorly conducted with a lack of control .”

The adjective and nouns in the example are negative . You can get some good ideas from this video on Extreme Adjectives . Note: try not to use any emotional adjectives .

Make Your Own Phrases!

Of course, these phrases aren’t the only ones that you can use! You can find more – or – you can create your own by combining different patterns.

Here’s an example of #7, #9 and #10 used together.

“Although it is difficult for older adults to learn a second language, an important study by Smith (2014) proved that the elderly can successfully learn new languages.”

What Should You Do Now?

So now you should have a better idea of how to include more opinions in your essays. But that’s not all; there are probably some new words here that you don’t know.

So here’s what you should do:

• Choose three of the opinion expressions and phrases that you want to try.
• Practice writing sentences using them (if you don’t have a topic, try this: should students do homework? You can see examples of this in the lesson pack )
• Get the Lesson Pack for this lesson (which contains the vocabulary and the phrases from this lesson) CLICK HERE to download it .

Learn more:

• Basic English phrases
• Intermediate English phrases
• Advanced English phrases

About Sam Pealing

Sam Pealing is an English language coach who specialises in two important areas: 1. helping you to get great grades at university, and 2. helping you to become an effective and confident English user. If you’re feeling frustrated or confused with English, Sam has created the perfect email course for you! You can join his course here –or- you can read more by him on English For Study .

Get corrections on your written English:

More Espresso English Lessons:

About the author.

Shayna Oliveira

Shayna Oliveira is the founder of Espresso English, where you can improve your English fast - even if you don’t have much time to study. Millions of students are learning English from her clear, friendly, and practical lessons! Shayna is a CELTA-certified teacher with 10+ years of experience helping English learners become more fluent in her English courses.

Synonyms of 'opinion' in American English

Synonyms of 'opinion' in british english, idioms:  , additional synonyms.

Browse alphabetically opinion

• opinion poll
• opinionated
• opinionatedness
• All ENGLISH synonyms that begin with 'O'

Related terms of opinion

• in your opinion
• matter of opinion
• be of the opinion

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• 40 Useful Words and Phrases for Top-Notch Essays

To be truly brilliant, an essay needs to utilise the right language. You could make a great point, but if it’s not intelligently articulated, you almost needn’t have bothered.

Developing the language skills to build an argument and to write persuasively is crucial if you’re to write outstanding essays every time. In this article, we’re going to equip you with the words and phrases you need to write a top-notch essay, along with examples of how to utilise them.

It’s by no means an exhaustive list, and there will often be other ways of using the words and phrases we describe that we won’t have room to include, but there should be more than enough below to help you make an instant improvement to your essay-writing skills.

If you’re interested in developing your language and persuasive skills, Oxford Royale offers summer courses at its Oxford Summer School , Cambridge Summer School , London Summer School , San Francisco Summer School and Yale Summer School . You can study courses to learn english , prepare for careers in law , medicine , business , engineering and leadership.

General explaining

Let’s start by looking at language for general explanations of complex points.

1. In order to

Usage: “In order to” can be used to introduce an explanation for the purpose of an argument. Example: “In order to understand X, we need first to understand Y.”

2. In other words

Usage: Use “in other words” when you want to express something in a different way (more simply), to make it easier to understand, or to emphasise or expand on a point. Example: “Frogs are amphibians. In other words, they live on the land and in the water.”

3. To put it another way

Usage: This phrase is another way of saying “in other words”, and can be used in particularly complex points, when you feel that an alternative way of wording a problem may help the reader achieve a better understanding of its significance. Example: “Plants rely on photosynthesis. To put it another way, they will die without the sun.”

4. That is to say

Usage: “That is” and “that is to say” can be used to add further detail to your explanation, or to be more precise. Example: “Whales are mammals. That is to say, they must breathe air.”

5. To that end

Usage: Use “to that end” or “to this end” in a similar way to “in order to” or “so”. Example: “Zoologists have long sought to understand how animals communicate with each other. To that end, a new study has been launched that looks at elephant sounds and their possible meanings.”

Adding additional information to support a point

Students often make the mistake of using synonyms of “and” each time they want to add further information in support of a point they’re making, or to build an argument . Here are some cleverer ways of doing this.

6. Moreover

Usage: Employ “moreover” at the start of a sentence to add extra information in support of a point you’re making. Example: “Moreover, the results of a recent piece of research provide compelling evidence in support of…”

7. Furthermore

Usage:This is also generally used at the start of a sentence, to add extra information. Example: “Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that…”

8. What’s more

Usage: This is used in the same way as “moreover” and “furthermore”. Example: “What’s more, this isn’t the only evidence that supports this hypothesis.”

9. Likewise

Usage: Use “likewise” when you want to talk about something that agrees with what you’ve just mentioned. Example: “Scholar A believes X. Likewise, Scholar B argues compellingly in favour of this point of view.”

10. Similarly

Usage: Use “similarly” in the same way as “likewise”. Example: “Audiences at the time reacted with shock to Beethoven’s new work, because it was very different to what they were used to. Similarly, we have a tendency to react with surprise to the unfamiliar.”

11. Another key thing to remember

Usage: Use the phrase “another key point to remember” or “another key fact to remember” to introduce additional facts without using the word “also”. Example: “As a Romantic, Blake was a proponent of a closer relationship between humans and nature. Another key point to remember is that Blake was writing during the Industrial Revolution, which had a major impact on the world around him.”

12. As well as

Usage: Use “as well as” instead of “also” or “and”. Example: “Scholar A argued that this was due to X, as well as Y.”

13. Not only… but also

Usage: This wording is used to add an extra piece of information, often something that’s in some way more surprising or unexpected than the first piece of information. Example: “Not only did Edmund Hillary have the honour of being the first to reach the summit of Everest, but he was also appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.”

14. Coupled with

Usage: Used when considering two or more arguments at a time. Example: “Coupled with the literary evidence, the statistics paint a compelling view of…”

15. Firstly, secondly, thirdly…

Usage: This can be used to structure an argument, presenting facts clearly one after the other. Example: “There are many points in support of this view. Firstly, X. Secondly, Y. And thirdly, Z.

16. Not to mention/to say nothing of

Usage: “Not to mention” and “to say nothing of” can be used to add extra information with a bit of emphasis. Example: “The war caused unprecedented suffering to millions of people, not to mention its impact on the country’s economy.”

Words and phrases for demonstrating contrast

When you’re developing an argument, you will often need to present contrasting or opposing opinions or evidence – “it could show this, but it could also show this”, or “X says this, but Y disagrees”. This section covers words you can use instead of the “but” in these examples, to make your writing sound more intelligent and interesting.

17. However

Usage: Use “however” to introduce a point that disagrees with what you’ve just said. Example: “Scholar A thinks this. However, Scholar B reached a different conclusion.”

18. On the other hand

Usage: Usage of this phrase includes introducing a contrasting interpretation of the same piece of evidence, a different piece of evidence that suggests something else, or an opposing opinion. Example: “The historical evidence appears to suggest a clear-cut situation. On the other hand, the archaeological evidence presents a somewhat less straightforward picture of what happened that day.”

19. Having said that

Usage: Used in a similar manner to “on the other hand” or “but”. Example: “The historians are unanimous in telling us X, an agreement that suggests that this version of events must be an accurate account. Having said that, the archaeology tells a different story.”

20. By contrast/in comparison

Usage: Use “by contrast” or “in comparison” when you’re comparing and contrasting pieces of evidence. Example: “Scholar A’s opinion, then, is based on insufficient evidence. By contrast, Scholar B’s opinion seems more plausible.”

21. Then again

Usage: Use this to cast doubt on an assertion. Example: “Writer A asserts that this was the reason for what happened. Then again, it’s possible that he was being paid to say this.”

22. That said

Usage: This is used in the same way as “then again”. Example: “The evidence ostensibly appears to point to this conclusion. That said, much of the evidence is unreliable at best.”

Usage: Use this when you want to introduce a contrasting idea. Example: “Much of scholarship has focused on this evidence. Yet not everyone agrees that this is the most important aspect of the situation.”

Adding a proviso or acknowledging reservations

Sometimes, you may need to acknowledge a shortfalling in a piece of evidence, or add a proviso. Here are some ways of doing so.

24. Despite this

Usage: Use “despite this” or “in spite of this” when you want to outline a point that stands regardless of a shortfalling in the evidence. Example: “The sample size was small, but the results were important despite this.”

25. With this in mind

Usage: Use this when you want your reader to consider a point in the knowledge of something else. Example: “We’ve seen that the methods used in the 19th century study did not always live up to the rigorous standards expected in scientific research today, which makes it difficult to draw definite conclusions. With this in mind, let’s look at a more recent study to see how the results compare.”

26. Provided that

Usage: This means “on condition that”. You can also say “providing that” or just “providing” to mean the same thing. Example: “We may use this as evidence to support our argument, provided that we bear in mind the limitations of the methods used to obtain it.”

27. In view of/in light of

Usage: These phrases are used when something has shed light on something else. Example: “In light of the evidence from the 2013 study, we have a better understanding of…”

28. Nonetheless

Usage: This is similar to “despite this”. Example: “The study had its limitations, but it was nonetheless groundbreaking for its day.”

29. Nevertheless

Usage: This is the same as “nonetheless”. Example: “The study was flawed, but it was important nevertheless.”

30. Notwithstanding

Usage: This is another way of saying “nonetheless”. Example: “Notwithstanding the limitations of the methodology used, it was an important study in the development of how we view the workings of the human mind.”

Giving examples

Good essays always back up points with examples, but it’s going to get boring if you use the expression “for example” every time. Here are a couple of other ways of saying the same thing.

31. For instance

Example: “Some birds migrate to avoid harsher winter climates. Swallows, for instance, leave the UK in early winter and fly south…”

32. To give an illustration

Example: “To give an illustration of what I mean, let’s look at the case of…”

Signifying importance

When you want to demonstrate that a point is particularly important, there are several ways of highlighting it as such.

33. Significantly

Usage: Used to introduce a point that is loaded with meaning that might not be immediately apparent. Example: “Significantly, Tacitus omits to tell us the kind of gossip prevalent in Suetonius’ accounts of the same period.”

34. Notably

Usage: This can be used to mean “significantly” (as above), and it can also be used interchangeably with “in particular” (the example below demonstrates the first of these ways of using it). Example: “Actual figures are notably absent from Scholar A’s analysis.”

35. Importantly

Usage: Use “importantly” interchangeably with “significantly”. Example: “Importantly, Scholar A was being employed by X when he wrote this work, and was presumably therefore under pressure to portray the situation more favourably than he perhaps might otherwise have done.”

Summarising

You’ve almost made it to the end of the essay, but your work isn’t over yet. You need to end by wrapping up everything you’ve talked about, showing that you’ve considered the arguments on both sides and reached the most likely conclusion. Here are some words and phrases to help you.

36. In conclusion

Usage: Typically used to introduce the concluding paragraph or sentence of an essay, summarising what you’ve discussed in a broad overview. Example: “In conclusion, the evidence points almost exclusively to Argument A.”

37. Above all

Usage: Used to signify what you believe to be the most significant point, and the main takeaway from the essay. Example: “Above all, it seems pertinent to remember that…”

38. Persuasive

Usage: This is a useful word to use when summarising which argument you find most convincing. Example: “Scholar A’s point – that Constanze Mozart was motivated by financial gain – seems to me to be the most persuasive argument for her actions following Mozart’s death.”

39. Compelling

Usage: Use in the same way as “persuasive” above. Example: “The most compelling argument is presented by Scholar A.”

40. All things considered

Usage: This means “taking everything into account”. Example: “All things considered, it seems reasonable to assume that…”

How many of these words and phrases will you get into your next essay? And are any of your favourite essay terms missing from our list? Let us know in the comments below, or get in touch here to find out more about courses that can help you with your essays.

At Oxford Royale Academy, we offer a number of  summer school courses for young people who are keen to improve their essay writing skills. Click here to apply for one of our courses today, including law , business , medicine  and engineering .

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How to Express Your Opinion in English

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Suppose you are with a group of friends discussing the greatest inventions of the 20th century.

One friend says, “I think the computer was the best invention. There’s no question about it.”

Another friend says, “I disagree! Have you forgotten that airplanes exist?”

The first one responds with, “Actually, today’s airplanes could not operate without computers.”

Knowing how to express your opinion in English is valuable whether you are speaking or writing. In today’s program we will look at phrases you can use to share your point of view.

Common phrases

Many phrases are suitable in everyday speech and some types of writing, such as on blogs and personal websites. You have probably already seen or used some of these phrases:

• In my opinion… and
• I would say…

For example, imagine you have your own food website. Today you’re writing or talking about the world’s best street food. You might say: In my opinion, Bangkok has the best street food.

Add strength

But suppose you wanted to make the statement stronger. You can do it by adding an adverb or adjective. For example:

• I really think…
• I strongly believe…
• I truly feel… or
• In my honest opinion…

In addition, giving reasons for your opinion adds strength to the claim. Let’s hear the street food statement again: In my honest opinion, Bangkok has the best street food. I have never seen more choices of what to eat – and everything I’ve tried has been delicious!

Formal phrases

Next, let’s look at a few phrases that are more common in formal situations. You might, for example, hear one of these at a business meeting or a conference, or in a formal paper:

• From my point of view…
• From my perspective…
• In my view… or
• It seems to me that…

Here’s an example: In my view, cruise ships should be banned. They produce massive amounts of waste and use the dirtiest fuel in the world.

Though phrases like “In my view…” are usually more formal than ones like “I think,” there is no rule for where or when you can use them. It’s often a matter of personal choice.

Asking for opinions

So, imagine you’ve expressed yourself. But what about the opinion of others? Often, when we express an opinion or suggestion, it’s a good idea to ask other people for theirs . Phrases like these help show our desire to hear from others:

• What do you think of…?
• What are your thoughts on…?
• How do you feel about…? and
• What’s your opinion on…?

You can use these questions in many kinds of situations. You might ask, for instance:

What’s your opinion on Futbol Club Barcelona? How do you feel about the new art director? What are your thoughts on tonight’s activities?

Agreeing & disagreeing

Finally, let’s talk about agreeing and disagreeing.

Agreeing is the easy part. To show agreement, you can use short, clear statements. Let’s suppose a friend says, “I think summer is way more fun than winter!” You might show you agree by giving one of these responses:

• Definitely.
• I agree. or
• I couldn’t agree more.

Note that, “agree” is a verb in English, so be careful not to say, “I am agree” for the present tense verb.

You can also give reasons for your agreement: I completely agree! I couldn’t live without beach days and outdoor festivals .

But what if a person says something you disagree with?

With close friends or family, we can use informal, direct phrases to say we disagree. You might say something like:

• I disagree!
• I don’t agree. or

Here’s how that sounds: Yeah, but winter has just as many fun things to do. You just have to dress warmly.

At other times, such as in discussions of more serious subjects, or in professional situations, these phrases can be too direct.

Suppose people at work or school are sharing opinions about politics or religious beliefs or something equally sensitive. For such times, your language should be more polite .

So, instead of saying “I totally disagree!” or “You’re wrong!” you might say one of these:

• I’m not sure I agree with you on…
• I’m sorry but I don’t agree. or
• I’m afraid I disagree.

Another common way to disagree politely is to tell the person you respect their opinion before sharing your own. Try phrases like these:

• I see what you’re saying but…
• You have a point there but… or
• I understand where you’re coming from but…

Listen to a short exchange: We’re paying sky-high rents and other costs. Our business would save a lot of money by changing cities. I see what you’re saying but, in my view, now is not the right time to leave Los Angeles. The city offers too many incentives .

Final thoughts

You’ve probably observed that, in real life, many people state opinions without using an opening phrase. They might just say, “Summer is better than winter,” for example. Though this is acceptable with friends or family or for lighter subjects, avoid doing this in professional situations or for heavier subjects.

Wow, that was a lot of information, wasn’t it!? The good news is that you don’t need to memorize it. In my opinion , you should choose only a few phrases that feel most natural to you and practice them whenever you can.

I’m Alice Bryant.

Alice Bryant wrote this story for Learning English. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor.

_____________________________________________________________

1. Now you try it! Choose an opinion phrase from above to complete sentences from below. Give one or two reasons for each opinion.​ Write your sentences in the comments section. .…you should move back home with your family. ....the government should lower fuel prices. .…we can combat climate change by… .… [football player, musician or actor name] is better than… ​ ... [city name] has the best street food.

( Example: In my opinion, Bangkok has the best street food. I have never seen more choices of what to eat – and everything I’ve tried has been delicious ! In Yaowarat alone, there are hundreds of food stalls offering tasty noodles, seafood, satay, Thai desserts and fresh fruit.)

2. If you read another person’s opinion in the comments section, and you agree or disagree, you can respond to their comments. But, if you disagree, be sure to use polite phrases!

______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

phrase – n . a brief expression that is commonly used

blog – n . a website on which someone writes about activities, experiences and personal opinions

formal – adj . suitable for serious or official speech and writing

cruise – n . a journey on a boat or ship to a number of places as a vacation

festival – n . an organized series of performances

polite – adj . having or showing good manners or respect for other people

rent – n . money that you pay in return for being able to use property, especially to live in an apartment or house

incentive – n . something that encourages a person to do something or to work harder

delicious – adj . very pleasant to taste

stall – n . a small open counter or partially enclosed structure where things are displayed for sale

How to Order at an American Restaurant

How to Interrupt Someone in a Nice Way

How to Ask for Clarification

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65 Useful Phrases for Expressing Opinions in English

You have lots of wonderful opinions, but you don’t know how to say them?

That’s got to change. After all, an opinion is a personal belief based on your thoughts, feelings and experiences. It’s your individual perspective—your unique view of the world. Because of this, stating your opinion is an important skill to have in English.

In this post, I’m going to teach you exactly how to express your opinion, make your opinion stronger, explain your opinion, conclude your opinion and lastly, ask someone else about their opinion. And I’ll include a list of useful English phrases to use to accomplish these goals.

Phrases for Expressing Your Opinion

Making your statement stronger, phrases for agreeing with someone’s opinion, phrases for disagreeing with someone’s opinion, phrases for explaining your opinion, phrases for concluding your opinion, asking for someone’s opinion, tips for expressing your opinion in english, and one more thing....

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Expressing your opinion is important, especially with friends and colleagues. To do so easily, check out this list of functional phrases:

• In my opinion…
• From my perspective…
• Personally, I believe…
• I feel that…
• It seems to me that…
• I am of the view that…
• As far as I’m concerned…
• I’m inclined to think that…
• If you ask me…
• I hold the opinion that…
• It’s my belief that…

This phrase is slightly formal and is used more in writing or debating.

• I have a strong feeling that…
• It’s clear to me that…
• In my experience…
• It’s my contention that…

This is formal and is usually reserved for professional settings.

• I am convinced that…

This phrase is good for expressing a very long held belief.

• I think that…
• My take on this is…
• In my eyes…
• I’m of the mind that…
• I think…
• I feel like…

This is a good casual phrase to use with friends and family.

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• I believe that…

This phrase can be used for larger opinions, say, your feelings on marriage or some other big issue.

• What I mean is…

This is a good phrase to use to clarify your opinion further.

You can make your opinion statement stronger by adding adverbs such as: really, truly, strongly, absolutely, completely, utterly, totally, unquestionably, certainly, fully, unarguably and decidedly.

Here are a couple of examples:

• I truly believe that the American Dream is at risk.
• I feel strongly that all men deserve universal healthcare.
• I really like this movie.

Sometimes, two or more people have the same opinion. In such cases, this is how you express your agreement with them.

• Yes, definitely!
• I feel the same way.
• I agree with you.
• That’s a very valid point.
• I think what you said is true.
• You’re right!

There may be situations when you disagree with someone on certain topics.

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That’s when you have to politely express your disagreement while avoiding an argument or fight.

You have to make the listener realize that while you heard and understood what they said, you don’t agree and have a different opinion.

• I understand.
• I see your point.
• That makes sense.
• I couldn’t agree more.
• You’ve got a good point there.
• I’m on the same page as you.
• Let’s agree to disagree, shall we?

This last funny phrase means that you feel that you and the person you’re talking to are never going to agree on this issue, so you decide to move on to another subject. You’re agreeing that you disagree on the issue. It’s a good phrase to use to avoid an argument.

In several situations, such as in meetings and group discussions, we’re asked to explain our opinions. There are many ways of doing this.

• My reasons are…
• Firstly… secondly… thirdly…

We can simply state or list our reasons (firstly, secondly, thirdly) in a certain way, like in this example:

Firstly , horror movies are scary. Secondly , I don’t believe in ghosts. Thirdly , I can’t sleep after watching scary movies!

• Moreover…
• In addition to…
• Most importantly…
• Another example is…
• Mostly because…

You can also use conjunctions (such as because) or other connecting words and phrases to explain thoughts in a logical manner.

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After you’ve stated an opinion, you may want to conclude the topic.

You can do that using these phrases:

• In conclusion…
• From this, we can conclude…
• To sum up…
• This proves that…
• What do you think?

Asking a question is a great way to wrap up your own argument.

• That is why…
• Can you suggest an alternative?

It’s important to ask others’ opinions, too.

You can use these handy phrases to easily do that:

• What do you think about…?
• How do you feel about…?
• What is your opinion on…?
• In your view, is…?
• What are your thoughts on…?
• Could you share your perspective on…?
• Do you have any views on…?
• What is your take on…?
• Would you mind telling me your opinion about…?
• What is your stance on…?
• Can you give me your impression of…?
• What do you believe about…?
• Are you of the opinion that…?
• Do you think that…?
• How would you evaluate…?

Before diving into common phrases, here are some tips that’ll help you express your opinion in English as well as improve your speaking and writing skills .

• Keep a diary to talk about your feelings/opinions . Make it a point to write in your diary every day. You can write about what you did that day, your likes and dislikes or use specific prompts to give you ideas.

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• Watch an English movie and write about it . You can talk about what you liked and disliked about the movie in your diary!
• Pick a topic and try talking about it . You can practice expressing your opinion by choosing a topic, setting a timer and speaking about it in front of the mirror. Notice your tone and body language. You can also have discussions or “debates” with your friends. A debate is two or more people agreeing or disagreeing with a topic. You can also find online language partners on apps like HelloTalk or Tandem .

Well, I hope that made the art of expressing your opinions in English much easier and clearer than before!

You can always follow the three-step guide and practice the common phrases we use when sharing our thoughts and beliefs.

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Of course, you’ll make mistakes and that’s an important part of learning. So get some practice, be sincere and try your best. Before you know it, you’ll be a confident and fluent English speaker!

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Academic Writing: How to Express Your Personal Opinion

von Öykü Coskun | Donnerstag, November 22, 2018 | Learn , Writing effectively | 2 Kommentare

In certain writing tasks that you are required to do for university, for example essays, you will be asked to give your opinion on the topic at hand. There are several different ways to do this: A distinction is made between expressions and phrases that emphasize your views explicitly and those that reflect your opinion implicitly. In this article, you can find out which expressions are best in which context and how to create variety.

While it is possible to say that, as a general rule, implicit expressions that reflect your opinion in a more subtle way are mostly preferred in academic writing, there are also cases in which it might be useful to overtly state your view by using phrases that contain the personal pronouns “I” and “my” to make clear that it is your point of view that you are focusing on right now. Thus, there is no such rule as “Never include “I” in essays.” The key is to use these kinds of expressions when they suit your purpose, so for instance when you clearly want to distance yourself from a certain view. Moreover, avoiding “I” can lead to awkwardness and vagueness, so  it can sometimes be more effective to use the first person. Personal pronouns unmistakably show when and where exactly you are building on or departing from your sources of information. Thus, they underline the originality of your ideas and views, which, in turn, improves your writing style.

While this only applies to some academic fields and text types, as far as the Humanities and essays or term papers are concerned, it is generally considered appropriate to use the first person, as your instructor will be interested in reading your original analyses and interpretations. But beware: Don’t confuse giving your personal opinion with writing about your personal experience! Your experiences and anecdotes do not have any place in academic term papers whatsoever, whereas they might be included in some contexts for example when you are asked to write a more personal and less academic text in your language classes. To make sure, always ask your instructor.

Moreover, you should be aware of the fact that some expressions more convincingly underline your assertions than others and that your arguments will always need sufficient explanations and defense. Hence, expressions such as “I think that…” or “I believe that…” , which we often find in speech but less in academic writing, are weaker and less convincing than “I assert that…”, “I am convinced that…”, “I have no doubt that…” or “I hold the impression/ view that…”.

Furthermore, we often find the phrases “In my opinion, …” and “In my view, …” in academic writing and professional reports. To a lesser extent, we have expressions such as “To my mind,…” , From my point of view” and “As far as I am concerned” ; These three phrases are also rather used in speech than in writing.

Another useful way of explicitly stating your opinion is to employ structures that contain adjectives, such as “I consider it important/ crucial/ essential/ useful/ likely/ … to …” or “I deem it necessary/ proper/ appropriate/ … to …” . If you are not quite so adamant about your opinion yourself, you can also utilize weaker expressions such as “I am under the impression that …” , “I suppose that …” , “I assume that …” , “I presume that …” or “I conjecture that …” .

Impersonal expressions, on the other hand, reflect your opinion implicitly. Again, there is the possibility to use structures that contain evaluative adjectives, as is the case with phrases like “It is convenient/ difficult/ hard/ impossible/ reasonable/ easy/ … to …” or “It is apparent/ arguable/ doubtful/ obvious/ remarkable/ desirable/ noteworthy/ conceivable/ … that …” .

In your academic texts, you can furthermore employ structures that consist of “It is worth + present participle of a verb + that”, frequently used collocations being “It is worth examining/ investigating/ remembering/ recalling/ noting/ stressing/ pointing out/ emphasizing/ … that …”. There are moreover evaluative adverbs that stress your opinion, examples for this being “Interestingly, …” , “Arguably, …” , “Obviously, …” , “Evidently, …” , and “Surprisingly, …” .

As you can see, there are plenty of possibilities to express your personal opinion in your academic writing tasks and to create variety in doing so. Including different types of phrases and varying expressions while sticking to the requirements of the writing task at hand will improve your overall writing style.

• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Writing Center: „Should I Use ‚I‘?“
• Macmillan English Dictionary for Advanced Learners (2007): „E. Expressing Personal Opinions.“ London: Macmillan, IW 15-16.

2 Kommentare

Your approach and research is significant and appreciative.Applause for you..

I found this article extremely helpful. I found myself struggling writing essays when it came to professionally asserting my opinion or thought. This really outlined some great practices!! Thank you.

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Opinion Writing: a Guide to Writing a Successful Essay Easily

An opinion essay requires students to write their thoughts regarding a subject matter. Relevant examples and explanations back their point of view. Before starting an opinion paper, it is important to study the definition, topics, requirements, and structure. Referring to examples is also highly useful. Perhaps you need help with our admission essay writing service ? Take a look at this guide from our dissertation writing service to learn how to write an opinion essay like an expert.

What Is an Opinion Essay

A common question among students is: ‘What is an Opinion Essay?' It is an assignment that contains questions that allow students to share their point-of-view on a subject matter. Students should express their thoughts precisely while providing opinions on the issue related to the field within reasonable logic. Some opinion essays type require references to back the writer's claims.

Opinion writing involves using a student's personal point-of-view, which is segregated into a point. It is backed by examples and explanations. The paper addresses the audience directly by stating ‘Dear Readers' or the equivalent. The introduction involves a reference to a speech, book, or play. This is normally followed by a rhetorical question like ‘is the pope Catholic?' or something along those lines.

What Kind of Student Faces an Opinion Essay

Non-native English-speaking students enrolled in the International English Language Testing System by the British Council & Cambridge Assessment English are tasked with learning how to write the opinion essays. This can be high-school or college students. It is designed to enhance the level of English among students. It enables them to express their thoughts and opinions while writing good opinion essay in English.

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What Are the Requirements of an Opinion Essay?

Avoid Going Off-Topic: Always write an opinion essay within relevance to answer the assigned question. This is also known as ‘beating around the bush' and should not be included in any opinion paragraph as it may lower your grade.

Indent the First Paragraph: With most academic papers, opinion writing is not different. Therefore, it contains the rule of indenting the first line of the introduction.

A Well-Thought Thesis: The full thesis statement is a brief description of the opinion essay. It determines the rest of the paper. Include all the information that you wish to include in the body paragraphs

The Use of Formal Languages: Although it is okay to write informally, keep a wide range of professional and formal words. This includes: ‘Furthermore,' ‘As Stated By,' ‘However', & ‘Thus'.

Avoid Internet Slang: In the opinion paper, avoid writing using slang words. Don'tDon't include words like ‘LOL', ‘OMG', ‘LMAO', etc.

The Use of First Person Language (Optional): For the reason of providing personal thought, it is acceptable to write your personal opinion essay in the first person.

Avoid Informal Punctuation: Although the requirements allow custom essay for the first-person language, they do not permit informal punctuation. This includes dashes, exclamation marks, and emojis.

Avoid Including Contradictions: Always make sure all spelling and grammar is correct.

We also recommend reading about types of sentences with examples .

Opinion Essay Topics

Before learning about the structure, choosing from a wide range of opinion essay topics is important. Picking an essay theme is something that can be done very simply. Choosing an excellent opinion essay topic that you are interested in or have a passion for is advisable. Otherwise, you may find the writing process boring. This also ensures that your paper will be both effective and well-written.

• Do sports differ from ordinary board games?
• Is using animals in circus performances immoral?
• Why should we be honest with our peers?
• Should all humans be entitled to a 4-day workweek?
• Should all humans become vegetarians?
• Does a CEO earn too much?
• Should teens be barred from having sleepovers?
• Should everyone vote for their leader?
• The Pros & Cons of Day-Light Saving Hours.
• What are the most energy-efficient and safest cars of X year?

Opinion Essay Structure

When it comes to opinion paragraphs, students may struggle with the opinion essay format. The standard five-paragraph-essay structure usually works well for opinion essays. Figuring out what one is supposed to include in each section may be difficult for beginners. This is why following the opinion essay structure is something all beginners should do, for their own revision before writing the entire essay.

You might also be interested in getting more information about: 5 PARAGRAPH ESSAY

Opinion essay introduction

• Address the audience directly, and state the subject matter.
• Reference a speech, poem, book, or play.
• Include the author's name and date of publication in brackets.
• 1 or 2 sentences to make up a short description.
• 1 or 2 summarizing sentences of the entire paper.
• 1 sentence that links to the first body paragraph.

Body Paragraph 1

• Supporting arguments
• Explanation
• A linking sentence to the second body paragraph.

Body Paragraph 2

• Supporting argument
• A linking sentence to the third body paragraph.

Body Paragraph 3

• A linking sentence to the conclusion.

Conclusion paragraph

• Summary of the entire paper
• A conclusive sentence (the bigger picture in conclusion)

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Opinion Essay Examples

Do you need something for reference? Reading opinion essay examples can expand your knowledge of this style of writing, as you get to see exactly how this form of an essay is written. Take a look at our samples to get an insight into this form of academic writing.

Over the past, American popular culture has been strong in creating racial stereotypes. Images displayed through television, music, and the internet have an impact on how individuals behave and what individuals believe. People find their identities and belief systems from popular culture. Evidently, I believe that American pop culture has created racial stereotypes that predominantly affect other ethnic minorities. Analyzing the history of America reveals that African Americans have always had a problem defining themselves as Americans ever since the era of slavery. AfricanAmericans have always had a hard time being integrated into American culture. The result is that African Americans have been subjected to ridicule and shame. American pop culture has compounded the problem by enhancing the negative stereotypes ofAfrican American. In theatre, film, and music, African Americans have been associated with vices such as murder, theft, and violence.

The family systems theory has a significant revelation on family relations. I firmly agree that to understand a particular family or a member, they should be around other family members. The emotional connection among different family members may create functional or dysfunctional coexistence, which is not easy to identify when an individual is further from the other members. Taking an example of the extended family, the relationship between the mother-in-law and her daughter-in-law may be tense, but once they are outside the family, they can pretend to have a good relationship. Therefore, I agree with the theory that the existing emotional attachment and developed culture in the family is distinctively understood when the family is together.

Opinion writing is a form of academic paper that asks students to include their thoughts on a particular topic. This is then backed by a logical explanation and examples. Becoming more knowledgeable is a practical way to successfully learn how to write an opinion paper. Before writing anything, it is essential to refer to important information. That includes the definition, topics, opinion writing examples, and requirements. This is what turns amateur writers into master writers.

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Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

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9 Other Ways To Say “In My Opinion” (Formal & Friendly)

If you’re wondering how to start a sentence with your opinion, you might think that only “In my opinion” is the correct choice for you. However, there are plenty of synonyms out there for you to get stuck into, so we thought we’d look into them.

Other Words For “In My Opinion”

Let’s first look through some other words for “in my opinion.” We’ll elaborate more in the coming sections.

• As I see it
• It seems to me
• If you ask me
• In my experience
• One might argue that
• From my perspective

We’ll start with the first phrase, “as for me.” This one is quite a common synonym of “in my opinion,” though it’s primarily used in a friendly or informal way. We use “as for me” to introduce the idea that we have an opinion that differs from a fact or something else previously stated.

Usually, we’d use “as for me” when introducing a new opinion that might change the context or message of the text we’re writing.

• Some people like chocolate. As for me, I prefer vegetables.
• I know sports are popular. As for me, I’m into opera.
• You don’t have the skills to complete the task. As for me, I do!
• The teachers say my class is dumb. As for me, I believe the teachers are the dumb ones.
• Most people drink alcohol. As for me, I hate the taste.

When we start a sentence with our opinion using “as for me,” we always have to have a statement come before it that we’re contradicting. This makes it acceptable to use “as for me” correctly. You should otherwise think about using one of the other choices.

As I See It

The next choice is “as I see it.” This one is less commonly used but is still considered a friendly choice compared to others in this list.

When using the word “I” (a subject pronoun) to express an opinion in text, we often make sure we’re writing in a friendly way. It helps us keep the writing personal for the reader, which usually works in friendly exchanges.

• As I see it, you can’t hang the washing out in a thunderstorm.
• As I see it, you shouldn’t tell other people what to think.
• As I see it, you need to speak clearly when talking on the phone.
• As I see it, you can’t have a nice thing without putting in some work.
• As I see it, you don’t try hard enough to get a job.

While the context doesn’t have to be friendly, we use “as I see it” to express our opinion. It might differ from what other people believe or are doing themselves, but it’s worth mentioning.

“I think” is another common synonym for “in my opinion.” We use this mostly when writing papers that might express our opinion or ask us to elaborate on why we believe something is the way it is.

The term “I think” is used formally and informally, though it’s more commonly used informally and in a friendly way.

• I think you’ve had enough to drink.
• I think you need help with that project.
• I think you’re perfect just the way you are.
• I think we could all use some adjustments to the new rules.
• I think these ideas work really well.

We don’t need a comma after “I think” like some of the other options. It’s mostly used to share an opinion, and multiple people can share that opinion.

“I believe” works in a very similar way to, “I think.” However, because we’re using “believe” as the verb instead of “think,” it’s considered that the opinion is held closer to our hearts.

When we “think” about something, it’s merely in our minds; when we “believe” in something, then it’s something we hold much dearer. Either way, both “I think” and “I believe” are informal expressions.

• I believe you know what you’re doing in this situation.
• I believe you look fantastic!
• I believe in you and everything you’ve worked for.
• I believe we can get through this together.
• I believe in us.

It Seems To Me

“It seems to me” is the first option on this list that’s more formal than the rest. We mostly use this when expressing our opinion in writing inside business emails or essays (or something to that degree).

We are no longer using “I” as the subject pronoun, making the phrase less personal. Even though we still use “me” (an object pronoun), we aren’t using it in the same personal way. That’s why “it seems to me” is more formal than it is friendly.

• It seems to me that this company needs to rejig its workforce.
• It seems to me you’re not showing up on time lately.
• It seems to me that you’ve lost interest in our arrangement.
• It seems to me that you’ve given up.
• It seems to me that you’re a star employee up for promotion.

If You Ask Me

While “if you ask me” uses the same object pronoun as “it seems to me,” it should be seen as the more informal cousin to the phrase.

“If you ask me” comes with a level of uncertainty, making it less bold of a statement than “it seems to me.” Using “if” in the phrase shows that we’re sharing an opinion, and we’re not sure whether other people will agree to it. Don’t use this formally. Only use it with friends or family.

• If you ask me, I’ve done all my chores for the weekend.
• If you ask me, I don’t think you look great in that dress.
• If you ask me, you don’t have to come and watch the game.
• If you ask me, I’d tell you that I think you’re in the wrong.
• If you ask me, you’re trying a little too hard to win my approval.

In My Experience

Going back to our object pronouns, we’re now using “my” with the phrase “in my experience.” This is one of the most formal choices we can give you on this list. It works well in a business or educational setting when you’re writing an essay or academic paper.

The idea is the same; we’re still expressing our opinion in some way. This time, though, we’re talking about our previous experience and how that’s led to us determining our own opinion on matters.

• In my experience, it’s hard to find solid evidence.
• In my experience, you can’t go wrong by visiting a coffee shop every morning.
• In my experience, there needs to be more love in the world.
• In my experience, you can’t keep ignoring protests without punishment.
• In my experience, you don’t always get what you want when you ask for it.

One Might Argue That

Another formal choice is “one might argue that.” This is the most formal choice we’ll list for you here. But what makes this the most formal choice?

When we replace the word “I” with the word “one,” we’re taking away all personal levels of writing. That way, the reader focuses on the information presented and the opinion that is shared. Taking away the personal level of the phrase is the best way to use it formally.

• One might argue that the royal family is an unnecessary part of British culture.
• One might argue that more needs to be done to save the environment.
• One might argue that animals have feelings too.
• One might argue that the five-day work week has to end.
• One might argue that school doesn’t set children up for adult life.

From My Perspective

The last example we want to run you through uses “from my perspective.” Generally, we use this in a more formal setting, and we tend not to use this in a friendly manner. We use “from my perspective” when we want to share an opinion through our own lens (basing it on what we see in the world and what we might want to change).

• From my perspective, you can’t have one thing without the other.
• From my perspective, the Star Wars movies could have been better.
• From my perspective, the world is slowly dying.
• From my perspective, any animal that goes extinct is a waste of life.
• From my perspective, more realistic history lessons need to be taught at schools.

Is It Correct To Say “In My Opinion”?

Now that we’ve worked our way through all the alternatives, it’s time to look at the phrase “in my opinion.” First of all, we think it’s important to note why we’re even making this article. Why is it necessary to find an alternative for “in my opinion” when it’s a perfectly good phrase in itself?

“In my opinion” is the most commonly used way to express your opinion at the start of a sentence. It’s been used for decades in writing, and often when things like this are overused, people stop wanting to read it when they’re reading good pieces of writing.

To counter the fact that it’s such a common phrase, the best thing to do is look for different ways to say it. That way, if you’re using it formally, no one can say that they don’t like your ideas or writing because of a simple overused phrase. If you’re using it in a friendly way, none of your friends will mind if you spice up your vocabulary a little bit and try something new.

It’s worth noting, though, that there is nothing wrong with saying “in my opinion;” it’s just overused.

Does “In My Opinion” Need A Comma?

When writing “in my opinion,” many people get confused about comma placement. If you pay attention to some of the examples we’ve already provided throughout the article, you’ll see that some alternatives needed commas after them while others didn’t.

“In my opinion” should always have a comma after it because it is already a clause that needs to be broken up.

• In my opinion, this is how you use a comma.
• In my opinion, you have to learn grammar rules.

See how we use the comma after the phrase. That’s because “in my opinion” is already a suitable clause in itself. Nothing needs to be added to it to give it more meaning. It already has as much meaning as it needs to make perfect sense. That’s why commas are used in writing.

The same rule applies to all the other alternatives above. While “from my perspective” and “as I see it” are completed clauses and need a comma after, phrases like “I think” or “I believe” need more clarification.

In My Opinion Vs. From My Opinion

If you want to use “in my opinion” correctly, you have to use it as written. The phrase “from my opinion” is incorrect.

The word “from” implies that we are gathering the information directly from our own opinion. While this is technically the truth, it isn’t grammatically correct to say that we’re sharing an idea. Instead, we use “in” to show that the truth of our statement only applies inside of our opinion.

What Is The Best Way To Say “In My Opinion” In An Essay?

We’ve covered some good options for you both formally and informally. However, there are only a few options that you should use when you’re writing an essay if you want to keep things formal.

Essays are designed to be formal, and examiners will appreciate well-thought-out writing. That’s why you should say one of the following:

You can always use something that we haven’t mentioned, where we say “in the opinion of the author.” If you’ve read through this article, you’ll see how removing the personal level of writing turns something from an informal piece into a formal piece. Using words like “one” or referring to ourselves in the third person by saying “the author” are great ways for you to show your formal side and score highly on an essay.

You may also like: 12 Better Ways To Say “I Feel That” 10 Words For Someone Who Is Easily Influenced 12 Better Ways To Say “I Share Your Opinion” Is “Personal” Redundant In “My Personal Opinion”?

Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here .

• “Years of Experience” or “Years’ Experience”: Correct Version
• 5 Better Words For “Extensive Experience” On Your CV
• “Hands-On Experience” – 4 Better Alternatives To Use In Your Resume
• Can An Opinion Be Wrong Or Right? Full Explanation

Synonyms of essay

• as in article
• as in attempt
• as in to attempt
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Thesaurus Definition of essay

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dissertation
• composition
• prolegomenon
• undertaking
• trial and error
• experimentation

Thesaurus Definition of essay  (Entry 2 of 2)

• have a go at
• try one's hand (at)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb essay differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of essay are attempt , endeavor , strive , and try . While all these words mean "to make an effort to accomplish an end," essay implies difficulty but also suggests tentative trying or experimenting.

When might attempt be a better fit than essay ?

While the synonyms attempt and essay are close in meaning, attempt stresses the initiation or beginning of an effort.

Where would endeavor be a reasonable alternative to essay ?

Although the words endeavor and essay have much in common, endeavor heightens the implications of exertion and difficulty.

When is strive a more appropriate choice than essay ?

While in some cases nearly identical to essay , strive implies great exertion against great difficulty and specifically suggests persistent effort.

How do try and attempt relate to one another, in the sense of essay ?

Try is often close to attempt but may stress effort or experiment made in the hope of testing or proving something.

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To 'Essay' or 'Assay'?

You'll know the difference if you give it the old college essay

Thesaurus Entries Near essay

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“Essay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essay. Accessed 26 May. 2024.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about essay

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Guest Essay

What Trump Could Do in Foreign Policy Might Surprise the World

By Curt Mills

Mr. Mills is the executive director of The American Conservative.

Love it or hate it, the United States has an imperial presidency, and in his first term, Donald Trump demonstrated a record of using such powers with noted relish on the world stage. As in many areas, he does not have a conventional approach to global relations. But it may turn out that, like Richard Nixon and George H.W. Bush before him, Mr. Trump enjoys engagement with foreign policy.

His particular style of politics can be provocative, of course, but also effective. Mr. Trump’s approach to America’s place in the world is pragmatic or unpredictable or both, and it could offer surprising opportunities for peace.

If Mr. Trump re-enters the Oval Office, he may seek to surprise in his final act, perhaps inspiring parallels, in its unpredictability and volatility, with Nixon and his “madman” foreign policy.

In Mr. Trump’s first term, his results in foreign affairs have generally been underrated. For a “madman,” there were real accomplishments: no new foreign wars, the Abraham Accords between Israel and a handful of Sunni states that many experts on the subject thought were impossible, a focus on China that is now bipartisan, putting allies on notice that they had to more than vaguely contribute to their own defense.

Unless the global landscape suddenly shifts, Mr. Trump would return to the Oval Office facing the sorts of foreign crises — particularly the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East — that he largely avoided in his first term.

But the circumstances would surely not change the way he managed foreign affairs. In his first term Mr. Trump could be the bête noire of the establishment and Republican neoconservatives on Monday (as in his interactions with Kim Jong-un and the NATO leaders). And he could be the vicious spear tip of American power on Tuesday (as in the 2020 airstrike in Baghdad that killed Qassim Suleimani).

In a second term Mr. Trump would likely not assemble a right-wing establishment cabinet of oil executives and generals. He would instead be guided by a new group of establishment figures or pragmatists as well as a cut of advisers associated with the new right who want a broader convulsion in foreign policy and who wonder, with increasing despondence at the state of American culture, if a new Cold War-type enemy, perhaps China, would unify the population.

Members of this new right group increasingly disagree among themselves, particularly on just how far to take it to China and just how interchangeable conservative foreign policy should be with Israel’s.

Among the new pragmatists, the man who succeeded John Bolton as national security adviser, Robert O’Brien, would almost certainly play a key role in a second term, perhaps as defense secretary or secretary of state.

Mr. O’Brien is an understated but powerful lawyer from the West Coast. (Another point in the Trump-Nixon echoes: In 2022, Mr. O’Brien was named chairman of the board of the Richard Nixon Foundation.) He calls himself a Reagan Republican and would be an easy Senate confirmation.

The team might also include the former acting director of national intelligence Richard Grenell, who was Mr. Trump’s ambassador to Germany from 2018 to 2020. An ally of Mr. O’Brien’s, Mr. Grenell engages in smashmouth interpersonal politics that marked his tumultuous tenure in Berlin. But his style aligns well with Mr. Trump’s approach to diplomacy-as-negotiation.

In addition to the wonkish ideologues and pragmatists, there is an unpredictable milieu of true believers, among them Steve Bannon and the retired colonel Douglas Macgregor, a cult hero on the new right who in the chaos of the 2020-21 transition was installed by Pentagon loyalists to Mr. Trump with the intent of a quick withdrawal from Afghanistan.

This team would suggest a vision — relative aversion to ideology but a tolerance for radicalism — that could fulfill Mr. Trump’s foreign policy approach, which favors a mixture of staying out of trouble and engaging in conflicts decisively and briefly. Washington veterans often react with puzzlement to the idea that Mr. Trump has a foreign policy vision at all. His approach confused people like Mr. Bolton, who criticized Mr. Trump for looking at “things on a transactional basis.”

But Mr. Trump likes to occupy two identities at once: threat and negotiator. And as he showed in a recent interview with Time magazine, he has a shrewd understanding of how to manage his team in negotiations. For example, he said in the interview that Mr. Bolton “served a good purpose” because “every time he walked into a room, people thought you were going to war.”

This again suggests a parallel with Mr. Nixon’s administration. One of his first decisions in the White House was to hire Henry Kissinger as his national security adviser. Even Mr. Kissinger — a Harvard professor who had consulted for Nelson Rockefeller, a rival of Mr. Nixon’s — was surprised by the decision.

Yet Mr. Kissinger helped balance Mr. Nixon’s strident anti-Communist Cold War posturing and kept allies and enemies guessing about his intent. Mr. Nixon’s seemingly wild card tactics boosted the credibility of his threats. He is often remembered today for balance of power, for realpolitik and for moving to end America’s involvement in Vietnam, but he is remembered more for opening ties with Communist China.

It took Mr. Nixon to go to Beijing. Is it truly so imponderable that it could take Mr. Trump to go to Beirut or even Tehran?

You can apply Mr. Trump’s two-positions-at-once approach to various other hot spots. Take Israel. In his recent interview, he reiterated that he would “protect Israel” if war broke out with Iran but also said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “rightfully has been criticized for what took place on Oct. 7.”

He said the Jewish state should “get the job done” in Gaza but also concluded that Israel has managed to lose the public relations battle in this war. You can imagine Mr. Trump, as president, unreservedly supporting Israel in its military campaign in Gaza. But you can equally imagine him speaking in far harsher terms against Mr. Netanyahu than President Biden has, perhaps in pursuit of a cease-fire.

Or take Mr. Trump’s language around Russia and NATO. Last winter, Mr. Trump caused outrage when he said that he’d be willing to let Russia “do whatever the hell they want” to NATO countries that don’t spend enough on their defense.

In his Time interview, Mr. Trump said of that earlier comment, “When I say things like that, that’s said as a point of negotiation.”

The criticism around his NATO and Russia comments presupposes that Mr. Trump, the consummate negotiator, would simply remove his greatest point of leverage (membership in the body) out of the gate. The global impression of Mr. Trump as Vladimir Putin’s pawn — and an admirer of autocrats like Mr. Kim — only incentivizes him to surprise in the other direction.

In a second term, there would also be the promise that Mr. Trump would at last attempt to prove the technocrats and Washington bureaucrats wrong — the experts he fired and flouted, the prestige financiers who have mocked him and the lawyers who have tried to imprison him.

Consider what the mere possibility of a Trump win in November plausibly inspired in recent weeks: France is taking up the mantle of independent European defense , and Israel’s offers in negotiations with Hamas have gotten more reasonable .

If Mr. Trump wins in November, he will almost certainly read a life’s worth of vindication into how he does business and the value of his ability to be in two places at once. The uncertainty that comes with his style is poised to once again give him power over America’s soft and hard power in global affairs.

Maybe Mr. Trump can continue to surprise and achieve what Mr. Nixon aspired to. His gravestone in Yorba Linda, Calif., contains a line from his first Inaugural Address: “The greatest honor history can bestow is the title of peacemaker.”

Curt Mills is the executive director of The American Conservative.

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