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Prepositions with nouns

Of, in, for, with, or by opinion?

Opinion combines with several prepositions in English, but each has a different role. Some combinations are fixed expressions, while others depend on the surrounding sentence.

Quick answer

Which prepositions work with opinion?

Use in my opinion for personal views. Use opinion of someone or something to identify the topic. Use opinion on or about for a subject. For opinion is uncommon except in requests such as ask for an opinion. By opinion is not standard in this meaning.

in my opinion, the plan is risky.
Her opinion of the film changed later.
We asked for an opinion from the legal team.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
in my opinion

Giving a personal view

Use in my opinion and similar phrases to introduce a viewpoint.

In my opinion, the report is incomplete.
In their opinion, sales will improve.
2
opinion of + noun

Identifying the target of a view

Use opinion of to show what or who the view concerns.

His opinion of the manager was positive.
I value your opinion of the proposal.
3
opinion on/about + topic

Discussing a subject

Use opinion on or about for topics, issues, or questions.

What is your opinion on remote work?
She wrote an opinion about the new policy.
4
ask for an opinion

Requesting advice or views

Use for with verbs such as ask or wait when requesting an opinion.

They asked for an opinion before deciding.
We are waiting for an opinion from the committee.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
in my opinion
In my opinion, the service has improved.
Introduces a personal judgment.
opinion of
Her opinion of the course changed.
Shows the target of the opinion.
opinion on
Do you have an opinion on this issue?
Shows the subject being discussed.
for an opinion
The editor asked for an opinion.
Used with verbs about requesting views.
by opinion
By opinion is not a standard expression for giving views.
Use in my opinion or in the opinion of instead.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using by opinion for personal views

English uses in my opinion, not by opinion.

✕ By opinion, this is unfair. ✓ In my opinion, this is unfair.

Using for opinion after have

Have usually takes on or about with opinion.

✕ I have an opinion for this topic. ✓ I have an opinion on this topic.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. ___ my opinion, the meeting was productive.
2. What is your opinion ___ the new design?
3. The board asked ___ an opinion from the lawyer.

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Frequently asked questions

Is by opinion correct?

No. Standard English uses in my opinion or in the opinion of.

Should I use opinion of or opinion on?

Opinion of usually refers to a person or thing, while opinion on refers to a topic or issue.

Can for opinion be correct?

Yes, after verbs such as ask or wait, as in ask for an opinion.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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