Improve Your Vocabulary for IELTS – Collocation of Opinion

The word opinion is one of the most commonly used nouns in IELTS, especially in Speaking and Writing Task 2. Knowing how to use it with verbs, adjectives, and nouns will make your language more precise, natural, and academic. This guide covers essential collocations with opinion, provides exercises, and includes tips to help you boost your IELTS band score.

Verb + Opinion Collocations

Verbs often combine with opinion to show giving, forming, or influencing views. Using these verbs correctly can help you express yourself clearly in discussions, debates, or essays.

Practice Exercise

Complete the sentences using the correct form of: influence, respect, form, give, express, ask, revise, share

1. Could you read this essay and ____________ me your opinion on it before I hand it in to my tutor?
2. I always value our teacher’s opinion. He’s a man whose opinion I ____________.
3. What do you think of this new government? => It’s too early to say. I haven’t really ____________ an opinion yet.
4. There can be no doubt that television and newspapers do ____________ public opinion.
5. The fact that he passed the exam has made me ____________ my original opinion of him. He’s obviously more intelligent than I thought he was.
6. Would anyone like to ____________ an opinion on this matter?
7. I know what you think, but do the other members of the team ____________ your opinion?
8. If you ____________ my opinion, there’s a danger I’ll disagree with you – so it’s better not to ask!

Answer Key

1. give
2. respect
3. formed
4. influence
5. revise
6. express
7. share
8. ask

Noun + of + Opinion Collocations

The structure of + opinion is used to describe the nature, distribution, or authority of views. These expressions are common in formal writing and academic contexts.

Match the Two Halves

Match the sentences to the correct endings:

1. Their marriage is almost at an end. Over the years ______
2. Zidane is the greatest footballer the world has ever seen. ______
3. The government needs to find out what the ______
4. Most people are fed up with the congestion and pollution that traffic brings. ______
5. Over the last twenty years there has been a distinct ______

Options:
a) A substantial body of opinion supports the idea of banning all cars from the city centre.
b) That’s a matter of opinion. I think Pele was a better player.
c) Current climate of opinion is before it makes any changes to the tax on fuel. It’s important that they know what people generally think.
d) Irreconcilable differences of opinion have developed between them. They can’t seem to agree on anything.
e) Shift in opinion on the issue of abortion. More and more people seem to approve of it these days.

Answer Key

1-d
2-b
3-c
4-a
5-e

Adjective + Opinion Collocations

Adjectives before opinion can show strength, popularity, expertise, or personal nature of a viewpoint. Using them accurately improves both Speaking fluency and Writing sophistication.

Practice Exercise

Fill in the blanks using: honest, popular, second, strong, considered, high, personal, expert

1. Many people have very ____________ opinions on capital punishment. My father, for example, thinks that all murderers should be executed.
2. The article accurately reflects ____________ opinion. It’s what the majority of people think.
3. I’m grateful for his advice, but I really need to get a ____________ opinion before I make a final decision. I don’t want to do something that I might regret.
4. OK, if you want my ____________ opinion, I think the dress looks awful. It just doesn’t suit you.
5. I have a very ____________ opinion of Mark’s abilities as an actor, but a very low opinion of him as a father.
6. Prime Minister, we have discussed the present crisis in depth and it is our ____________ opinion that for the good of the country you should resign.
7. ____________ opinion is divided on the issue of how to treat this condition. Some doctors would operate; others favour drugs.
8. My ____________ opinion doesn’t really matter here. We need to decide for the good of everyone.

Answer Key

1. strong
2. popular
3. second
4. honest
5. high
6. considered
7. expert
8. personal

Notes and Common Expressions

1. If someone thinks too highly of themselves: He’s got too high an opinion of himself.
2. General expressions:
   • The general opinion is that the new traffic scheme is a good thing.
   • The doctor was of the opinion that an operation was not necessary.
   • Everybody is entitled to their own opinion!
   • Opinion is deeply divided on this issue.
3. Very common expression: In my opinion, interest rates are going to go up.
4. Newspapers and surveys often use: opinion polls to find out the public’s views on politics or social issues.

The word opinion is widely used in IELTS and appears in both formal and informal contexts. Mastering its collocations with verbs, adjectives, and noun phrases will make your writing more academic, your speaking more fluent, and help you express ideas clearly. Regular practice of these collocations will enhance your vocabulary, boost your confidence, and improve your IELTS Band Score.

For those aiming for top scores, following the IELTS Exam Preparation Tips for Band Score of 8+ can further enhance your vocabulary and overall test performance.

Also Check: 

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• Grammar For IELTS : The Common Grammars And Sentence Structures In English (Part 1
• Grammar For IELTS : The Common Grammars And Sentence Structures In English (Part 2)
• Using Contrast in IELTS Speaking & Writing: Advanced Grammar in IELTS
• 100+ Advanced Vocabulary Word List for IELTS (PDF Available)
• Especially vs Specially for IELTS Grammar: Lessons, Examples, Usage & Exercise