What’s the Difference Between an IDEA and an OPINION?
Podcast
Download Podcast Transcript – PDF
Although the words IDEA and OPINION are similar in meaning, and sometimes they are even used interchangeably, there is a main difference. Learn how to use these words accurately in various contexts and improve your clarity when speaking or writing English.
Slide 1:
What’s the Difference Between an IDEA and an OPINION?
Slide 2:
The difference between IDEA and OPINION is easily seen when looking at the definitions:
IDEA: a thought, a concept, a creation
OPINION: a viewpoint, a judgment, a belief
Although the two words are sometimes used as synonyms, look at these examples to understand the difference . . .
Slide 3:
IDEA: a thought, a concept, a creation
Slide 4:
The picture shows a woman’s fingernails coloured bright blue.
The sentence reads: Here are some blue nail ideas for beginners in the beauty industry.
Slide 5:
The picture shows a woman wearing a bright pink hat.
The sentence reads: “I have absolutely no idea who she is but I really like her hat!”
Slide 6:
The picture shows a student deep in thought.
The sentence reads: She tried hard to think of a fresh idea for her essay.
Slide 7:
OPINION: a viewpoint, a judgment, a belief
Slide 8:
The picture shows a young woman wearing a wedding dress.
The sentence reads: What’s your opinion about this tartan wedding dress?
Slide 9:
The picture shows a woman speaking with a lot of emotion to a reporter.
The sentence reads: She wasn’t slow in expressing her opinion.
Slide 10:
The picture shows a group of young people demonstrating.
The sentence reads: Opinion is divided as to whether cannabis should be legalized.
Slide 11:
Test Yourself!
Is it IDEA or OPINION in the following examples . . .
Slide 12:
The picture shows a red and black striped tie.
The sentence reads: He put on the tie and said: “Please, give me your honest __!”
Slide 13:
Answer: opinion
Slide 14:
The picture shows a business logo for a laundry in the shape of a coat hanger.
The sentence reads: That’s a clever __ for a business logo.
Slide 15:
Answer: idea
Slide 16:
The picture shows three people in an office having a discussion.
The sentence reads: She said: “As a team we desperately need new __!”
Slide 17:
Answer: ideas
Slide 18:
The picture shows a man and a woman having an argument in the street.
The sentence reads: There seems to be a difference of __.
Slide 19:
Answer: opinion
Slide 20:
Remember to use the word
IDEA if you are referring to a
thought, concept, or creation
and
OPINION when referring to a
viewpoint, judgment or belief
For information on my fluency and vocabulary courses, visit
http://goodenglish.online
If you are interested in correct word usage. be sure to check this page:
What’s the Difference Between PRESCRIBE and PROSCRIBE?
Image Credits: Slide 3 - blue nails Creative Commons https://flic.kr/p/bBRF1u Slide 4 - girl with hat Creative Commons https://flic.kr/p/3HFNVp Slide 5 - student essay Creative Commons https://flic.kr/p/6PWUha Slide 8 - tartan wedding dress Creative Commons https://flic.kr/p/6QKzsh Slide 9 - expressing opinion Creative Commons https://flic.kr/p/ascyqi Slide 10 - cannabis Public Domain https://flic.kr/p/i4bbYW Slides 12 & 13 - tie Creative Commons https://flic.kr/p/aJqDo2 Slides 14 & 15 - logo Creative Commons https://flic.kr/p/5Hzamw Slides 16 & 17 - team meeting Creative Commons https://flic.kr/p/cQ8Wsm Slides 18 & 19 - arguing Creative Commons https://flic.kr/p/oPDd9o Creative Commons License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode
