Beliefs and opinions

A. Verbs connected with beliefs and opinions

You probably already know think and believe; here are more.

I’m convinced we’ve met before. (very strong feeling that you’re right)

I’ve always held that compulsory education is a waste of time. (used for very firm beliefs; maintain could be used here).

She maintains that we’re related, but I’m not convinced. (insist on believing.)

I feel she shouldn’t be forced to do the job. (strong personal opinion)

I reckon they’ll get married soon. (informal, usually an opinion about what is likely to happen/to be true)

I doubt we’ll ever see total world peace. (don’t believe)

I suspect a lot of people never even think about pollution when they’re driving their own car. (have a strong feeling about something negative)

B. Phrases for expressing opinion

In my view/in my opinion, we haven’t made any progress.

She’s made a big mistake, to my mind. (fairly informal)

If you ask me, he ought to change his job. (informal) Note how point of view, is used in English: From a teacher’s point of view, the new examinations are a disaster. (how teachers see things, or are affected)

C. Prepositions used with belief and opinion words

Do you believe in God?

What are your views on divorce? What do you think of the new boss? I’m in favour of the death sentence. Are you for or against the death sentence? I have my doubts about this plan.

D. Beliefs, ideologies, philosophies, convictions

If you would rather organise these words differently or can add more examples, do so; it will probably help you to remember the words better.

beliefs ideologies philosophies convictions left-/right-wing intellectual personal religious moral socialist conservative Darwinist vegetarian Muslim pacifist

(E.) Some adjectives for describing people’s beliefs and views, in pairs of similar, but not the same, meaning.

fanatical/obsessive middle-of-the road/moderate eccentric/odd dedicated/committed conservative/traditional firm/strong