How to Ask for Opinions in English

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The most common way of asking someone for their opinions is “What do you think about it?” or “What is your opinion about it?” In our daily life communication, we ask for opinions from many different people in different places, for instance, at home, at school, at work, or in public places. 

However, using the same expression in every situation can make your communication skill stuck somewhere. This means that you can use some better and more persuasive phrases or expressions to ask someone for their opinions and make them more interested to engage with you in the discussion. 

I’ve made this list of 20 most commonly and popularly used expressions to ask for an opinion:

ExpressionsExamples
What is your opinion about…?  People are getting lazier using smartphones. What do you think about it? 
What do you think about…?What is your opinion about my new research?
How do you feel about that? How do you feel about leaving your job and starting an investment business?
What’s your take on…?I think Messi is the best soccer player. What’s your take on it?
What are your thoughts on that?What are your thoughts on homeschooling children?
What do you reckon? The weather doesn’t seem good today. What do you reckon? 
What would be your opinion if I said…? What would be your opinion if I said, “I want to quit my job?” 
Do you have any opinion? Dad is going to sell our blue car. Do you have any opinions about this? 
Do you have any views on…?Do you have any views on our proposal? 
Do you have any comments on that? Do you have any comments on my presentation? 
Do you have any thoughts about it?Do you have any thoughts about buying a used car? 
Do you have any idea about…?Do you have any idea about traveling to Asian countries?   
Would you like to go along with that?Would you like to go along with Mr. Collin’s opinion?
Would you like to support the view that…?Would you like to support the view that college fees are worrying students more than parents? 
Would you like to give your opinion here? We’re going to reject Mr. Jordan’s proposal. Would you like to give your opinion here? 
Would you like to share any thoughts about it? We’re planning to submit the report by next week. Would you like to share any thoughts about it? 
Do you agree with me? Life is better in suburban areas. Do you agree with me? 
Are you in agreement with…? Are you in agreement with Mr. Roy’s proposal?
Is it justified to say that…? Is it justified to say that there will be no poor people in the next phase of our civilization?
Have you ever given it a thought?Being a YouTuber is better than doing a full-time job. Have you ever given it a thought?
20 most commonly used expressions with examples to ask for opinions

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Use “What do you think about…?” to Ask for an Opinion

“What do you think about…?”, “What is your opinion about…?”, and “How do you feel about…?” are so commonly used while asking for opinions that you’d probably want to not overuse them. These expressions can take three different structures depending on what you’d like to add after the preposition “about.”  

Structure 1: What do you think about + pronoun (it/ this/ that)?

Examples: 

  1. People are getting lazier using smartphones. What do you think about it? 
  2. Our new manager will announce a new holiday soon. What do you think about that?

Structure 2: What do you think about + noun?  

Examples: 

  1. What do you think about indoor sports? 
  2. What do you think about my new research? 

Structure 3: What do you think about + (verb+ing)?    

Examples: 

  1. What do you think about leaving your job and starting an investment business? 
  2. What do you think about going on vacation next month? 

Note: “What do you think about…?”, “What is your opinion about…?”, and “How do you feel about…?” can be used in the same way using the same structure.   

Use “What’s your take on…?” to Ask for Opinions Informally 

We’ve seen that “What’s your opinion…?” takes a preposition “about.” Similarly, “What’s your take…?” also takes a proposition that is “on.” Hence, the structures it can take are also similar. However, in my opinion, it’s better to use “What’s your take on…?” than “What’s your opinion about…?” while asking for opinions because the latter seems a little more overused.

Look at the following structures and examples: 

Structure 1: What’s your take on + pronoun (it/ this/ that)? 

Examples: 

  • I’ve decided not to get married. What’s your take on that?  
  • I think Messi is the best soccer player. What’s your take on it?

Structure 2: What’s your take on + noun?

Examples: 

  1. What’s your take on the budget of our new project? 
  2. What’s your take on the changes to our company rules? 

Structure 3: What’s your take on + (verb+ing)?   

Examples: 

  1. What’s your take on homeschooling children? 
  2. What’s your take on paying taxes online? 

Similarly, “What are your thoughts on that?” can be used to ask for opinions with the same structures.  

Use “What do you reckon?” to ask for Opinions

ask for opinions
Use “What do you reckon” to Ask for Opinions

We often say, “What do you think” while seeking someone’s opinion in our everyday conversation. However, “What do you reckon?” can be used right instead of that. The word “reckon” means “to think or believe.” It can also mean having a good guess about something. 

So, asking someone, “What do you reckon?” right after giving a statement about something means that you’re asking their opinion about your statement. 

Examples: 

  1. The weather doesn’t seem good today. What do you reckon? 
  2. The new boss is going to change a lot in company regulations. What do you reckon? 

You can also start your sentence with this expression as follows: 

Examples: 

  1. What do you reckon they’re trying to do? 
  2. What do you reckon the new president will do for our state?   

Note: “What do you reckon?” can be used independently without any other phrases or words added.  

Use “What would be your opinion if I said…?” to Seek Someone’s Opinion Indirectly 

At times, you might want to be indirect in terms of asking people’s opinions, especially when you’re not quite sure about the statement you’re seeking an opinion for. In those situations, you can use this expression. “What would be your opinion if I said…?” cannot be used independently; It requires the mention of a statement at least.

You can mention the statement using double quotations (See example 1) or as a separate clause followed by “that” (See example 2).    

Look at the examples below: 

Examples: 

  1. What would be your opinion if I said, “I want to quit my job?” 
  2. What would be your opinion if I said that I’d leave this place next month?     

In the first example, the speaker isn’t quite sure if he’s really going to quit the job. However, probably he’s only gathering some opinions so that it helps him make the decision.   

Use “Do You Have Any Opinions about/ Views on/ Comments on/ Thoughts about/ Idea about…?” 

The following expressions are all similar and commonly used to ask someone for their opinions. All these expressions work structurally in the same ways. It means they take similar types of extensions because they all end in a preposition, either “on” or “about.” 

Do you have any opinions about…? 

Do you have any views on…? 

Do you have any comments on…? 

Do you have any thoughts about…? 

Do you have any idea about…?     

Structure 1: Do you have any opinions about + pronoun (it/ this/ that)?

Examples: 

  1. Dad is going to sell our blue car. Do you have any opinions about this? 
  2. My sister wants to study Architecture. Do you have any opinions about it? 

Structure 2: Do you have any comments on + noun?

Examples: 

  1. Do you have any comments on my presentation? 
  2. Do you have any views on our proposal? 

Structure 3: Do you have any thoughts about + (verb+ing)?

Examples:

  1. Do you have any thoughts about buying a used car? 
  2. Do you have any idea about traveling to Asian countries?   

Use “Would you like to…?” to Ask for Opinions Formally 

You can choose any expression while asking for opinions from people, but when it comes to a formal situation, be sure to use a formal expression such as “Would you like to support this view?” The phrase Would you like to” is basically used in formal situations.

So, adding any suitable extensions based on your situation and need can make you sound polite and formal. Look at some of the examples listed below: 

Structure: Would you like to + verb (base form)+ Ext.

Example 1: Would you like to go along with that?

Example 2: Would you like to share any thoughts about it?

Example 3: Would you like to give your opinion here? 

Example 4: Would you like to support the view that…? 

There is a difference in the use of these examples. If you use the expressions mentioned in the first three examples (1, 2, & 3), it means that you’ve already uttered the statement you asked someone’s opinion for. Look at the following example: 

The significant drop in the last month’s sales will be thoroughly investigated while you’re on your vacation. Would you like to share any thoughts about it?       

On the other hand, if you use the expression mentioned in the fourth example, it means that you’re going to add the statement right to the end of this expression. For example: 

Would you like to support the view that college fees are worrying students more than parents? 

Or 

Would you support the view that international Ph.D. students should also get the PR? 

How to Ask for an Opinion in an Email 

When you’re writing an email, and you need to ask for an opinion from the person you’re writing the email to, make sure to be polite and formal. You can follow the expressions discussed above to ask for an opinion formally. Look at the email excerpt below for a better idea.

ask for opinions
How to Ask for an Opinion in an Email

Also, if your sole purpose in writing the email is to seek an opinion from the receiver of the email, make sure to write the subject correctly and precisely (if you choose to write one). Oftentimes, the subject line of a business letter and a formal email would be of the same pattern.

Other Ways of Asking for Opinions from Someone    

There are a number of other ways you can ask for opinions from someone. Apart from the ones listed above, you can use the followings, which are also commonly used to ask for opinions.   

Expression 1: Do you agree with me? 

Example: Life is better in suburban areas. Do you agree with me? 

Expression 2: Are you in agreement with…?

Example: Are you in agreement with Mr. Roy’s proposal?

Expression 3: Is it justified to say that…? 

Example: Is it justified to say that there will be no poor people in the next phase of our civilization? 

Expression 4: Have you ever given it a thought? 

Example: Being a YouTuber is better than doing a full-time job. Have you ever given it a thought?  

Why and When Is It Important to Ask for Opinions

ask for opinion
Why and When Is It Important to Ask for Opinions

We’re often told that it doesn’t really matter what other people think about us. Well, that’s true when it comes to your personal matters such as your personal life, relationship, your attire, your job or income, etc. In these cases, yeah, don’t let other people give an opinion that you may not like, nor should you ask them for any opinion. 

But in terms of teamwork, or when you’re supposed to collaborate with other people, it’s important to ask for their opinions. 

Now, why do you need to ask for people’s opinions? Well, if you ask someone for their opinion, it means that you value and respect their opinion. You give importance to what they think of or feel about a particular matter. It makes them feel good and respected and helps you create better relationships with them.       

Is It Okay If Somebody Has No Opinion?

We often ask people for their opinion about something, and it’s okay if they don’t have an opinion. It’s not always compulsory for someone to give their opinion when asked. So people may have no opinion at all. In that case, they’ll perhaps say, “I don’t have an opinion,” or “I have no opinion about it.” or “Haven’t given it a thought yet,” etc.  

A Sample Conversation on Asking for Opinions in English

The following is a conversation between Lisa and Steve in which the reporter, Lisa, asks for opinions from the industrialist Steve in different ways.

Lisa (Reporter): Good evening, Mr. Steve! 

Steve (Industrialist): Good evening. 

Lisa: The protesters are blaming the industries for the environmental crisis. What’s your take on this? 

Steve: Well, I believe they’re biased. Commercial industries are important for a strong economy.

Lisa: I see. Would you like to share your thoughts about the recent oil dumping on the Arctic ocean? 

Steve: Oh, such accidents are rare. 

Lisa: Yes, but this rare accident cost immense marine lives and nearly a billion dollars in trade. What’s your comment on that? 

Steve: That loss will soon be recovered. 

Lisa: Do you have any opinion about the wildfire in South Korea last week? The locals say that it was intentionally done to expand a renowned shoe factory. 

Steve: That’s nonsense! However, I won’t comment on this any further. 

Lisa: Okay. But would you like to say something about increasing CO2 emissions due to industrial advancement? 

Steve: World leaders are working on it. Now, if you please, I would like to end this session here. 

Lisa: Alright, Mr. Steve. That’ll be it for today. Thank you for your precious time.  

Takeaway Words

Protester (noun) = a person who talks or acts against a rule, system, or activity

Commercial (adjective) = related to trading products or services for making a profit 

Economy (noun) = a domestic, national, or global state of yearly production, supply, and money

Rare (adjective) = an event that doesn’t take place too often or regularly 

Immense (adjective) = a huge quantity or effect of something 

Marine (adjective) = plants, fishes, and other creatures under the ocean

Trade (noun) = a system of exchanging goods or services for money 

Intentionally (adverb) = doing something with a clear mind or on purpose 

Renowned (adjective) = something or someone that is highly popular and respected among others 

Emission (noun) = an act of discharging light, sound, or smoke 

In Conclusion

Asking for an opinion from others is good practice, especially when you’re collaboratively working with someone or a team. It’s also commonplace among friends and family members in some social situations like going shopping, choosing a good restaurant, etc.

Make sure you sound polite and formal when you ask for opinions in a formal situation. Choose the right expression while asking for someone’s opinion. And finally, thank you for choosing to ask for opinions because it means that you respect what other people think.

Thanks for reading.

Happy learning!

(The author of this post is A H M Ohidujjaman, a C.I.T.E. certified tertiary-level English teacher with love for teaching English to ESL learners. He has done his Master’s in ELT, and taught thousands of ESL/EFL learners.)

I'm a C.I.T.E. certified Tertiary level English teacher with a love for teaching English to ESL learners. I've learned English as a foreign language, done my Master's in ELT, and taught thousands of ESL/EFL learners. I love riding bikes on the highways.

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