Grammar fix
public opinion
what people think
The general views or beliefs held by most people in a society about a particular issue or topic.
collocationB1common
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
Public opinion about climate change has shifted a lot in recent years.
In my country, public opinion on recycling has become much more positive, especially among young people.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: The public opinions are divided.
Say: Public opinion is divided.
'Public opinion' is uncountable here — no 'the', no plural, singular verb.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'The collective viewpoint of the citizenry' is grand; 'public opinion' is the standard term.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
public opinion
- public opinion
- shape public opinion
- divided
- a shift in public opinion