If you’ve got opinions, express them. You should never be ashamed to share your thoughts about something. After all, it might help people to understand your point of view.
But how do you share your opinions in formal writing?
You might be looking for some alternatives to “in my opinion.” This article has gathered some options to show you what to use in academic writing.
Is It Formal to Say “In My Opinion”?
It is formal to say “in my opinion.” It’s a great way to share your thoughts and feelings about something in essays.
You can use it professionally. It works well to share any opinion you might have (be it in the workplace or elsewhere).
For example:
In my opinion, this is the only way to complete the project. Does anyone have a better idea?
Pros
- It’s a good way to share an opinion in your writing.
- It shows that you’re not saying you’re correct and are open to contradicting views.
Cons
- It’s fairly generic.
- It can be repetitive if used too much.
“In my opinion” is certainly one of the best phrases to use in formal writing. However, it’s not the only one either. You should have some alternatives ready to help you mix things up.
Keep reading to learn how to say “in my opinion” in a formal way. We’ll also teach you what to write instead of “in my opinion” in an essay.
What to Say Instead of “In My Opinion”
- From my perspective
- I am of the opinion
- From where I stand
- It’s my belief
- In my honest view
- From my knowledge
- I believe
- It seems to me
- As I see it
1. From My Perspective
You can include “from my perspective” instead of “in my opinion” to keep things interesting. It works well both in academic writing and in formal emails.
Generally, “from my perspective” allows you to share your opinion with others. It’s useful because it shows what you think about something based on your knowledge of it.
This phrase allows you to talk things through with others. It shows why you’ve come to a conclusion or why you might have a specific opinion due to your “perspective” on a matter.
You can also refer to this email example:
Dear Addison,
From my perspective, this is the only way for us to complete the project. Do you have any better ideas, though?
All the best,
Martin Schumer
2. I Am of the Opinion
Mixing things up in your writing helps to keep the reader engaged. Therefore, you may use “I am of the opinion” instead of “in my opinion” (even though they’re very similar phrases).
This professional synonym allows you to express a viewpoint clearly.
It leaves nothing up to the imagination. So the recipient will understand you’re expressing a view related to something they’ve shared.
For instance, you can include it when emailing your boss. It allows you to explore your idea or opinion without them assuming you know more than they do.
Here’s a great sample email to help you with it:
Dear Mr. King,
I am of the opinion that they are the best people to ask for help. Would you like to consider them moving forward?
Best regards,
Tom Wallace
3. From Where I Stand
“From where I stand” is another way to say “in my opinion.” It’s a great way to share your perspective when someone asks for your honesty.
For instance, you can include it when emailing a client. It shows you’re willing to explore some options, but you have a specific viewpoint to share with them before doing so.
It’s a great way to remain formal and polite. After all, you can express an opinion directly with the recipient to explain why you think a certain way.
Perhaps this example email will also help you:
Dear Ms. Adams,
From where I stand, you have two options. I have attached a file listing all the information you might need to know.
Kind regards,
Sam Tanner
4. It’s My Belief
Feel free to include “it’s my belief” in academic writing. It’s a direct and honest way to share an opinion with the reader.
Mentioning that something is your “belief” suggests that the reader doesn’t have to agree. It gives them a chance to come to their own conclusions to see whether they think like you.
This helps to create an argument in an essay. Generally, most essays will explore two sides of an argument to see which one is “correct.”
We recommend checking out these essay samples as well:
It’s my belief that this isn’t the only way to complete the task. We can still explore other options to see what’s available.
It’s my belief that they’re wrong about this. They’ve been wrong for years, but nobody wants to call them out for it.
5. In My Honest View
Honesty is the best policy. That’s a common quote you’ve probably heard before.
Therefore, sharing an “honest view” works well in formal emails. You should be honest with your peers to let them know what you think about a topic.
“In my honest view” is another way to say “in my opinion.” It works best in emails because it shares your opinion with a recipient.
For instance, you can email your boss to let them know whether they’re right about their stance. It might open you up to a debate with them to try and discuss more favorable options.
Here is a great email sample to help if you’re still unsure:
Dear Charlie,
In my honest view, I think you’re wrong. I would happily meet with you to discuss this matter further.
Yours,
Jon Evans
6. From My Knowledge
“From my knowledge” is another word for “in my opinion” in an essay. You can use “knowledge” here instead to discuss things you know or believe.
Generally, “from my knowledge” refers to either opinions or facts. It’s up to you to decide which is more appropriate, depending on the essay’s context at the time.
We recommend including this as a formal alternative to “in my opinion.” It shows you’ve weighed up your options and come to a direct conclusion.
Check out the following essay samples:
From my knowledge, we can still come through this in a good way. We just need to trust each other’s judgment.
From my knowledge, this is the best outcome for us. Surely, we can find a suitable way to compromise.
7. I Believe
Although it’s not the most inspired option, there’s nothing wrong with writing “I believe” in an essay. It’s a good alternative to “in my opinion.” But you should only use it once.
The more you use “I believe,” the more repetitive your essay sounds. It’s not ideal to sound repetitive because it means you’re more likely to bore the reader.
With that said, “I believe” is still a great way to express a direct opinion. It shows the reader what you think about a situation without encouraging them to share your views.
You can also review these essay examples:
I believe you already know the answers to what I’m about to suggest. Please review my findings if you need more help.
I believe this is the best way to tackle the problem of sustainability. I refuse to back down from this standpoint.
8. It Seems to Me
Another great way to express an opinion is “it seems to me.” The reader can interpret how you came to your opinion based on what “seems” to make sense to you.
We recommend using this when you’re making a basic argument. It shouldn’t apply to more detailed arguments because “it seems to me” is a little weak and unconfident.
Nevertheless, “it seems to me” is ideal when exploring different views. It shows you have a rough idea about something and want to explore whether that opinion is valid.
Here are some examples to help you with it:
It seems to me that people aren’t willing to compromise on these matters. Nevertheless, I will do what I can to convince them.
It seems to me that there are two options. I will argue for both of them to help you decide which is better.
9. As I See It
Finally, you can write “as I see it” instead of “in my opinion.” It’s a useful professional alternative that keeps things exciting in your academic writing.
Using “as I see it” suggests you’d like to discuss your opinions directly. It’s an honest and clear way to show that you’d like the reader to follow your views, even if they don’t agree.
Also, “as I see it” allows you to open yourself to criticism and other views. Therefore, it’s perfect to include it in an essay to allow you to argue against yourself.
Check out the following examples to see how it works:
As I see it, we do not have much of a choice. I have reviewed all possible outcomes, but this is the only appropriate one.
As I see it, there are no reasons for this to continue. It could easily stop if someone wanted it to.