In the opinion or of the opinion?

[Unregistered]

Should I say "I am in the opinion" and or "I am of the opinion"? I have heard and seen both forms so I don't understand what is the difference. "I am of the opinion" sounds very formal to me but I have seen "I am in the opinion" in very formal texts as well.

[BobK]

of - but you're right about it sounding formal (if not pretentious). If somebody thinks something, why don't they say so? If they want to emphasize that the opinon is widely held, and they're joining the holders of that opinion, they could use 'have' or 'hold' - rather than the rather ponderous 'be of'.

b

[Searching for language]

Should I say "I am in the opinion" and or "I am of the opinion"? I have heard and seen both forms so I don't understand what is the difference. "I am of the opinion" sounds very formal to me but I have seen "I am in the opinion" in very formal texts as well.

Not a teacher.

In my opinion is correct, or of the opinion. I do agree that to say I am of the opinion also sounds pompous to me.

[NoNameNoFame]

Ok, thank you. :) So it is completely wrong to say "I am in the opinion" and I have learned it because people say and write it anyway. Nice.