The correct way to share your opinion
Wrong
“According to my opinion, we should delay the launch.”
Correct
“In my opinion, we should delay the launch.”
'According to my opinion' is not natural English. Use 'in my opinion' when you are giving your own view. Use 'according to' when you are referring to another person, a report, a rule, or a source of information.
Why Arabic speakers make this mistake
In Arabic, it is common to express this idea with a structure that can translate word for word as 'according to my opinion' or 'based on my opinion'. Because the Arabic phrase is logical and polite, many Arabic-speaking professionals carry the same structure into English. The meaning is clear, but the English collocation is different: your own view is 'in my opinion', while 'according to' points to an outside source.
Use the correct phrase in real workplace situations
Meeting
“In my opinion, we should focus on the client’s main concern before discussing the timeline.”
“In my opinion, option B is the safest choice because it gives us more time for testing.”
Interview
“In my opinion, good communication is one of the most important skills for a project manager.”
Team message
“I think we can finish the first draft by Wednesday if everyone shares their updates today.”
Presentation
“According to our latest data, the new process reduced delays by 18%.”
Why does this matter in a professional context?
Saying 'according to my opinion' will usually be understood, but it can sound translated rather than natural. In a meeting, interview, or email, small phrases like this affect how fluent and confident your English sounds. When you say 'in my opinion' or 'I think', your message sounds clearer and more professional. You also show that you understand the difference between a personal view and information from a source, which is important when discussing data, decisions, and recommendations.
Ready-to-use phrases for giving your opinion
“In my opinion, this is the best option.”
“I think we should look at the numbers again.”
“From my point of view, the risk is manageable.”
“Personally, I would recommend starting with phase one.”
“According to the report, sales improved in Q2.”
“Based on the client’s feedback, we need to adjust the proposal.”
What to say instead
What many Arabic speakers say
“According to my opinion, we need more time.”
It sounds like a direct translation from Arabic and is not the natural English collocation.
What to say instead
“In my opinion, we need more time.”
This is the standard English phrase for giving your own view.
Other phrases to double-check
- •Discuss about the project instead of discuss the project
- •Explain me the issue instead of explain the issue to me
- •I am agree instead of I agree
- •Informations instead of information
- •Depend of instead of depend on
- •According to me instead of in my opinion