5

Our company is about to relocate. Employees have been asked for input on the new campus. My thought was to preface my email with

I would like to offer my opinion ...

but should it be

I would like to give my opinion ...

instead?

4 Answers 4

9

While give would be quite acceptable, between the two words, I would choose offer. Not only is it a good solid businesslike word, it is also slightly less demanding, and makes you seem less importunate and more polite.

1
  • Agreed. Offer adds a splash of negative Politeness to balance the positive. Mar 7, 2012 at 19:53
7

May I suggest express?

I would like to express my opinion...

0
5

Agreed with Daniel (+1) - The difference between the two is offer is more polite insofar as it implies the recipient's right to refuse it, whereas give implies your insistence that the recipient accept your opinion. If the rest of your response is very strongly worded, then give would be an appropriate choice as it will match the tone of your strongly held opinions.

1
  • @JoelBrown Touché.
    – Daniel
    Mar 7, 2012 at 19:00
2

There is a single verb meaning "to state an opinion" - opine.

I would like to opine about...

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.