A. Verbs connected with beliefs and opinions

You probably already know think and believe; here are some more verbs.
I’m convinced we’ve met before. [very strong feeling that you’re right]
I’ve always held that compulsory education is a waste of time. [used for very firm beliefs; fml; maintain could be used here]
She maintains that we’re related, but I’m not convinced. [insists on believing, often against the evidence; fml; hold could not be used here]
I feel she shouldn’t be forced to do the job. [strong personal opinion]
I reckon they’ll get married soon. [used for an opinion about what is likely to happen / to be true; infml]
I doubt /daʊt/ we’ll ever see total world peace. [don’t believe]
I suspect a lot of people never even think about pollution when they’re driving their own car. [have a strong feeling about something negative; fairly formal]

B. Phrases for expressing opinion

We haven’t made any progress, in my view / in my opinion. (fairly formal)
She’s made a big mistake, to my mind. (fairly informal)
If you ask me, he ought to change his job. (infml)
Note how point of view is used in English:
From a teacher’s point of view, the new examinations are a disaster. [how teachers see things, or are affected]

Common mistakes

Notice the prepositions in these phrases: In my opinion/view but to my mind and from my point of view. (NOT ~~in my mind or in my point of view~~)

C. Prepositions used with belief and opinion words

Do you believe in life after death? What are your views on divorce? What do you think of the new boss?
Are you for or against long prison sentences? (neutral/infml)
I’m in favour of (opp opposed to; fml) long prison sentences.
I have my doubts about this plan.

D. Beliefs, ideologies, philosophies, convictions

If you would rather organise this word tree differently or can add more examples, do so; it will probably help you to remember the words better.

E. Adjectives for describing beliefs and opinions

These are in sets which have similar, but not exactly the same, meaning:

fanatical / obsessive eccentric / odd / weird conservative / traditional
middle-of-the-road / moderate dedicated / committed firm / strong radical / extreme

Jason is a fanatical supporter of the Green Party. Grandpa has rather eccentric views. Maria is a moderate liberal. Rosie is a committed Christian. Emma is a firm believer in free speech. Tom is a radical Marxist.