Meaning & use
straw polls
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“straw polls” is a form of “straw poll”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounplural
Unofficial surveys taken to gauge opinion, often before a real vote.
Grammar: Plural of 'straw poll'; used with plural verbs: straw polls show...
Patterns
- conduct straw polls
- straw polls show something
The newspaper conducted straw polls at several polling stations.
Straw polls suggested the candidate was ahead, but the official result was different.
They used straw polls to get a quick sense of public feeling.
nouncountable
A single informal vote or survey used to test opinion.
Grammar: Singular form; plural is 'straw polls'.
Patterns
- take a straw poll
- a straw poll of something
Let's take a straw poll to see who prefers tea and who prefers coffee.
A straw poll of the audience showed most people wanted a break.
Word forms
| singular | straw poll |
|---|
Common combinations
- conduct a straw poll
- The organizers conducted a straw poll to choose the theme.
- straw poll results
- The straw poll results were announced at the meeting.
- informal straw poll
- An informal straw poll suggested the motion would pass.
- straw poll of members
- A straw poll of members showed strong support for the plan.
Synonyms and how they differ
- opinion poll
- A more formal, scientific survey; a straw poll is less rigorous and often just for a quick indication.
- show of hands
- A vote by raising hands; a straw poll can be any informal method, not just hands.
Commonly confused: straw polls or poll?
straw polls vs poll
A 'poll' can be official (an election) or a survey; a 'straw poll' is always unofficial and non-binding.
Practice
What is a straw poll?
Choose one answer.
A straw poll is an informal survey used to get a rough idea of opinion, not an official vote. The other options confuse it with a real election or with the word 'straw' meaning dried stalks.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “straw polls”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.