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Word list · Teens & Adults

Phrases for Giving Opinions in English

Give a view, agree, push back politely and keep a discussion moving.

Age
Ages 13+
Level
B1–C1
Skill
Vocabulary
Format
Interactive
  • Writing & discussion
  • 25 words

Practise

Three ways to learn the list. Nothing is saved: start again whenever you like.

Front of the card:

0 of 25 learned

In my opinion,…

phrase

The list

Tap the speaker to hear each word.

  1. In my opinion,…

    phrase · B1

    used to say what you think

    In my opinion, public transport should be free for students.

  2. As far as I'm concerned,…

    phrase · B2

    used to give your personal opinion, often strongly

    As far as I'm concerned, the meeting was a complete waste of time.

  3. I see your point, but…

    phrase · B1

    used to show you understand someone's idea before you disagree

    I see your point, but I still think it's too risky.

  4. I couldn't agree more

    phrase · B2

    used to say you agree completely

    I couldn't agree more. We really need more green spaces in the city.

  5. That's a good point

    phrase · B1

    used to say someone has said something sensible or important

    That's a good point. I hadn't thought about the cost.

  6. I'm not so sure about that

    phrase · B1

    a polite way to show you disagree

    I'm not so sure about that. Lots of people still prefer printed books.

  7. To be honest,…

    phrase · B1

    used before saying what you really think, especially something negative

    To be honest, I didn't enjoy the film very much.

  8. It seems to me that…

    phrase · B2

    a soft way to give your opinion

    It seems to me that people work longer hours than they used to.

  9. Let's look at it another way

    phrase · B2

    used to suggest thinking about a problem differently

    Let's look at it another way: what would our customers want?

  10. What do you think about…?

    phrase · B1

    used to ask for someone's opinion

    What do you think about working from home?

  11. Sorry to interrupt, but…

    phrase · B2

    a polite way to start speaking while someone else is talking

    Sorry to interrupt, but can I add something here?

  12. If I could just finish…

    phrase · C1

    a polite way to stop someone interrupting you

    If I could just finish my point, then you can reply.

  13. On balance,…

    phrase · C1

    after thinking about all the facts and arguments

    On balance, I think the advantages are greater than the disadvantages.

  14. I'm in favour of…

    phrase · B2

    used to say you support a plan or idea

    I'm in favour of a four-day working week.

  15. I'm against…

    phrase · B1

    used to say you do not support a plan or idea

    I'm against banning phones in schools completely.

  16. That's not entirely true

    phrase · B2

    a polite way to say someone is partly wrong

    That's not entirely true. Some electric cars are quite cheap now.

  17. You've got a point there

    phrase · B2

    used to accept that part of someone's argument is right

    You've got a point there. It would save us a lot of money.

  18. I'd go along with that

    phrase · C1

    (informal) used to say you accept or agree with an idea

    I'd go along with that, as long as everyone gets a say.

  19. What I mean is…

    phrase · B2

    used to explain more clearly what you said

    What I mean is, we need a clear plan before we spend any money.

  20. Could you explain what you mean by…?

    phrase · B2

    used to ask someone to make their idea clearer

    Could you explain what you mean by 'flexible hours'?

  21. It depends on…

    phrase · B1

    used to say the answer changes with the situation

    Should we take the train? It depends on how much time we have.

  22. There's no doubt that…

    phrase · B2

    used to say you are completely sure

    There's no doubt that technology has changed the way we work.

  23. I have mixed feelings about…

    phrase · B2

    used to say you see both good and bad sides

    I have mixed feelings about social media: it's useful but addictive.

  24. Let's agree to disagree

    phrase · B2

    used to end an argument when neither person will change their mind

    We're never going to agree on this, so let's agree to disagree.

  25. To play devil's advocate,…

    phrase · C1

    used before arguing the opposite side, just to test an idea

    Just to play devil's advocate, what if the new rule makes things worse?

Use it: speaking task

For pairs or small groups, about ten minutes.

Mini-debate in groups of three or four. Choose a statement. Each person gives an opinion, then responds to someone else's. Use a different phrase from the list every time you speak; one person keeps score of the phrases used.

  1. Everyone should learn to cook at school.
  2. A four-day working week would be better for everyone.
  3. Phones should be banned in restaurants.
  4. Tourism does more harm than good to popular cities.
  5. Online friends can be as close as real-life friends.

Printable worksheet

One page of matching and gap-fill, the speaking task, and an answer key on a separate page.