Phrases for discussions in English
1. Introduction
- Let's begin/start with ...
2. What you think about somebody/something
- As far as I'm concerned ...
- I think ...
- In my opinion ...
- As far as I know ...
- In my view ...
- I don't think ...
- I don't believe that ...
- Well, if you ask me ...
- If you want my honest opinion ...
- I've never come across the idea that ...
3. How to agree/disagree
- I must admit that ...
- I totally/fully/partly agree.
- I agree/don't agree with you.
- I believe/don't believe ...
- I'm convinced that ...
- The way I see it ...
- It seems to me that ...
- I wouldn't say that ...
- I don't think so.
- You're right up to a point.
- You could be right.
- That can't be right.
- I don't agree at all.
- As a matter of fact, ...
- That's right/wrong.
- Exactly.
- I can understand ...
- It's hard to say.
- It's a fact that ...
- However, ...
- That's why ...
- John likes computers. - So do I.
- Steve doesn't like mobiles. - Neither do I.
4. Asking for clarification
- What do you think?
- What's your opinion?
- Would you like to say something?
- What do you mean?
- What are your ideas?
- What are you trying to say?
5. How to interrupt politely
- I'm sorry, but ...
- Can/May I add something?
- Sorry to interrupt, but ...
6. Other opinions
- On the one hand ... on the other hand ...
- They claim that ...
- They also say ...
- Opinion among teachers is that ...
- That's a matter of opinion.
7. Phrases to keep a discussion going
- Let's get back to ...
- As we just heard ...
- Where were we?