English Opinion & Discussion Phrases

Level: B1. This is a phrasebook, not a grammar lesson. Grab the line you need — a way to state a view, soften it, ask for someone else’s, or build on a point — and say it aloud with the audio. Each phrase is tagged with its register (how formal it sounds) and its strength (how certain it makes you sound). For the skills behind the phrases — giving reasons, structuring an argument, handling disagreement — follow the Expressing Opinions lesson and the Debating & Argumentation lesson.

By the end of this page you can…

…reach for the right opinion phrase in the moment: state what you think at the strength you mean, soften it when you need to, ask for others’ views, and keep a discussion moving politely.

Giving your opinion

Start with a short signpost so the listener knows an opinion is coming. The phrase you choose signals how sure you are.

Softening an opinion (hedging)

Hedging makes a view sound thoughtful rather than pushy, and leaves room for the other person. It is the key to a civil discussion.

Asking for someone’s opinion

A discussion stalls if only one person talks. Hand the turn back with a question.

Building and ordering a discussion

These linkers let you add reasons, give examples and change direction without sounding abrupt. They are the glue of a longer answer.

Example phrases to say aloud

Play each line and copy the rhythm. These carry a view from the first signpost to the question you hand back.

A short conversation

Priya: So, what’s your take on the new office hours? Marco: Honestly, I think they’re a mistake. The main reason is that nobody can get childcare that early. Priya: That’s a good point. On the other hand, the roads are quieter at seven. Marco: True. I may be wrong, but I’d say the downside is bigger than the upside. How do you feel about it? Priya: As far as I’m concerned, they should ask the whole team first. Marco: Couldn’t agree more.

Common mistakes

• ❌ I am agree with you. → ✅ I agree with you. (Agree is a verb; no am.)
• ❌ In my opinion, I think that… → ✅ In my opinion,… or I think that… (Use one signpost, not both — they mean the same thing.)
• ❌ According to me,… → ✅ In my opinion,… / If you ask me,… (According to is for other people and sources, not yourself.)
• ❌ I am convinced of that it is true. → ✅ I’m convinced that it is true. (No of before that.)
• ❌ What do you think about it? — I think so too. → ✅ I think so too is for agreeing with a statement, not answering an open question; give your actual view instead.

Usage notes

• Match strength to certainty: English speakers hedge a lot. Starting every sentence with I’m absolutely convinced sounds aggressive. Neutral I think / I’d say is the safe default.
• “I think” can move: you can also end with it — It’s too expensive, I think. — which sounds even softer.
• Linkers signal structure: words like on the other hand and for example tell the listener what is coming. See advanced discourse markers for the full set.
• Agreeing and disagreeing have their own set of phrases — So do I, I’m not so sure, I totally disagree. See the agreeing & disagreeing phrases.
• BrE vs AmE: both use What do you reckon? informally (more common in BrE); What’s your take? is common in both.

Practice

Recap cheat-sheet

Quick recap before the quiz.

Quiz

Next

• Learn the technique: English: Expressing Opinions and Debating & Argumentation
• Next phrase set: English Agreeing & Disagreeing Phrases
• More phrases: the English phrases hub
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