Phrases for dicussion

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?