11/17/2009

Chunks for conversation

We use these expressions to keep the conversation flow. Choose some of them to use in the speaking paper. Be careful! Some of them are too informal! Which ones would you pick?

Stating an opinion

In my opinion...
The way I see it...
If you want my honest opinion....
According to Lisa...
As far as I'm concerned...
If you ask me...

Asking for an opinon

What's your idea?
What are your thoughts on all of this?
How do you feel about that?
Do you have anything to say about this?
What do you think?
Do you agree?
Wouldn't you say?

Expressing agreement

I agree with you 100 percent.
I couldn't agree with you more.
That's so true.
That's for sure.
(slang) Tell me about it!
You're absolutely right.
Absolutely.
That's exactly how I feel.
Exactly.
I'm afraid I agree with James.
I have to side with Dad on this one.
No doubt about it.
(agree with negative statement) Me neither.
(weak) I suppose so./I guess so.
You have a point there.
I was just going to say that.

Expressing disagreement

I don't think so.
(strong) No way.
I'm afraid I disagree.
(strong) I totally disagree.
I beg to differ.
(strong) I'd say the exact opposite.
Not necessarily.
That's not always true.
That's not always the case.
No, I'm not so sure about that.

Interruptions

Can I add something here?
Is it okay if I jump in for a second?
If I might add something...
Can I throw my two cents in?
Sorry to interrupt, but...
(after accidentally interrupting someone) Sorry, go ahead.
OR Sorry, you were saying...
(after being interrupted) You didn't let me finish.

Settling an argument

Let's just move on, shall we?
Let's drop it.
I think we're going to have to agree to disagree.
(sarcastic) Whatever you say./If you say so.

Here are a few more expressions you can use. Be careful! Some of them might be too strong! Which ones would you choose?

Asking for Opinions

What do you think?
What's your opinion?
What are your ideas?
Do you have any thoughts on this?
How do you feel about this?

Agreeing

I agree (with name).
So do I.
Me too.
Me neither. (Agreeing about a negative idea.)
I don't either. (Agreeing about a negative idea.)
You're/he's/she's right.
That's right.
Good idea.
I think that's a good idea.
That's a good point.

Giving Opinions

I think ...
I don't think ...
I believe (that) ...
I don't believe (that) ...
In my opinion, ...
I feel (that) ...
Disagreeing

I don't think so.
I think that's not right.
I have a different idea.
Yes, but...
(I'm sorry, but) I don't agree (with that/with name).
(I'm sorry, but) I disagree (with that/with name).


Asking for Opinions

What do you think?
What's your opinion?
What are your ideas?
Do you have any thoughts on this?
How do you feel about this?

Agreeing

I agree (with name).
So do I.
Me too.
Me neither. (Agreeing about a negative idea.)
I don't either. (Agreeing about a negative idea.)
You're/he's/she's right.
That's right.
Good idea.
I think that's a good idea.
That's a good point.

Giving Opinions

I think ...
I don't think ...
I believe (that) ...
I don't believe (that) ...
In my opinion, ...
I feel (that) ...

Disagreeing

I don't think so.
I think that's not right.
I have a different idea.
Yes, but...
(I'm sorry, but) I don't agree (with that/with name).
(I'm sorry, but) I disagree (with that/with name).

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