Giving opinions, agreeing and disagreeing
Give opinions, agree and disagree politely, and keep a discussion going — at work, in class and with friends.
In this lesson you will
- Give opinions with the right strength
- Agree and disagree politely
- Interrupt and ask others for their views
Learn
Giving opinions: I think… / In my view… / Personally, … / I’m (not) convinced that… / I’d say…
Agreeing: Absolutely. / I completely agree. / That’s true. / Good point. / I was just going to say that.
Disagreeing politely: I see what you mean, but… / I’m not sure I agree. / That’s a good point, but have you considered…? / I take your point, however… Avoid a blunt You’re wrong.
Managing discussion: Sorry to interrupt, but… / Can I just add something? / What do you think, Ana? / Let’s get back to the main point.
Examples
- Personally, I think remote work is here to stay.
- I see what you mean, but it isn’t right for every job.
- Sorry to interrupt, but can I just add something?
- What’s your view on this, Leo?
Vocabulary
convinced
completely sure
blunt
very direct, possibly rude
interrupt
stop someone speaking
point
an idea in an argument
consider
think about
Practice
Politest way to disagree:
Listening: A team discussion
Audio isn’t available in this browser — read the transcript instead.
Manager: So, should we move the weekly meeting online?
Omar: Personally, I think it’s a good idea. It saves travel time.
Lucia: I see what you mean, but I think we lose something when we’re not in the same room.
Manager: Good point. What do you think, Ken?
Ken: I agree with Lucia, to be honest. Maybe we could alternate — one week online, one week in person?
Omar: That’s a fair compromise.
1.What is Omar’s opinion?
2.What does Lucia worry about?
3.What does Ken suggest?
4.Omar accepts the compromise.
Speaking
Discuss with a partner (or record both sides): “Should the working week be four days?” Use at least three phrases for opinions, agreeing and disagreeing.
Writing
Write a short dialogue (8–10 lines) where two friends disagree politely about a film, a city or a sport and reach a compromise.
Lesson quiz
“I’m not convinced” means…
Review
Key points
- Opinions: Personally, In my view, I’d say…
- Agree: Absolutely, Good point.
- Disagree politely: I see what you mean, but…
- Manage: Sorry to interrupt, What do you think?
What you learned
- ✓ I can give opinions.
- ✓ I can agree and disagree politely.
- ✓ I can take part in discussions.