Opinions that sound natural
Agreeing, disagreeing, and softening what you say.
12 minutes · A free lesson from Stories, opinions and small talk
Opinions
Giving an opinion
- I'd say…
- To be honest, I think…
- Personally, I'm not a big fan of…
Agreeing
- Absolutely.
- That's a good point.
- I couldn't agree more.
Disagreeing softly
- I see what you mean, but…
- I'm not sure about that.
- That's true, but on the other hand…
Softening
- It might be better to…
- I wonder if we could…
- It's a bit expensive, isn't it?
Lesson quiz
Check what you have learned. Choose an answer to see whether it is right, and why.
Quick check: Which says “This plan is bad” politely?
- “This plan is terrible.”
- “Bad plan.”
- “I'm not sure this plan will work.”
Show the answer
C: “I'm not sure this plan will work.” — English speakers soften opinions far more than many other languages do.
Quick check: Which phrase agrees strongly?
- “I couldn't agree more.”
- “I'm not sure about that.”
- “I wonder if we could…”
Show the answer
A: “I couldn't agree more.” — Absolutely and That's a good point agree too.
Quick check: Which phrase softens a suggestion?
- “You must…”
- “It might be better to…”
- “Absolutely.”
Show the answer
B: “It might be better to…” — I wonder if we could… softens too.
Practise: give your opinion
Marked as soon as you finish — free with an account.Practise now
Marked as soon as you finish — free with an account.Practise now