Expressing your opinion in English
Whether you are studying for IELTS or TOEFL, or just learning English in general, it is essential that you learn how to express your opinions. I have compiled a list of essential expressions that will help you to express yourself in any situation.
“All you’ve got to do is express yourself!” – Charles Wright
USEFUL EXPRESSIONS TO HELP YOU TO EXPRESS YOUR OPINIONS IN ENGLISH
From my point of view…. In my eyes…
My conviction/ belief /position / is that My gut feeling on the matter is that…
My position on the matter is…. I dare say that…
To my mind… I gather that…
In my humble opinion… One would assume that…
To tell you the God’s honest truth… On a serious note…
To be frank with you, I think… To be real with you, I think that…
Frankly speaking… I guess that…
In my opinion… I believe…
I’d bet that… It is my impression that…
I would say that… Personally speaking…
I’d have to say… It goes without saying that…
My own feeling on the subject is that… I have no doubt that…
There is not a doubt in my mind that… Without a shadow of a doubt…
I am certain/ sure that… I can’t help but feel…
It seems to me… I hold the opinion that…
I am of the opinion that… Without question, I think that…
I am under the impression that… As far as I’m concerned….
As for me / As to me… I would say that…
I am under the impression that… One would assume that….
My instinct on the matter is …. Undoubtedly, I feel…
For starters, I think that…
USEFUL EXPRESSIONS TO HELP YOU EXPRESS YOUR AGREEMENT
I concur. You are correct.
I’m with you on this one. Your argument holds water.
My feelings exactly. We have both reached the same conclusion.
My sentiments exactly. Great minds think alike, I agree.
You’re right! It is true.
Quite so! Yes, of course.
You’re quite right. That’s right.
I’m on your side. We are of one mind on that question.
That’s just it. I approve.
I have no objection. I have come to the same conclusion.
You may be right. I am 100% with you on that one.
I’m 100% behind you. I totally agree.
I strongly agree. I vehemently agree.
USEFUL EXPRESSIONS TO HELP YOU EXPRESS YOUR DISAGREEMENT
I simply don’t agree. You are wrong because…
Nonsense! I have to disagree with you on that one…
I do not agree. You are wrong because…
I have to disagree with you on that one. I think otherwise
I’m afraid I don’t share your view. We have come to different conclusions.
I don’t think that is entirely true. Surely not!
Preposterous. Whatever made you think that?
That is absolutely absurd. Where on Earth did you get that idea?
How ridiculous. Well, that's just your opinion.
Are you joking? Did you just make that up?
You cannot be serious. Did you just pluck that fact/figure/number from thin air?
You’re half right. But... I’ll thank you to keep your opinions to yourself.
USEFUL EXPRESSIONS TO DISMISS SOMEONE'S POINT
Whatever.
Blah..blah..blah
USEFUL EXPRESSIONS TO PARTIALLY AGREE WITH SOMEONE
I see what you’re saying but….
I get what you mean but…
You’re half right, but have you thought about…?
I think you’re not looking at the whole picture, have you considered… ?
Yes, but what about…?
I agree with you to a point but…
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I'd just like to say a few words to those intending to use the above expressions for either the IELTS or TOEFL exams. Many of the expressions above are appropriate for the speaking test, however, please do consider the tone and appropriateness of some of the expressions. Some may be considered rude or even confrontational in the context of an exam. You do not want to upset your examiner after all!
The phrases and expressions compiled above are most suited to the IELTS or TOEFL speaking tests rather than the writing sections. This is because they are mostly spoken ways to express your opinion. Considering this, please take care when attempting to use these expressions and phrases in your writing exams.
Learning English is much more than just preparing and passing exams. The compiled list above will help you to express your opinions in English in any context. Good luck!
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Richard helped me prepare for the IELTS LIFE SKILLS exam, and I passed my first attempt. He teaches in a very didactic, objective, and uncomplicated way.