Useful expressions for discussion

ASKING FOR AN OPINION GIVING AN OPINION

How do you feel about … ? I think ….
What’s your opinion about…? If you ask me,…
What do you think of…? From my point of view…
What do you reckon? (informal) I find it…
What’s your view? Personally…

Agreeing and disagreeing

AGREEING PARTIALLY AGREEING DISAGREEING

Absolutely!
I totally agree with you.
I’d go along with that.
Yes, you’re right.
I suppose so
I guess you’re right.
That might be true, but…
You’re right to a certain extent,
but…
You’re right up to a point, but…
That’s not true.
I’m afraid I don’t really agree.
I’m not sure about that.
You must be joking! (strong)
I absolutely disagree. (strong)
No way! (strong)

Examples:

A: From my point of view, social networking sites such as Facebook are a waste of time.
B: I'm not sure about that. I find them rather useful.

A: What do you think of classical music?

B: Personally it's not my favourite music.

A: It's very important to exercise every day.

B: Absolutely!

A: The best way to learn a language is to live in the country where it's spoken.
What do you reckon ?
B: I suppose so. But most people don't have the choice.

A: I think the best films are made in Hollywood.

B: No way!

A: If you ask me, there's too much violence on television.

B: I'd go along with that.
Connecting ideas

FUNCTION EXPRESSION
Introducing a new topic: As regards… (formal)
As regards our previous discussion, I think you
were right. We should definitely redecorate the
living room.

Regarding... (formal)
Regarding very serious crimes, I think that we
should keep criminals in jail for the maximum
period of time.

If we're talking...
If we're talking cost of living, I think that London
is very expensive.

Giving or adding a new point: In the first place...

I prefer living in the city than in the countryside.
In the first place, there are more shops.

What's more...
What's more, there is more work .

In addition...
In addition, there are more places of
entertainment.

Describing a general situation: On the whole...

On the whole, the system doesn't work.

Giving an example: For example...

There are many ways you can save money. For
example, you can stop eating in fancy restaurants
and start cooking meals at home.

For instance...
For instance, you can take the bus instead of
taxis.

Introducing a contrasting idea: However...

Living in the city is more interesting than living in
the countryside. However, it is also more
stressful.

Although...
Although studies show that most ex-prisoners
continue to commit crimes after they are
 released, more and more people are being
imprisoned.

Modifying a previous statement: In fact...

I used to get up at 7am. In fact, it was more like
6.30am.

Simplifying a previous point: In other words...

In big cities, there are more offices and shops. In
other words, there is more work.

Supporting a previous point: After all...

We should ask our neighbours to help us move
out. After all, we do have very good relationships
with them, and this year we even went on
holiday together.

Introducing the logical result of a situation: Therefore... (formal) / So ...

A big city has lots of advantages.
Therefore / So, I’d prefer to live there.