USEFUL EXPRESSIONS FOR ORAL DEBATE

GIVING OPINIONS

- I’d like to say that… - To my mind,

- If you ask me, - I feel/believe…

- Personally, - As far as I am concerned,

- As I see it, - In my opinion,

- From my point of view,

ASKING FOR CLARIFICATION / REPETITION

- What do you mean? - Could you explain/say that again?

- Would you mind saying/explaining that again?

RE-FORMULATION

- What I mean is… - In other words, …

SAYING YOU UNDERSTAND / DON’T UNDERSTAND

- I understand, - Oh, I see…

- I’m sorry, I don’t understand - I don’t get it.

- Sorry, I don’t follow you. - You lost me there.

RE-CAPPING WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

- So, what you’re saying / suggesting is…

- Are you saying / suggesting that…?

INTERRUPTING

- Can I butt in / interrupt / say something?

- Do you think I could interrupt / come in there?

STRONGLY AGREEING

- You have a point there. - There is no doubt about that.

- You’re absolutely right. - I strongly/totally/fully/completely/entirely/absolutely agree!

- I can’t/couldn't agree more! - That’s absolutely/so true.

- I go along with that. - I could/will buy that!

PARTLY AGREEING

- I suppose so, but… - Yes, but don’t you think…

- Well, … - That’s all very well, but …

- I agree up to a point / in principle, but… - It's only partly true that...

- That depends. - That's not necessarily so.

- It's not as simple as it seems.

DISAGREEING

- There is more to it than that. - Yes, but on the other hand …

- I (very much) doubt whether ... - I’m not so sure about that.

- I wouldn’t say that. - I can’t go along with that.

- I can't share that / your view / opinion. - I am of a different opinion because ...

- I’m afraid I just can’t agree. - What I object to is ...

Note: When you disagree with someone, you can often sound more polite by using a
phrase such as I'm afraid...

STRONGLY DISAGREEING

- I strongly / totally / fully / completely / entirely / absolutely disagree

- I couldn't agree less. - You are so wrong.

- No way! - You must be joking!

- You’ve got to be kidding!

- (What / That's) nonsense / rubbish / bullshit!* (this last one can be offensive)