I tend to think that…

It seems to me that…

It’s my feeling that…

In my opinion…

2. Asking for an opinion

Use these phrases to ask someone else what they think about something:

James, what’s your opinion of / about / on…?

James, what do you think of / about…?

James, what’s your feeling about …?

James, could we have your input here?

3. Agreeing

Use these phrases to agree with what someone has said:

I agree (with you).

(I think) you’re right.

I tend to agree. / I tend to agree with Anna.

I’m with Anna on this one.

You’re (absolutely) right.

4. Agreeing strongly

Use these phrases when you agree strongly with someone and want to show it:

Absolutely!

Exactly!

I quite agree!

I totally agree with you.

I couldn’t agree more!

3. Disagreeing

Use these phrases when you disagree with what someone has said:

I’m afraid I don’t / can’t agree with you there.

I’m sorry, I don’t agree with you there.

I have to say, I disagree with you there.

I’m not sure I agree with you.

I’m not sure about that.

I’m not sure that’s true.

I don’t know. I tend to think that the opposite is true.

4. Listening to someone’s opinion

Use these phrases when you understand what someone has said but still disagree:

I see / get your point but…

I see / get what you mean but…

I see / get what you’re saying but…

5. Responding to an interesting remark

Use these phrases when someone has said something interesting that you had not thought of:

(Yes,) that’s true.

That’s very true.

That’s a point!

Good point!

6. Not understanding

Use these phrases when you did not understand what someone said:

I’m sorry, could you explain that again, please?

I’m not sure I understand what you mean (by) …

7. Asking for more information

Use these phrases when you want someone to tell you more about something:

Angela, could you say a little bit more about…?

Angela, could you explain…in a bit more detail?

8. Making sure that you understand

Use these phrases when you think you understand something but want to make sure:

So, what you’re saying, Paul, is that…Is that right?

So, Paul, just to make sure I’ve understood this / got this right…

So, am I right, Paul, in saying that you want to…?

9. Being misunderstood

Use these phrases when someone has not understood you:

That’s not quite what I meant.

I think you’ve misunderstood me.

Perhaps I didn’t explain this very clearly.