Some Tips About Sharing Opinions in English
Indicate that you’re sharing your opinion
Agreements and disagreements are generally about your personal thoughts and feelings in relation to something. Phrases like “I think” or “in my opinion” make it clear that you’re stating an opinion and not a fact.
Ask for feedback
Questions like “What do you think?” also helps the other person feel like you’re open to a discussion and care about their opinions.
Be polite
Even if you disagree, you can still be polite and respectful. Phrases like “I might be wrong, but…” or “I am sorry, but I don’t agree,” help to maintain politeness and respect.
Try to address the thought instead of the person
Differences in thought and opinion don’t need to affect your relationship with people. This is especially important in academic and office spaces. Remember, your disagreement or agreement is with the opinion, thought or idea.
“I say this with due respect, but…” is a nice way to state a disagreement, especially in a professional or formal setting.
Know when to end the conversation
Ending a conversation when it starts to become too uncomfortable or when the other person just repeats the same points over and over again is a good idea. It indicates that the person isn’t really interested in changing their mind or accepting your different point of view, so continuing the conversation at this stage is pointless.
In these situations, you should just agree to disagree and move on.
Common Expressions Used to Show Agreement
Absolutely! / Definitely! / Of Course!
These words express a strong agreement with another person.
Examples:
Do you think that eating less meat is better for the environment?
Absolutely!
I also think so.
When you’re in complete agreement with someone, this simple phrase is appropriate.
Examples:
I think the meeting room in our office needs more chairs.
I also think so.
I agree with you a hundred percent. / I agree with you entirely.
This is another way to express that you’re in complete agreement with someone.
Examples:
Nothing can replace the feeling of reading paper books.
You can say that again!
This indicates a very strong agreement. Usually, people don’t take this phrase literally (word for word) and don’t actually repeat what they just said.
Examples:
We shouldn’t worry about things we can’t control.
You can say that again!
Let’s focus on the positives instead of the negatives.
That’s so true!
Examples:
Helping others always makes me feel better.
That’s so true! Helping others always makes me feel better too.
I was just going to say that!
Examples:
The wind is so cold today.
I was just going to say that!
You have a point there.
Examples:
I think recording the class lectures on my phone is easier than trying to write down everything our professor says.
You have a point there. I’m going to try doing that too.
Tell me about it!
This phrase is considered slang and is not typically used in formal English.
Examples:
Taking a taxi to work every day costs so much money.
I have no objections.
This is perhaps one of the weaker phrases of agreement in English. Usually, people say this when they’re not really committed to something but see no reason why they should oppose it either.
Examples:
I think we should buy pink curtains for our study room.
I have no objections to this. You can pick whatever color you want.
Common Expressions Used to Show Disagreement
I beg to differ.
Examples:
Chocolate cake is the best cake.
I beg to differ. While chocolate cake is good, coconut cake is the best, in my opinion.
No way!
This is an informal way to disagree. There’s usually a feeling of surprise and disbelief when using this phrase.
Examples:
Jeff says that he can memorize everything for a test in just an hour!
Yes, but…
This phrase is used when you partially agree with some points but might not be in complete agreement.
To be honest, I don’t agree with that.
This is a polite way to disagree with someone.
That’s not always true. / That’s not entirely true.
Examples:
Exercise is the best way to maintain your weight.
That’s not entirely true. You also need to eat a healthy diet.
As a matter of fact, I don’t think that’s correct.
This is a more firm but formal way to express your disagreement.
You can’t be serious!
This is again an informal way to disagree with someone strongly. It also expresses disbelief.
Agreements and disagreements are a big part of most discussions.
Tell me about it!