Vocabulary intermediate for the week

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General Knowledge
General Knowledge

An opinion usually has three parts:

An opening phrase or statement that clarifies that it’s your opinion being expressed.

One or more reasons that explain “why” you have that opinion.

A conclusion that ends the discussion. It can also ask a question, as we’ll see in other examples.

Let’s take talking about the weather, for example:

I really hate summer weather (opening statement).

It’s hot and humid (reason #1).

It makes me feel tired and unproductive (reason #2).

I don’t feel like working or doing anything much (reason #3).

So I don’t look forward to summer (conclusion).

Express Your Personal Opinion with These Phrases

Now let’s focus on making our opening statements stronger and more clear.

The listener should know right away that what you’re telling them…

Is an opinion.

Is your opinion.

Thankfully, in English, we have several phrases just for this purpose.

Let’s take a look at some examples:

In my opinion, the government hasn’t done a good job of handling the healthcare crisis.

I think we need to study more to pass the test.

I feel like we aren’t doing enough to help her.

I believe that we should depend less on technology.

In my experience, men tend to be more immature than women of the same age.

What I mean is that he isn’t a good politician and we should vote for someone else.

If you ask me, he’s a fine actor and I enjoyed watching all the plays he was in.

Express a General Opinion with These Phrases

Sometimes, we share an opinion with someone else (or a group of people). In these cases, it’s common to use third-person pronouns (it, they, everyone and more).

If you want to talk about an opinion shared by others instead of a personal opinion, use the following phrases:

It seems like the new policy did more harm than good.

Everyone agrees that she was the worst principal in this school.

Some think that the movie was brilliant while others find it dull.

Many believe that aliens have already landed on Earth.

Everybody knows that movie isn’t going to do well.

In today’s world, it’s widely accepted that the Earth isn’t flat.

Agree with Someone Using These Phrases

Sometimes, two or more people have the same opinion. In such cases, this is how you express your agreement with them.

Yes, definitely!

I feel the same way.

I agree with you.

That’s a very valid point.

I think what you said is true.

You’re right!

Disagree with Someone Using These Phrases

There may be situations when you disagree with someone on certain topics.

That’s when you have to politely express your disagreement while avoiding an argument or fight.

You have to make the listener realize that while you heard and understood what they said, you don’t agree and have a different opinion.

I see your point, but…

That’s a valid point, but…

But what/how about…

No offense, but…

With all due respect…

Let’s agree to disagree, shall we?

I understand, but I personally think/feel…

Explain the Reasons for Your Opinion with These Phrases

In several situations, such as in meetings and group discussions, we’re asked to explain our opinions. There are many ways of doing this.

We can simply state or list our reasons (firstly, secondly, thirdly) in a certain way.

My reasons for quitting the job are being forced to work overtime, poor salary and racist colleagues.

Firstly, horror movies are scary. Secondly, I don’t believe in ghosts. Thirdly, I can’t sleep after watching scary movies!

We can also use conjunctions (such as because) or other connecting words and phrases to explain our thoughts in a logical manner.

Moreover, I wasn’t there when they broke up, so it’s none of my business.

In addition to not liking the taste of seafood, I’m also allergic to it.

Most importantly, I think my father is a good man.

Another example of Sheila’s talent is her skill at origami (the Japanese art of paper-folding).

I miss her for many reasons, but mostly because she was such a nice person to talk to.

Conclude Your Opinion with These Phrases

Finally, you have to sum up your thoughts in the conclusion.

You can repeat the opinion or even ask your listener to share their opinions on the matter, too.

So, from these reasons, we can conclude that the new policy was a failure.

To sum up, I think we need a proper investigation.

In conclusion, she was a very nice person.

This proves that water is wet.

What do you think?

Can you suggest a way to improve this?

And that’s is why I prefer being a night owl.

Information was taken from

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