Useful phrases for discussions

1. Asking about or for an opinion

Could you tell me ....? Whats your opinion about ...? How do you feel about ....? What do you think about/of ....? Do you think/feel ....? May I ask you ....?

2. Asking for an explanation

Could you explain to me ....? Just tell me the reason why ....? I just dont see why/what/how .... What do you mean by that? I didnt quite get that. Could someone please tell me ....? I dont really understand ....? Are you saying that ....? I beg your pardon? Excuse me, did you say that ....?

3. Giving your opinion

In my opinion/view .... As far as I can see/Im concerned .... I have the/a feeling that .... Well, Id say .... You can take it from me that .... What we have to decide is .... Its a fact that .... The way/As I see it Let me put it this/another way .... Sorry to interrupt you, but .... Personally (speaking) I think .... My view/point of view is that .... What I actually meant was .... If you ask me .... It seems to me that .... I think/feel/reckon/believe .... If you want my opinion .... First of all/To start with Id like to point out ... There can be no doubt that .... Nobody will deny that .... Everyone knows .... Lets get this clear (first) .... The point Im trying to make is .... Im absolutely convinced that .... The way I look at/see it is this

4. Giving an explanation
Look, its like this: The reason for this is .... Just let me explain .... Well, the thing is .... What I mean is .... The main problem is .... Well, the reason is .... Above all we must keep in mind that ....

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5. Agreeing with an opinion
I (quite) agree. I couldnt agree (with you) more. Thats true/right. Quite/Exactly/Precisely/Right/Certainly/Definitely. I think so, too. Thats just my feeling/opinion. Thats a very good/important point. Yes, of course/definitely/absolutely Thats exactly what I mean/say. Thats exactly how I see it. How very true. Yes, indeed. I agree completely/entirely. I entirely/completely agree with you on that. Thats just it. Youre quite/so right. I dont think so either. Thats just how I see it/feel about it, too. Youve got a good point there. Marvelous. Yes, thats obvious. Thats what I think So do I/So am I Im all in favor of what youve been saying.

6. Qualified agreement
Yes, perhaps, but .... Yes, but on the other hand .... I agree up to a certain point, but .... Maybe, I suppose so. I dont think its as simple as that ..... Yes, possibly, although .... Yes, up to a point. Yes, in a way. Well, it depends. I see what you mean, but I think thats not the whole story You may be right there. Yes, but theres also another aspect to consider

7. Polite disagreement
I disagree (with you), Im afraid. I dont quite agree there. Im not (quite) so sure (really). Do you really think so/believe that? Well, thats one way of looking at it, (but) You cant really mean that. I wouldnt say so. I dont think youre right/thats right. I dont want to argue with you, but .... Are you seriously suggesting that ...? No, I really cant agree, Im afraid. Im not so certain/at all sure if thats true/correct Im sorry I cant agree. Im not convinced that .... Well, I have my doubts about that You dont really mean that, do you? I dont think so. Surely you dont mean that? I cant go all the way with you on that point. I have my problems with what youre saying

8. Strong disagreement
I doubt that very much Dont you dare say so! Bloody hell, no! Youre pulling my leg! That doesnt convince me at all. Ive never heard of such a thing. You cant be serious! Thats not correct You dont understand. I dont think so, really! Thats out of the question I cant accept your view, that .... Im afraid, I cant agree with you there Really? How stupid can you get? Thats (simply) not true! Surely youre not serious, are you? You cant be serious! I doubt if ... I dont agree with you at all. Oh, come on, you must be joking/kidding! Thats not how I see it Thats no excuse That doesnt make sense to me Youre hopeless/wrong I think you got that wrong For heavens sake! I think you got that wrong Rubbish! Shame on you! On the contrary! Youre contradicting yourself. Youre wrong, you know. Its not like that at all! Youre contradicting yourself Im afraid, I dont think you quite understand. Thats not fair! I cant believe that Im afraid Do you really think thats a good idea? Well, you would, wouldnt you? Dont be silly/stupid! What a silly/stupid thing to say! I dont think, you can say .... I doubt it/that very much Oh, come on, think about what youve just said! Ive got my doubts about that. I disagree entirely/completely. Thats out of the question Its not as simple as that! I believe youre mistaken Lets be sensible about this You wont listen to reason Im not impressed Well thats one way of looking at it, but

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9. Making a complaint
I cant quite understand how/why Im disappointed with It really is terrible/ridiculous that Forgive me for mentioning it, but .... Do you realize that ....? Im disappointed to hear that. Something ought to be done about it. Cant something be done to/about .... Ive come to complain about ... Im fed up with .... Im sorry I have to say this, but .... Thats what I want to know. Are you aware that ....? What are you going to do about it? Look, I really must protest about ....

10. Reacting to a complaint

Im (awfully) sorry to hear that Well, theres nothing we can do about that, Im afraid What do you expect us/me to do? Im sorry you should take it that way. Ill find out what has happened I'll see what I can do. really must apologize for this. This isnt my/our fault, you know.