Imagine you’re in a conversation about whether pineapple belongs on pizza. Someone says “It’s the best topping ever!” and another person dramatically shouts, “That’s an insult to pizza lovers everywhere!”
At some point, you’ll need to express your opinions, agree with someone, or (politely) disagree without starting a war. Whether you’re discussing your favorite movie, debating a serious issue, or just trying to sound confident in a meeting, knowing the right phrases can make your conversations smoother and more natural.
This lesson will help you express your thoughts clearly, agree enthusiastically, and disagree respectfully—all while keeping the conversation fun and friendly. Let’s get talking!
Vocabulary List: Expressing Opinions, Agreeing, and Disagreeing
Expressing Opinions (How to Say What You Think)
| Word/Phrase | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| In my opinion… | A polite way to introduce your view. | In my opinion, coffee is better than tea. |
| I think… | A simple way to share your thoughts. | I think this movie is overrated. |
| I believe… | A way to express a strong opinion. | I believe exercise is the best stress reliever. |
| From my point of view… | Used when explaining your perspective. | From my point of view, online learning is more effective. |
| As far as I’m concerned… | A personal way to express your opinion. | As far as I’m concerned, the book was better than the movie. |
| To be honest… | A casual way to introduce your real opinion. | To be honest, I don’t really like reality TV shows. |
| If you ask me… | A conversational way to share an opinion. | If you ask me, summer is the best season. |
| Personally, I feel… | A way to express emotions in your opinion. | Personally, I feel that dogs are better than cats. |
Agreeing (How to Show You’re on the Same Side)
| Word/Phrase | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| I agree | A direct way to say you share the same opinion. | I agree! That was the best game ever. |
| Absolutely! | A strong way to agree. | Absolutely! We should have longer weekends! |
| That’s true | A way to confirm someone’s point. | That’s true. Junk food is bad for your health. |
| You’re right | A way to acknowledge a correct statement. | You’re right. This restaurant does have great service. |
| I couldn’t agree more | A strong way to show full agreement. | I couldn’t agree more! That was an amazing speech. |
| Exactly! | A quick way to say you agree completely. | Exactly! That’s what I was thinking too! |
| I see what you mean | A way to show understanding and agreement. | I see what you mean. Social media can be addictive. |
| That’s a good point | Used when someone makes a valid argument. | That’s a good point. We should think more about sustainability. |
Disagreeing (How to Say “No” Without Sounding Rude)
| Word/Phrase | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| I don’t agree | A direct way to disagree. | I don’t agree. I think cold weather is nice. |
| I see your point, but… | A polite way to introduce disagreement. | I see your point, but I still think video games are good for learning. |
| I’m not so sure about that | A softer way to disagree. | I’m not so sure about that. Cats can be friendly too. |
| I have to disagree | A polite way to express a different opinion. | I have to disagree. I actually love pineapple on pizza. |
| That’s not how I see it | A way to express a different viewpoint. | That’s not how I see it. I think exams should be optional. |
| I respectfully disagree | A very polite way to disagree. | I respectfully disagree. I think history is more important than math. |
| I get what you’re saying, but… | A diplomatic way to disagree. | I get what you’re saying, but I still think traveling is better than studying abroad. |
| I see it differently | A neutral way to express disagreement. | I see it differently. I think books are better than movies. |
Key Phrases Using Opinions, Agreeing, and Disagreeing
- “In my opinion, coffee is the best drink ever.”
- Example: “In my opinion, coffee is better than tea.”
- Example: “In my opinion, this is the best city to live in.”
- “I couldn’t agree more!”
- Example: “I couldn’t agree more! The movie was fantastic!”
- Example: “I couldn’t agree more—vacations should be longer!”
- “I see your point, but I think books are more interesting than movies.”
- Example: “I see your point, but I still think cats make better pets.”
- Example: “I see your point, but I prefer working from home.”
- “That’s a good point. Social media does have its benefits.”
- Example: “That’s a good point. Studying with friends makes learning easier.”
- Example: “That’s a good point. Exercising daily improves mental health too.”
- “I have to disagree. I actually love pineapple on pizza!”
- Example: “I have to disagree. I think chocolate ice cream is the best!”
- Example: “I have to disagree. I enjoy waking up early!”
Example Paragraph Using Opinions, Agreeing, and Disagreeing
“Yesterday, my friend and I had a debate about fast food. In my opinion, burgers are the best fast food ever. She said, ‘I have to disagree. Pizza is way better!’ I replied, ‘I see your point, but burgers have more variety!’ She laughed and said, ‘That’s a good point, but pizza has unlimited toppings.’ Finally, we both agreed on one thing—‘I couldn’t agree more! Fast food is delicious no matter what.’“
Common Questions About Expressing Opinions, Agreeing, and Disagreeing
- How do I politely disagree with someone?
- Example: Use “I see your point, but…” or “I respectfully disagree.”
- What’s the difference between “I think” and “I believe”?
- Example: “I think” is casual, while “I believe” sounds stronger.
- What’s a polite way to say someone is wrong?
- Example: Use “That’s not how I see it” or “I see it differently.”
- Can I just say “no” when I disagree?
- Example: It’s better to explain why, like “I don’t agree because…”
- How do I strongly agree with someone?
- Example: Use “Absolutely!” or “I couldn’t agree more!”
Invitation to Practice
Think of a time when you had a friendly debate or discussion. Write a short conversation using at least one opinion, one agreement, and one disagreement from this lesson! Share it in a study group or in the comments!