Neutral beginnings of sentences to express one's opinion

Expressing one's opinion

When you are having a conversation or a discussion, you intend to express your point of view, to ask others for their opinion and to either agree or disagree. The following phrases can be helpful for these situations.

 

PHRASES

 

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I think (that)…
In my opinion…
I am of the opinion that…
My personal view is that…
I believe (that)…
I feel that…
I am sure/certain/convinced that…
In my experience…

 

 

Agreeing with someone

 

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I agree.
I think so, too.
That's exactly what I think.
I think it is the right thing to do.
I feel that it is a good idea.

Disagreeing with someone

 

 

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I disagree.
I don’t think (that)…
I don’t agree (with)…
I don’t believe (that)…

 

 

Asking someone for their opinion

 

 

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What do you think?
What are your ideas?
How do you feel about that?
What's your opinion?

Listen to the spoken phrases in the following video and learn more about expressing one's opinion.

At a restaurant

"What would you like to eat?" That's what a waiter might ask in an English-speaking country. You actually know what you would like to eat but how to order it in English?

 

The following example sentences show you what a waiter might say and what possibly to reply. Not only guests-to-be but also waiters-to-be can practise here for communicative situatioins at a restaurant.

PHRASES

What the waiter could say or ask

 

 

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What can I do for you?
Have you booked a table?
Would you like to see the menu?
Could I take your order, sir/madam?
What would you like to start with?
What would you like to drink? /Anything to drink?
What would you like for main course/ for dessert?
Is everything alright?
Enjoy your meal!

 

 

What the guest could say or ask

 

 

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I’ll have…/ I am having…
As an entrée I'll have a salad and for main course I'd like the roast beef.
Could I have chips instead of potatoes, please?
Is there anything you would recommend?
Could you recommend a wine?
Could I have the bill (Ammerikanisches Englisch: check), please?
No, please. This is on me.