In my opinion… / I see your point, but…: opinions and disagreeing politely
Give opinions, agree and disagree without sounding rude, and soften what you say
What you'll be able to do
Join a discussion at work or with friends: say what you think, agree, disagree politely and keep the conversation friendly.
Giving an opinion
- In my opinion, the meeting was too long.a clear opinion
- I think we should wait until Monday.the most common way
- Personally, I'd prefer the earlier train.a personal preference
- It seems to me that the price is too high.softer
Agreeing
- I completely agree.strong agreement
- That's a good point.you accept their idea
- You're right about that.agreeing with a detail
Disagreeing politely
In English, a direct You're wrong or No often sounds rude. People usually soften disagreement: they accept part of the other idea first, then add theirs.
- I see your point, but I'm not sure it would work.polite disagreement
- I'm not so sure about that.gentle disagreement
- That's true, but have you thought about the cost?accept part, then question
Softeners: I'm not sure…, maybe, I see what you mean, but…, I wonder if…
Common mistakes
I am agree.Agree is a verb: I agree.According to me…This sounds unnatural to most fluent speakers: In my opinion… or I think…In my opinion, I think…Choose one: In my opinion… or I think…
Practice
- Which is the most natural way to agree?Options: I agree with you. · I am agree with you. · I'm agreeing you.
Show the answer
I agree with you. — Agree is a verb: I agree.
- Choose the most polite way to disagree with a colleague:Options: I see your point, but I'm not sure it's the best option. · You're wrong. · That's a stupid idea.
Show the answer
I see your point, but I'm not sure it's the best option. — Accept part of their idea, then add yours.
- Which sentence gives an opinion naturally?Options: In my opinion, the city needs more cycle lanes. · According to me, the city needs more cycle lanes. · In my opinion, I think the city needs more cycle lanes.
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In my opinion, the city needs more cycle lanes. — In my opinion… (not according to me, and not with I think too).
- That's a good _____, but I think we need more time.Options: point · think · opinion of
Show the answer
point — That's a good point: accepting someone's idea before adding yours.
- I'm not _____ about that. Let's look at the numbers first.Options: sure · agree · think
Show the answer
sure — I'm not sure: gentle disagreement.