Giving your opinion

Common phrases for presenting your opinion

• In my (honest) opinion, …

• I (really) think that …

• I (strongly) believe that …

• I (truly) feel that …

• I’m sure that …

Common mistake: You cannot use the English verb to mean (German bedeuten) as a translation of German meinen (English to think / to be of the opinion that). The English noun meaning (German Bedeutung) is not the same as German Meinung (English opinion).

Semi-formal to formal phrases you can use for more variation

Phrases to use if you are sure of your opinion

• Without a doubt, …

• I’m (fairly) confident that …

• I’m entirely / quite convinced …

Phrases which show that you know that there may be other perspectives

• It seems to me that …

• From my point of view, …

• From my perspective, …

Exercise

A great way to practice expressing opinion are Would you rather questions. Ask a friend to discuss one of the following questions with you and try to use three to five new phrases you have learned:

• Would your rather be the smartest or the fastest person in the world?

• Would you rather live somewhere where it is only summer all year long or live where it is constantly winter?

• Would you rather move to the UK or to the US?

• Would you rather have tea with King Charles or with the President of the USA?

Sources

https://www.englishclub.com/vocabulary/fl-giving-opinions.php

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/how-to-express-your-opinions-in-english/4755937.html