VOCABULARY FOR DEBATES AND DISCUSSION

When you want to state an opinion:
INFORMAL	FORMAL
In my opinion____ I think that_____ I feel that______ I believe that______ It seems to me that________ If you ask me_____ I'd say that_______ The point is________ As I see it_______ I'd say that______ The point is______	You know what I think... I think that____ Wouldn't you say that_______? Don't you agree that_______? I'd just like to say that______ I'd like to point out that_______
When you want someone to repeat or explain:
I don't understand what you mean Would you explain that, please? I'm sorry, but I didn't understand your point. Could you give an example? What do you mean by_____?
When you want to agree with someone (in ascending order of formality):
You're right I think so, too I agree with you You could be right I couldn't agree more That's a good point I couldn't agree more I see what you mean That's just what I was thinking I agree entirely You know, that's exactly what I think
When you want to disagree with someone (in ascending order of formality)	Informal disagreement (between people you know very well)
Yes, but_____ I disagree That's not the point No, I think you're wrong Up to a point, but________ Yes, that's quite true, but_____ I'm not sure I quite agree Well, you have a point there, but_____ Perhaps, but don't you think that_____ I see what you mean, but_________ I tend to disagree with you there	I can't agree with you there You can't be serious!! Come off it! Don't be silly!
When you want to persuade someone:
You must admit that___ Do you really believe that_____? Don't you think that______? Don't you agree that____?