Presenting an argument

Beginning
1

I would like to begin by

I would like to make a few remarks
concerning
I would like to comment on the problem
of
I would like to mention2 briefly3 that
There are three4 points Id like to make.
The most important points seem to me to
be

1. wish most formal

should like more formal
want informal
2. touch upon
3. Suggest that you are not going to speak
for long
4. two
several
a number of

Balancing
On the one hand, but on the other hand
Although, we mustnt forget...
Whereas1, we have to remember
In spite of2, I still think
Despite the2 fact that, I

Ordering
1

First of all, we must bear in mind

At the outset2
To begin with
Firstly3,Secondly,Thirdly,Finally,

Simple, but important, as they help the

listener to understand your view.
1. Consider. Often used in the passive:
There are three points which should be
borne in mind.
2. Beginning.
3.Do not confuse with at first which
contrast with later. At first I hated English,
but now I love it.
First, second, etc more formal.

Introducing a new point

I would like to turn briefly to the problem
of
The next issue1 I would like to focus2 on
is
Turning to

1. broadly.

On the whole,
In general,
Generally1 speaking,
By and large,
All in all,
All things considered,

Stating Preferences
Id rather than
I preferto
I tend to favour as opposed to
has an advantage overIn that
The main advantage ofis that

1. could less definitive

Let me conclude by saying

Id like to conclude by stating that
Allow me to conclude by highlighting1 the
fact that
In conclusion, I would like to reiterate2
that
I would now like to conclude my comments
by reassuring you that we are fully aware of
the fact that

Concluding

Giving an Example
Let1 me give an example
To illustrate this point, let us consider
A case2 in point is

Generalising

1. Question.
2. V concentrate

Adding
In addition
I might1 add that
As well as, there is also
Not only, but also
Furthermore,
Moreover,

1. It expresses contrast.
2. In spite of and despite are
interchangeable;
despite is more formal

1. Let is followed by an infinitive without to

2. An example.

1. emphasizing
stressing
2. Repeat.