Advanced: Listening & Speaking

Useful Group Discussion Phrases

Interrupting Politely Paraphrasing/ Illustrating Agreeing Politely Expressing Asking for Asking for
Checking point disagreeing reservations repetition explanation
Understandin
g
Can I add something So, what you’re What I mean I feel the I’m afraid that I Yes, but the Would you Explain to me
here? saying is… is… same way as disagree with problem is… mind what you mean
you… you repeating
by…
that?
Excuse me… You mean…, For example… I agree… I think you’ll I’m not quite Excuse me? What would that
right? find that… sure that… involve?
Can I interrupt for a So your point of To explain… That’s my I don’t see it the You’re right, Pardon? How exactly
minute? view/idea is… point too… same way as but at the would that
you… same time..
work?
I have something to If I heard you Let me remind You couldn’t But don’t you The thing is… Could you How could we
say… correctly, then you… be more think… say that do that?
(you think)… right… again?
Well, I think… It sounds like For instance… I’d go along I’m sorry, I can’t I wonder if… I didn’t catch Why do you say
you’re saying with that… agree with that… that?
that… you…
Sorry for interrupting, Do you mean Let’s make it I don’t think There might Sorry, I didn’t
but… to say that… clear… you’ve thought be some truth catch that
about… in that, but…
I have another point… What I’m trying
to say is…
Add more phrases here:

Q: Skills for Success Listening and Speaking

Susan Earle-Carlin © Oxford University Press 2015