Expressing Opinions

An opinion includes both the opinion itself and an argument/reasoning. By situations, there
are two ways to express an opinion: formally, and informally.

 A formal opinion is used when conversing with higher-ups and in work places (the
office, school, etc.)
 An informal opinion is used between friends.

Both ways have their very own, distinctive phrases, but are equally used to respond in a
conversation.

Opinions have characteristics that define whether a phrase is an ‘opinion’ or not, that are:

1. It cannot be proven true;

2. It is objective; and
3. It is based on feelings, estimates, or possibilities.

A. Asking for opinions

During formal situations, it is best if you use these example phrases:

 “Have you got any comments on....?”
 “Do you have any ideas?”
 “Do you have any opinions on....?”
 “Would you give me your opinion on...?”
 “What is your reaction to...?”
 “What is your opinion about...?”
 “What are your feeling about...?”
 “What are your views on...?”
 “Please give me your frank opinion”

During informal situations, it is best if you use these example phrases:

 “What do you think of...?”
 “What do you think about...?”
 “What is your opinion?”
 “Why do they behave like that?”
 “Do you think it’s going?”
 “How do you like...?”
 “How was the...?”
 “How do you think of ....’s idea?”
 “How do you feel about this?”
B. Giving opinion

During formal situations, it is best if you use these example phrases:

 “I personally believe...”
 “I personally consider...”
 “I personally think/feel...”
 “I hold the opinion...”
 “My own view of the matter is...”
 “Well, personally...”
 “If I had my view, I would...”

During informal situations, it is best if you use these example phrases:

 “I think I like it.”
 “I think it’s good/nice/terrific.”
 “I don’t think I care for it.”
 “I don’t think much of it.”
 “I think that’s awful/notice/terrible.”
 “I think that...”
 “In my opinion, I would rather...”
 “What I’m more concerned is with...”
 “What I have in my mind is...”

C. Agreeing with an opinion

During formal situations, it is best if you use these example phrases:

 “Of course...”
 “You’re absolutely right.”
 “Yes, I agree.”
 “I think so too.”
 “That’s a good point.”
 “Exactly”
 “I don’t think so either.”
 “So do I.”
 “I’d go along with that.”
 “That’s true.”
 “Neither do I.”
 “I agree with you entirely.”
 “That’s just what I was thinking.”
 “Couldn’t agree more.”
During informal situations, it is best if you use these example phrases:
 “Of course.”
 “That is absolutely right.”
 “I agree with this opinion.”
 “I couldn’t agree more.”
 “I agree with what you are saying.”
 “I agree, I never thought of doing that.”
 “Neither do I.”
 “That’s a good point.”
 “I think so too.”

D. Disagreeing with an opinion

During formal situations, it is best if you use these example phrases:

 “That’s different.”
 “I don’t agree with you.”
 “However...”
 “That’s not entirely true.”
 “On the contraty...”
 “I’m sorry to disagree with you, but...”
 “Yes, but don’t you think...”
 “That’s not the same thing at all.”
 “I’m afraid I have to disagree.”
 “I’m not so sure about that.”
 “I must take issue with you on that.”
 “It’s unjustifiable to say that...”

During informal situations, it is best if you use these example phrases:

 “By this I mean...”
 “I think you are wrong.”
 “I am not convinced that...”

Take note that what differentiates between formal and informal response phrases are the
aura they let out. A formal response would be dignified and polite with a hint of
professionalism; an informal response would be casual, like how two friends would talk. A
formal response is also very much fine to be used during informal conversations, however
the other used in a formal situation is absolutely off limits.