AGREEMENT AND DISAGREEMENT
Agreeing. Neutral: Yes, I agree. True enough. That's right I can't help thinking the same. Hour true. I couldn't agree more. How right that is. Oh, definitely. Informal: Well, that's the thing. Well, this is it (isn't it)? Yes, right. Dead right. Too true. I'd go along with you there. I'm with you there. Formal: Oh, I agree entirely. I agree absolutely with... My own view/opinion exactly. I'm of exactly the same opinion. I don't think anyone could/would disagree with...
Disagreeing. Neutral: (Oh,) I don't agree... I'm not (at all) sure, actually/in fact. Not really. Oh, I don't know. No, I don't think... I disagree (I'm afraid). That's not right, surely. That's not the way I see it. I can't agree with... I can't help thinking... But isn't it more a matter/question of...? Do you really think...? Informal: (Oh) surely not I don't see why. I can't go along with... (Oh,) come off it. Nonsense! Rubbish! No way! You must be joking. You can't mean that! Formal: I really must take issue with you (there). (I'm afraid) I can't accept... I can't say that I share that/your view. I'm not at all convinced... I see things rather differently myself.
Saying you partly agree. Neutral: I don't entirely agree with... I see your point, but... I see what you mean, but.. To a certain extent, yes, but... There's a lot in what you say, but... Yes, maybe/perhaps, but.. I couldn't agree more, but... That's one way of looking at it, but... Yes, but on the other hand,... Yes, but we shouldn't forget... Yes, but don't you think... That's all very well, but... Informal: Could be, but... OK, but... Yes, but... Mm, but... I'd go along with most of that, but... Formal: Well, while I agree with you on the whole,... There's some/a lot of truth in what you say. Still/however,... I agree in principle, but... That may be so, but... Granted, but... Personally, I wouldn't go so far as (to say) that.
Unit Four
EXPRESSIONS SHOWING CRITICISM AND VIRTUES
I know I am not good at... As for when I look at myself (in a mirror),... well... then I see someone a bit different. That's probably my main fault. I should say I'm not exactly — how should I say? I suppose I'm not coherent in my behaviour. You'd have to see it to believe it! You shouldn't be asking what I think of myself,... but what I think of... It's law and order what we need. I say get rid of... I'm the sort of ordinary decent person who wants to bring law and order back (to this country). Well, I'm an easy going bloke unless of course... You wind me up. Then I'm a bit vicious. I think I've kept myself respectable — that's the word. I've tried to help... I've done my best. Perhaps you might consider me a bit of a fanatic. About... But basically I'm a good chap. Not too polemic... fond of... That's me. When I was young I was very shy. I didn't make (close friends) till... in..., till quite late in life. I became quite good at being by myself. I had no one to rely on... and no one to ask for advice. That made me independent. Unit Five
REACTING TO OPINION
Positive response: True... exactly... I am all out for it. I am in favour of it.
You have my whole/full support... I am giving it my backing. I can see no reason to oppose. I urge you... Please, do consider my words very carefully. My reaction is extremely favourable.
Negatives:
I can't approve of it... No, it bears no relation to... I would find it difficult to (accept it)… I'm not sure you are right about it...
Neutral:
My personal opinion is... I'm inclined to think that... It goes further than that... That's one way of looking at it, but... You would be well advised.
Unit Six
INTERVIEWING PEOPLE
Asking for opinions
What's your opinion of... What do you think of... How do you feel about... I was wondering what your opinion of... (tentative) What about... (informal)
Expressing personal opinions
In my opinion From my point of view Personally, I think that It would seem to me that (tentative) As far as I'm able to judge (tentative)
As I see it (direct) Frankly, I think (direct) I reckon (informal)
Asking for clarification
I'm sorry, I don't quite understand what you mean by... I'm sorry, could you explain what you mean by... I'm afraid, I'm not really very clear about what you mean by... (tentative) I'm sorry, but could you possibly explain what you mean by... (tentative) Did you mean that... Do you really think that... Did you say... But you said earlier that... I don't understand what you mean by... What (exactly) do you mean by... (all rather direct)
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