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Useful phrases for Speaking:

1. Introducing the topic


Today we are here to discuss
The goal of our discussion today is
2. Bringing in other people
What is your opinion, Mr. Ito?
Do you agree with Mr. Itos opinion, Ms. Suzuki?
Mr. Ito, what do you think we should do?
Mr. Ito, what are your views regarding this point?
3. Keeping the Discussion Moving
Lets go on to another point.
Next, lets talk about
Lets talk about that later.
4. Giving an opinion
In my opinion
As far as Im concerned
Personally, I believe that
The way I see it is
5. Getting further information
Would you mind explaining that a little more, please?
Could you explain that more fully?
Could you tell us a bit more about that?

6. Restating an idea
In other words,
That is,
What Im trying to say is
I mean
To put it another way
7. Persuading Convincing
You must admit that
Dont forget that
You must remember that
8. Inquiring about Agreement or Disagreement
Do/dont you agree, Ms. Suzuki?
Wouldnt you agree, Mr. Ito?
9. Expressing Agreement
Yes, that is right/correct.
You are right/correct.
I definitely agree with Ms. Suzuki.
That is exactly what I think.
10. Expressing Disagreement
I dont really agree with him/her.
Im afraid I cant agree with his/her opinion.
Thats not quite how I see it.

I can see your point, but I dont really agree with it.
11. Expressing doubt or reservation
Well, maybe, but Im not sure about that.
Hmm, he may be correct but Im not sure.
I can see your point, but Im not sure I agree.
12. Refuting a fact
Actually,
As a matter of fact,
Well, Im not sure that is true/correct because
13. Dismissing an irrelevant point
Im afraid youre missing the point.
I dont think that has anything do with the goal of our discussion.
14. Making suggestions
Why dont we/you
How about
I suggest that we/you
15. Agreeing with a suggestion
Ok. That makes sense.
Of course.
Certainly
16. Refusing a suggestion or request
Im sorry but that is out of the question

Unfortunately that is not possible.


17. Capitulation
Mr. Suzuki has convinced me that my opinion/suggestion/idea is not
useful/practical/necessary/good. Therefore, I have changed my mind.
OK. You have persuaded me to change my mind. I can agree with you.
18. Expressing similarities
Those two points/suggestions are similar.
Mr. Suzukis idea is about the same as Ms. Itos.
My idea/suggestion is (more)....er than mine/hers.
19. Interrupting
Excuse me for interrupting, but
Sorry to interrupt, but
20. Getting a point into the discussion
I have a point Id like to make.
Id like to add something here.
Id like to say something about your/her/his idea.
21. Seeking clarification
What do you mean?
Sorry, Im not quite sure what you mean.
Do you mean that?
Im sorry, I dont quite follow.
I dont quite understand what youre saying.

22. Paraphrasing another persons idea


What Ms. Ito means is that
What (s)he is trying to say is that
23. Requesting
Ms. Ito, I wonder if you would mind................., please?
Mr. Kato, do you think you could..............., please?
24. Making comparisons
Mr. Itos explanation is more/less............than hers/his.
Your opinion/idea is.............-er than mine/hers.
25. Expressing Preference
I think the best/worst suggestion is
His idea is the............-est (best, most reasonable etc.)
Her proposal is the most/least
One of the most practical items is..............., so we/you should definitely
take/use it.
26. Closing the Discussion
In conclusion, the purpose of this discussion
The goal of our discussion is to.
We have concluded that

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