How to to give your opinion in English

In this podcast, I talk about some of the different ways to give your opinion in English.

Giving opinions

When we give our opinion, we say what we think, feel or believe about something or somebody.

For example, what do you think of the new boss? What do you think is the best way to improve your English?

Some people are very opinionated, which means they are certain about what they think and believe and express their ideas and opinions strongly and frequently. They love and can’t stop themselves expressing their opinions, even when they know nothing about the topic. I’m sure you know this type of person.

Other people are more cautious and careful when asked to give their opinions. They prefer not to be so certain about their own ideas and opinions and try to keep an open mind. Or they distance themselves from the opinions they express.

And of course, we are often more confident about giving our opinions when we are with people we know well or we are discussing a topic we are familiar with.

So, when we express our opinion, we have to decide how we would like to express it. We have to think carefully before expressing our opinion because if we express our opinion too strongly or directly, we can cause offence. However, if we are too cautious about expressing our opinions in certain situations, people may think we are indecisive and even weak. For example, if you are in a position of responsibility, you will probably be expected to have a strong or firm opinion.

So, now lets look at different phrases we can use to give our opinion.

Let’s choose a topic that we are all familiar with: the best way to improve your English.

There are at least 4 ways to give an opinion.

Firstly, We can express a strong opinion.

I’m absolutely convinced that the best way to improve your English is to live in an English-speaking country such as the UK.

It’s obvious to me that the best way to improve your English is to buy a grammar book and learn all of the rules.

As far as I’m concerned, the best way to improve your English is to immerse yourself in the language and stop communicating in your first language.

Secondly, we can express a cautious or reluctant opinion when we show that we are not certain about what we think or we are reluctant to express what we believe.

I suppose that getting a private tutor would be a good way to improve.

As far as I understand it, you need to practise on a regular basis if you want to improve.

It seems to me that there is no best way to learn English. Each person has to find a strategy or method that works for them.

I must admit that I’m not sure there is a best way to improve your English. I suppose that going to an English-speaking country to study English might be a good way.

I’m no expert but if I had to say, I guess that working in an English-speaking environment would help you improve.

Thirdly, we can express an objective opinion, based on research or what we have heard or read. In this way, we distance ourselves from the opinion to show that maybe it’s not what we personally believe.

Apparently, setting a clear goal, such as passing an exam, can help you improve your English.

I’ve heard that going to an English-speaking country is the best way to improve.

The research seems to suggest that there is no best way to improve your English.

Finally, we can express a subjective opinion, based only our own personal experience.

In my experience, the best way to improve your English is to practise as much as you can and learn from your mistakes.

I don’t know about other people, but I can say that taking English classes helped me.

What I’ve found is that watching and listening to films and TV in English can really help.

Of course, there are many ways to express your opinion in spoken English but I certainly recommend that you move beyond the most basic phrases such as ‘I think’ and ‘In my opinion’ if you want to take your English to the next level.

So, I’d love to hear what you think. Why not give me your opinion about the best way to improve your English. Express your ideas using the phrases we have looked at or maybe you know other ways to give your opinion.