Opinions & arguments

The English you actually reach for when you share what you think, push back, weigh things up, or talk someone round — grouped by the moment you're in.

15 situations87 phrases

Giving your opinionB1–C1

Putting your view on the table, honestly and clearly.

as far as I'm concernedstrong opinionexpress opinion

Agreeing and disagreeingB1–C1

Backing someone up, or pushing back without falling out.

completely agreea valid pointgo along with

Weighing up pros and consB1–C1

Laying out the upsides and downsides before you decide.

main advantageall things consideredmain concern

Persuading someoneB1–C1

Making your case and talking someone round.

a compelling casechange mindstrong argument

Helping a friend make up their mindB1–B2

When a mate can't decide and you talk them through whether to go for it.

seriously consideropen mindpass up

Comparing two ways of doing itB1–C1

Talking through one choice as opposed to the other and what really separates them.

as opposed tohuge difference

Coming round to someone's viewB1–B2

Push back a bit, then admit they've talked you round.

I'm not so sure about thatI see your point, butcome around

Asking to be heard outB1

Get someone to let you finish before they judge your idea.

hear me outif you ask meI'd say

Recommending something to a mateB1–B2

Talk up something you rate and say whether it delivered.

Saying it's down to the individualB1–C1

Make clear there's no right answer — it's up to each person.

when it comes topersonal choiceby no means

Cutting to what really mattersB2–C1

When a debate's going round in circles and you boil it down to the real point.

boil down toin the grand scheme of thingscome down to

Deciding whether to believe itB2–C1

Chatting over a rumour or a review and working out if it actually holds up.

seriously doubtbroadly speakinggo by

Reacting on instinctB2–C1

Spot a gut reaction, then work out whether it actually holds up.

a knee-jerk reactionadd upin hindsight

Wrapping up where you standC1

Round off a chat by summing up your overall take.

at the end of the dayall in allby and large

Pinning down why two things differC1

Put your finger on exactly how two things aren't the same.

a fundamental differencea stark contrasta fine line

Browse all 87 opinions & arguments phrases by level →

Multiple-meaning phrases in opinions & arguments

Same phrase, different jobs — compare the meanings before you use them.

add up2 meanings

make sensecalculate the total

come around3 meanings

visit (someone's home)change opinionregain consciousness

go by3 meanings

time passesbe guided byuse as identity

hold up4 meanings

delaysupportrob

let down3 meanings

disappoint someonelower somethingreduce effectiveness

live up to2 meanings

meet expectationsfulfil moral duty

Try it in Daily Speak →