In English, there are various ways to convey your thoughts, from neutrally stating your views to firmly expressing strong convictions. Understanding how to articulate your opinions and beliefs can lead to productive conversations and better mutual understanding.
List of Lesson Topics
- Giving your opinion neutrally
- Giving a strong opinion
- English expressions for asking someone’s opinion
- Talking about your beliefs
- Giving a reason for your beliefs
- Talking about your religious beliefs
- Talking about your political beliefs
- Phrase to exit an uncomfortable discussion
Previous Conversation Tip Lesson
100 Phrases for Intermediate English Speakers
Discussing your opinions and beliefs in English
1- Giving your opinion neutrally
- I think…
- I feel that…”
- In my opinion…
- As far as I’m concerned…
- As I see it…
- In my view…
- I tend to think that…
2- Giving a strong opinion
- I’m absolutely convinced that…
- I’m sure that…
- I strongly believe that…
- I have no doubt that…
- There’s no doubt in my mind that…
3- English expressions for asking someone’s opinion
- What do you think?
- What’s your view?
- How do you see the situation?
- What’s your opinion?
4- Talking about your beliefs
- I believe in…”(the importance of free speech)
- I’m a (great / firm) believer in …
- I’m convinced that… (there’s a solution to every problem)
- I’m passionate about…(women rights)
- I’m committed to …
- I don’t believe in …
- I think that … is (true / complete nonsense, etc)
Note
After a preposition such as in or about, you need either a noun or a gerund.
After “that”, you need a clause.
5- Giving a reason for your beliefs
- There must be / can’t be .. (life after death) because otherwise…
- There’s no evidence for / to support …”(an afterlife)
- There’s no other way to explain / account for …
6- Talking about your religious beliefs
- I’m a practicing … (Catholic, Muslim, Jew etc)
- I’m a non-observant / lapsed …(Catholic)
- She’s a devout…(Christian, etc)
- I’m a ‘don’t know.’
- I’m an agnostic.
- I’m an atheist.
- He’s an extremist / fundamentalist / evangelist.
7- Talking about your political beliefs
- I support / back (the Labor Party).
- I’m a Conservative / Liberal / Socialist / Labor Party supporter.
- I’m a life-long (Conservative / Labor Party supporter).
- I’ve always voted (Tory, Liberal etc).
- He’s a staunch Conservative.
- She’s a dyed-in-the-wool Marxist.
Speaking tip
It’s generally best to keep discussions about politics and religion to close friends and family. These topics can be sensitive, and bringing them up in casual conversations, especially with colleagues, could lead to awkwardness or even offense. The British, in particular, tend to regard these beliefs as deeply personal and might feel uncomfortable with public debates on such matters.
Phrase to exit an uncomfortable discussion
- I’m not really comfortable talking about… if you don’t mind.
- I’d rather not discuss my (political) beliefs if you don’t mind.
- I’m not sure this is the right time / place to discuss …
Conclusion
Remember, while sharing your beliefs is important, it’s crucial to be respectful of others’ opinions, even when they differ from your own. By using the phrases in this lesson, you can express your views thoughtfully and engage in meaningful discussions.
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