How to express your opinion in English

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you on how to express your opinion in English effectively. Whether you're engaging in a casual conversation, participating in a debate, or writing a formal report, knowing the right phrases to articulate your views is crucial. This lesson will provide you with a variety of expressions to confidently share your opinions on various subjects.

Step 1: Understanding Strong and Weak Expressions

When expressing your opinion, the strength of your statement matters. Here are some key phrases, ordered from strongest to weakest:

1. Strong Expressions

   • "I think the government should keep university free."
   • "I believe the government should keep university free."
   • "I feel the government should keep university free."

2. Moderate Expressions

   • "In my opinion, we should accept their offer."
   • "In my view, we should accept their offer."
   • "From my viewpoint, it's time to make a decision."

3. Weak Expressions

   • "I suppose the government should keep university free."
   • "According to me, the Prime Minister should resign."
   • "I guess the government should keep university free."

Tip: Use stronger expressions when you want to assert your opinion confidently, and weaker expressions when you're uncertain or want to soften your stance.

Step 2: Using Commas Correctly

When writing your opinions, punctuation plays an important role. Here’s how to use commas with specific phrases:

• Without Commas:

  • "I think the government should keep university free."

• With Commas:

  • "In my opinion, we should accept their offer."
  • "From my viewpoint, it's time to make a decision."

Always remember to place a comma after expressions like "In my opinion," and "From my viewpoint," when writing.

Step 3: Choosing the Right Expressions

Select expressions that resonate with you. These could be translations of phrases you use in your native language. Here are some suggestions:

• Identify expressions you find comfortable or relatable.
• Practice using them in sentences to ensure you use them correctly.

Common Pitfall to Avoid: Don't mix expressions, such as saying "From my opinion," which is incorrect. Stick to the phrases you choose to avoid confusion.

Step 4: Practicing Your Skills

To enhance your ability to express opinions, practice is key. Here are some ways to improve:

• Engage in conversations where you can share your views.
• Write short essays or reports on topics of interest using the expressions learned.
• Take quizzes or practice exercises available on platforms like engVid for additional reinforcement.

Conclusion

Expressing your opinion in English is an essential skill for effective communication. By understanding the strength of different expressions, using proper punctuation, and selecting phrases that resonate with you, you'll be better equipped to share your views confidently. Start practicing today, and consider exploring additional resources to further enhance your English skills.