Opening a discussion To begin with, We need to discuss . . . determine find out Let's start by (V ing) We'll start by (V ing) The problem here is . . . issue question The important thing (here) is . . . The main thing we need to discuss is . . . Let'...
There are five kinds of . . . There are two types of . . . There are three categories of . . . We can divide (this) into three parts: 1) 2) 3) This can be broken down into four sections. They are: A) B) C) D)...
On the other hand, However, Yes, but . . . You may be right, but . . . I may be wrong, but . . . Correct me if I'm wrong, but . . . On the contrary, (Be careful with this one!) It appears to be a direct negation of what was just stated, but it can ac...
Asking for input What do you think (about . . . )? How do you feel (about . . . )? Any ideas? What are the alternatives? Exploring Options Let's look at Option 1. What (do you think) about Plan B? How about the third alternative? Let's consider Bob's...
Giving your opinion I think that . . . I don't think that . . . In my opinion . . . Asking for support or details Why do you think that? Could you elaborate? Could you give (me) an example? Can you illustrate that? What evidence do you have? Could yo...
Tag questions are used when seeking confirmation of what one believes to be true. They restate, in question form, the previously spoken sentence. For example, He is an engineer. Isn't he? (Positive statement, negative tag) They're not from Colorado....
Sentences: It is . . . This is something . . . It's something that you . . . You can (verb) it. You can (verb) with it. You can use it to (verb). It is used for V + ing. You need it for V + ing. You need/use it when . . . If you want/need to (verb),...
Accepting and refusing politely may depend on what you are asked. For example Would you like some cake? Yes, please. No, thank you Sure. Thanks I'd better not. Okay. Thank you No, but thanks for offering. Would you like to go see a movie? Okay. Sound...
Bringing up a sensitive topic Can I talk to you for a minute? Can I ask you something? Do you mind if I ask you something? I need to talk to you for a minute. I have to tell you something. There's something I need to tell you. There's something I thi...
What would you do if . . . Suppose . . . Imagine . . . Present Hypothetical If I were rich, I would buy a bigger house. If I had a bigger house, I would invite my friends over. Past Hypothetical If Jack had been there, he could have prevented the inc...
