How to Express Your Opinions in English: Online English Guide

Expressing opinions is one of the most essential communication skills in English. Whether you’re in an online English class, at work, or in daily conversation, being able to share your ideas clearly and politely helps you sound confident and natural. In this guide, you’ll learn useful expressions, sentence patterns, and strategies for giving opinions effectively in English.

Why Expressing Opinions Matters

Being able to express your opinion allows you to participate actively in discussions. It helps you build stronger relationships, exchange ideas, and show your critical thinking skills. For online English learners, this is especially important because teachers often encourage you to speak freely and share your thoughts on various topics.

When you can share your ideas clearly, you also show that you understand English beyond grammar and vocabulary — you understand how people communicate.

Common Phrases to Start Giving Opinions

Here are some of the most common ways to express your opinion naturally in English. You can use these at the start of your sentence to show that you’re sharing your personal view.

Basic Expressions

• I think…

• I believe…

• I feel that…

• In my opinion…

• Personally, I think…

• From my point of view…

• To me…

More Polite or Formal Variations

• It seems to me that…

• As far as I’m concerned…

• I would say that…

• My impression is that…

• I tend to think that…

Example Sentences

• I think learning English online is very convenient.

• Personally, I feel that speaking practice is more useful than grammar drills.

• It seems to me that many learners are afraid of making mistakes.

These expressions sound natural and polite, suitable for any English conversation, especially in online lessons or meetings.

How to Agree or Disagree Politely

Expressing your opinion often involves responding to someone else’s idea. It’s important to show agreement or disagreement in a respectful way.

Agreeing Politely

• I agree with you.

• That’s true.

• I think you’re right.

• I feel the same way.

• That’s a good point.

• Absolutely! / Exactly!

Examples:

• I agree with you that vocabulary practice is essential.

• That’s a good point. Grammar helps us build clearer sentences.

Disagreeing Politely

When you disagree, you don’t want to sound rude or too direct. Use softening phrases like “I’m not sure I agree” or “I see your point, but…”.

• I’m not sure I agree.

• I see your point, but…

• I understand what you mean, but…

• I respect your opinion, but I think…

• That’s interesting, but I feel that…

Examples:

• I see your point, but I think pronunciation is more important than accent.

• I understand what you mean, but I prefer studying in the morning.

Expressing Strong or Mild Opinions

The way you express your opinion can show how confident or strong you feel about it. Learn to adjust your tone depending on the situation.

Strong Opinions

Use these when you’re confident or passionate:

• I’m sure that…

• I’m certain that…

• There’s no doubt that…

• I strongly believe that…

• I’m convinced that…

Example:

• I strongly believe that consistent practice is the key to fluency.

Mild Opinions

Use these when you want to sound less direct or more polite:

• I guess that…

• Maybe…

• Perhaps…

• It might be…

• I’m not sure, but I think…

Example:

• Maybe studying with friends can make learning more fun.

Useful Phrases for Online Discussions

In online English classes or meetings, opinions are often shared in discussions or debates. Here are some phrases that fit those situations.

Starting Your Opinion

• From my experience…

• Based on what I’ve read…

• I’d like to share my thoughts on that…

• Let me explain my point of view…

Building on Someone’s Idea

• That reminds me of…

• I’d like to add something…

• I completely agree, and I’d also like to say that…

• Building on what you said…

Summarizing or Concluding

• So, in short…

• To sum up my opinion…

• Overall, I think…

• That’s why I believe that…

These transition phrases make your speech smoother and more natural in group discussions.

How to Ask for Other People’s Opinions

Conversations are two-way. After giving your opinion, it’s polite to ask what others think. This helps you keep the conversation going.

Asking for Opinions

• What do you think?

• How about you?

• Do you agree?

• What’s your opinion on this?

• Would you say that’s true?

Example:

• I think English movies are great for learning pronunciation. What do you think?

These small expressions make you sound interactive and engaged — a key communication skill in English.

Expressing Opinions with Reasons

To sound more fluent and logical, always support your opinion with reasons, examples, or experiences. Here’s how you can structure your response:

Pattern 1:

I think [opinion] because [reason].
Example: I think online lessons are effective because they offer flexible schedules.

Pattern 2:

In my opinion, [opinion]. For example, [example].
Example: In my opinion, speaking practice is essential. For example, it helps you build confidence when talking to foreigners.

Pattern 3:

Personally, I believe [opinion], and that’s because [reason].
Example: Personally, I believe grammar helps a lot, and that’s because it makes sentences clearer.

These structures show that you can explain your thoughts — not just state them.

Common Mistakes When Giving Opinions

1. Forgetting to Use “I Think”

Beginners sometimes give opinions too directly, like:

“It’s good.”
Instead, say:
“I think it’s good.”
Adding I think makes your opinion sound softer and more natural.

2. Using Only “I Think”

Try to vary your expressions to sound more fluent. Instead of saying I think every time, use I believe, In my opinion, or It seems to me that.

3. Being Too Direct When Disagreeing

Avoid saying You’re wrong or That’s not true.
Instead, use polite alternatives like:

“I see your point, but I think differently.”

4. Not Giving Reasons

Always try to explain why you think something. That makes your opinion sound complete and thoughtful.

Practice Tips for Online Learners

1. Join Discussion-Based Classes – Choose online lessons that include conversation topics.

2. Use Opinion Prompts – Practice questions like “What do you think about…” or “Do you agree with…”

3. Record Yourself – Listen to how you express opinions and improve your tone or fluency.

4. Learn from Movies or Podcasts – Notice how native speakers express their ideas naturally.

5. Don’t Be Afraid of Mistakes – The goal is communication, not perfection.

Example Conversation

Tutor: What do you think about studying English every day?
Student: I think it’s important because it helps build a routine.
Tutor: Some people say it’s tiring. Do you agree?
Student: I understand what they mean, but I feel that even short practice is useful.

This short exchange shows polite and confident opinion sharing — perfect for online lessons.

Summary

Expressing opinions in English helps you sound confident, communicative, and natural. By using phrases like I think, In my opinion, or I see your point, but…, you can share your ideas politely and effectively. Always give reasons for your opinions, vary your expressions, and stay respectful even when you disagree.

The more you practice, the more fluent and natural you’ll sound — both in online English lessons and in real-life conversations.

What are the most natural ways to start an opinion in English?

Common, natural starters include: I think…, I believe…, I feel that…, In my opinion…, From my point of view…, and To me…. For a more careful tone, use It seems to me that… or I would say that…. Varying these frames keeps your speech fluid and helps listeners quickly recognize that you’re sharing a personal viewpoint.

How can I sound polite when I disagree?

Use softening language and acknowledge the other view before stating yours: I see your point, but…, I understand what you mean; however…, That’s interesting; I have a different perspective…. Pair this with reasons: I respect that approach, but I prefer X because…. Politeness comes from tone, pacing, and showing you listened—not just the words you choose.

What’s the best structure for giving an opinion with reasons?

Try a simple three-step pattern: (1) Opinion, (2) Reason, (3) Example. For instance: I think short daily study is effective because it builds routine. For example, 15 minutes of reading every morning keeps me consistent. Another option is PREP: Point → Reason → Example → Point (restated). These formulas make your message clear and persuasive.

How strong should my language be?

Match strength to context. In debates or when you’re confident: I’m sure that…, I’m convinced…, There’s no doubt…. In collaborative or uncertain contexts: It might be…, I guess…, Perhaps…. Overusing strong language can sound inflexible; overusing hedges can sound unsure. Aim for balance based on purpose and audience.

What phrases help me build on someone else’s idea?

Use bridge phrases: Building on what you said…, I’d like to add…, That reminds me of…, I completely agree, and another point is…. These signals show cooperation and help the discussion progress. They’re especially useful in online classes and meetings where turn-taking is crucial and interruptions can be confusing.

How do I invite others to share their opinions?

Keep it short and open: What do you think?, How about you?, Do you agree?, What’s your perspective on this? After sharing your view, add a tag question: …don’t you think? or use an open prompt: I’m curious how you’d approach this. This encourages dialogue and shows you value input.

What are common mistakes when expressing opinions?

Four frequent issues: (1) Stating facts as if they’re universal truths instead of personal views—add I think. (2) Using only one opener—vary it. (3) Disagreeing too directly—avoid You’re wrong. (4) Giving no support—always include a reason or example. Fixing these small points makes your opinions clearer and more respectful.

How can I sound more natural in online classes?

Use conversation-friendly transitions: From my experience…, To be honest…, As far as I’m concerned…. Keep responses focused (20–40 seconds), then ask a question to re-engage the class: Does that make sense?, Would you agree? In group calls, reference names: I agree with Maria, and I’d add… This shows active participation.

What should I do if I need time to think?

Use natural filler frames that buy time without sounding unprepared: That’s a good question—let me think for a moment., Off the top of my head…, If I had to choose…. Then deliver a simple PREP-style answer. Silence is fine, but brief signposting helps listeners follow your thought process.

How can I make my opinions more persuasive?

Combine clarity with evidence. (1) Lead with a single, specific point. (2) Give a reason grounded in experience, data, or principle. (3) Add a short example or comparison. (4) Anticipate a counterpoint: Some might say X, but…. Finish with a concise takeaway: So, for that reason, I’d choose…. Persuasion favors structure over length.

Which vocabulary helps show nuance and balance?

Use contrast and limitation: while, although, whereas, to some extent, on the one hand / on the other hand. Qualifiers such as generally, mostly, in many cases, often avoid overstatement. These words make your opinion realistic and reduce pushback because you’ve already shown balance.

How do I disagree without blocking the conversation?

Start with common ground, then pivot: I agree that consistency matters; however, I’d prioritize quality over time spent because…. Offer an alternative, not just a criticism: Instead of daily tests, maybe short weekly reviews would…. Ending with an open question—What would be a good compromise?—keeps the discussion collaborative.

What are good practice activities for opinion skills?

(1) Record 60-second responses to prompts like Should homework be optional? (2) Do PREP drills: write one opinion, one reason, one example, and a restatement. (3) Shadow short podcast clips to internalize phrasing. (4) In class, volunteer first once per session. Consistent, low-stakes practice quickly improves confidence and fluency.

Can I use idioms when sharing opinions?

Yes, but sparingly. Clear language beats heavy idioms, especially in international settings. If you use idioms, choose widely understood ones—at the end of the day, the bottom line is, from my perspective. When unsure, favor straightforward phrasing so your core message isn’t lost.

What’s a concise template I can memorize?

Try this: In my opinion, [point]. I think this because [reason]. For example, [example]. So, overall, I would [recommend/conclude]… It’s short, adaptable, and works in interviews, classes, and meetings. With practice, you’ll vary the language while keeping the same logical flow.

Online English Learning Guide: Master English Anytime, Anywhere