English Expression (GaP Filler, Opinion,Advice) Part I

G A P   F I L L E R S

For oral use only:

-          I mean....

-          You see....

-          Well, let me see...

-          Look!

-          Listen!

-          If you see what I mean!

-          Do you see what I mean?

-          Let’s get this into perspective. 

-          Watch it! 

-          Picture this. 

-          Look here! 

-          All right!

-          Is that clear enough?

O P I N I O N

Asking for Opinion

• I was wondering where you stood on the question of immigration?
• What's your position on global warming?
• What's your opinion of the project?
• What do you think of love?
• How do you feel about building a space prison for dangerous criminals?

Giving Opinion

• In my opinion the consequences of global warming will be fatal.
• As far as I'm concerned love is the noblest feeling.
• From my point of view, poverty could be fought with solidarity.
• As I see it, our planet is dying.
• I think / reckon / presume / gather it will get worse with time.
• In my view immigration is caused by unemployment.
• It would seem to me that technologies will control us sooner or later.
• It seems to me that democracy is the solution for developing countries.
• I feel the world is getting wilder than ever before.
• I believe politics should be more human...
• I figure that we are doomed to protect our planet before it is too late.
• To my mind cloning should be restricted.
• According to me Euthanasia should be banned.
• What I think / mean / believe is that developed countries are selfish.
• I mean that they don't try to help poor countries.
• I may venture that they are extremely sadist.
• As for me they like to be at top of the world.
• For my part people in rich countries are nicer than their leaders.
• I'd say that mankind is in great danger because of politicians.

Agreeing with an opinion

• My view about this is positive.
• I agree with this idea.
• I agree completely with this idea.
• I can't agree more.
• I agree.
• This idea is absolutely right.
• I couldn't agree more on this.
• I think this idea is perfect.

Partial agreement or polite disagreement

• I agree partially with this idea.
• This idea is partially right.
• I see what you mean, but some developed countries are helpful.
• That's one way of looking at it, but we should avoid over generalisation.
• I see your point, but technology is not autonomous.
• I agree with you, but developing countries should stop wars.
• I think this idea is possible, but rich countries bear some responsibility in those wars.
• I'm not sure you're right there.
• I'm not sure that I agree with this idea.
• The project is feasible, but it needs some more efforts.

Disagreeing with an opinion

• I think it is a bad idea.
• I'm afraid I can't agree with this idea.
• I'm afraid I entirely disagree with you.
• I think this idea is impossible.
• I guess this idea is impractical.
• I see that this idea is bad.
• I think it is a bad idea.
• I don't agree with this idea.
• I suppose this idea cannot be implemented.

A D V I C E

   

Random Examples

• If I were you, I wouldn’t buy this old computer.
• Why don't you stay at home and watch TV?
• You'd better go to bed early.
• You ought to revise your lessons regularly.
• If you take my advice, you'll tell your parents the truth.
• You should drive slowly in town.
• It might be a good idea to put on your coat. It's cold outside.
• You should consider taking the keys before you leave.
• I advise you to do the quiz again and again.

Declining to give advice

• I don't know what to advise, I'm afraid.
• I wish I could suggest something, but I can't.
• I wish I could help.
• I'm afraid I can't really help you. I have the same problem myself.