Business English:
Expressing Opinions, Agreeing and Disagreeing - Lesson

In my opinion . . .

I think . . .

I prefer . . .

Expressing an Opinion about Taking Action

We could . . .     Maybe we could . . . (softer)

Could we . . .?  (more polite)

I think we should . . .

I don't think we should . . .

Why don't we . . . (more polite if inflected as a question)

How about . . .

Expressing Agreement

Great idea!

I agree.

That's a good idea.

I think so too.

I would go along with that. (positive, but slightly neutral)

I might go along with that. (even more neutral, but slightly positive)

Maybe you are right. (positive, but slightly neutral)

Expressing Disagreement

I'm not sure about that (negative, but slightly neutral)

I don't know, but it seems that . . . (gentle)

I don't think I agree.

I don't agree. (stronger)

I'm afraid I disagree.

I'm sorry, but I don't agree.

I'm not sure that's the best idea.

Yes, but . . .

Just look at what happened to this boden sale. The promo went on for so long people started thinking the lowered prices are the items' actual prices.

* rebate means refunding a portion of money that has already
been paid.     ** jumping ship means leaving