X. Conversation

These phrases help to keep the conversation moving:

Why? (In what way? Why do you think so?)

Don't you think, though, that...

I'm not sure what you mean.

Have you got anything to add (to what Nick said)?

Does anybody share Nick's opinion (views)?

Could someone sum up what has been said?

Let's just run through the arguments for and against.

B. CONVERSATIONAL PHRASES

Handling a Dialogue

I say... Honestly... If you ask me... You know what I think...

The point is... Don't you agree that...? Tell you what...

Have you heard about...? Do you happen to know that...?

Have you got any idea...? Someone has told me that...

I hear that... That's what I heard. I'm afraid I don't know much about...

Not that I know of... I wonder if you remember... Have I got it right?

Am I right to believe...? But why should (shouldn't) I? Well I don't (didn't) think...

But how could I? If I were you... I wish I could but... I really couldn't imagine...

What a silly way to talk! I wish you would... I'm really sorry but...

I really feel bad about it. What do you think I should have done?

Reacting to News

Oh, really! Never thought about it. You don't say so! Just (only) fancy!

Indeed? Why! Is that so? Dear me! Who'd have thought of it! Does it strike you as unusual?

I'm surprised. I'm shocked. It's amazing! It's incredible! Looks like that.

I have no idea. Goodness knows.

Discussion. Opinions

I would like to begin the discussion on the subject by... From the point of view of...

Additionally... It has been pointed out that... I'd just like to say...

I think, (suppose, guess, believe, dare say)... Personally I believe (I feel)...

In my opinion (view)... As I see it... The way I see it...

Well, my opinion is that... My view is that... This is my way of looking at it.

I don't think it would... There's one more thing to be noted. Moreover...

What's more... I might as well add that... In addition... On top of that...

Something else I'd like to say is... Talking of... You may be right, but all the same...

If you ask me... I wouldn't say that... Yes, but on the other hand...

There's nothing like... I don't quite see what people find in...

I don't know anything more exciting than... Absolutely marvellous. I like it immensely.

All things considered I must say that... I'd rather not say anything about it.

Generally speaking... It depends.