Opinions: Language for Opinions

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Opinions: Language for Opinions:

Asking for an opinion

How do you feel about (the new highway they're building near your home)?
What is your view on (womens' rights)?
What do you think about (Dad's new haircut)?
What do you think of (the new tax bill)?
What's your opinion on (the IMF bailout)?
What's your opinion of (Joe)?
How do you feel about (Dan's promotion)?
What's your view on (women's rights)?
What do you think?
What do you think about (the Asian financial crisis)?
What about (men's rights)?
The (spaghetti) is pretty terrible, isn't it?
What is your reaction to (Clinton's testimony)?
Do you have any opinion on (the new copyright laws)?
What would you say to (going out on Sunday night)?
How would you react to (my asking you to marry you)?

Giving your opinion

As I see it, (life is too short to spend a lot of time worrying).
In my opinion, (they should leave Clinton alone).
Personally, I feel that (that hat is too big).
Personally, I believe that (our children will live in a better world).
It seems to me that (people around here drive a little too fast).
The way I see it, (we shouldn't really worry whether the world is round).
From my point of view, (her actions have been deplorable.).
If you ask me, (he should apologize).
I'd say (we could all do with a little rest).
I'm convinced that (if you persevere you will succeed no matter what the obstacles).
I'm of the opinion that (children should be seen but not heard).
It's my opinion that (the West is a civilization in decline).
I hold the view that (men and women are created equal).
Personally, I consider (Sue's comment to be completely out-of-line).
It's my considered opinion that (he'll make a come-back).
To be quite frank, (you should change the color of your hair).
To be perfectly frank, (you are too tall for me).

Saying you have no opinion

I really couldn't say.
I'm afraid I couldn't say.
I have no strong feelings about X.
Your guess is as good as mine.
I don't know.
It's really not something that I've thought about a great deal.
I really can't say that I have any particular views on the subject.

Avoiding giving an opinion

Do you think so?
I suppose it depends on your point of view.
It's difficult to say.
I'd have to think about it a bit.
I'd rather not say.
I don't know really.
It all depends.
Maybe yes. Maybe no.
Perhaps
Could be.
I really couldn't say.
I'd rather not commit myself right now.
I was worried you'd ask me about that.

Trying to change an opinion

Surely, you don't think that X.
Surely, you don't mean that X.
Another way of looking at it would be X
Do you really think that would be possible?
Yes, but on the other hand.
No, but look at X.
Hold on, X.
Think of it this way, X
Look at it like this, X.
You don't really think X.
Are you kidding?
Seen from a different angle, you might say that X
Looking at it in another light, X
But there are other things to consider. For example, X.
Have you really taken everything into consideration. For instance, X.
Yes, but if you look at the big picture X.
I respect your opinion, however X.
Others might say that X.