International Programmes
Insessional Support & Language Development (ISLD)
ISLD: Speaking Skills.
At university, you are expected to contribute actively to discussions and seminars. However, sometimes it
might feel difficult to find the right words to start. Here are some phrases that could be helpful.
Solving communication problems
(Sorry,) Could you repeat that, please?
(Sorry,) Could you say that more slowly, please?
Do you mean …? (e.g. ‘When you say ‘the main paragraph’, do you mean paragraph two?’)
(Sorry,) I’m not sure I’ve completely understood the question.
Sorry, this is a bad connection: I didn’t catch that. (‘Could you say it again, please?’)
(If it’s really difficult to hear, ask: ‘Could you spell that for me, please?’)
Could you explain that to me, please?
Could you show me...? (e.g. 'Could you show me how to do that, please?')
(Sorry), I think I’ve lost my place. (Which part are we looking at?)
(Sorry), I think I missed that. (Could you say that again, please?)
Giving your opinion neutrally
I think…
I feel that… / I believe that…
As I see it…
I tend to think that…
(I think) It would be better if...
The best / most practical / most effective solution could be...
I (don't) think .... would work (because...)
Giving your opinion strongly
I'm absolutely convinced that…
I strongly believe that…
I have no doubt that…
I’m opposed to… / I’m (completely) against… (e.g. ‘I’m opposed to / I’m completely against paying
to visit art galleries and museums.’)
Asking someone's opinion
What do you think?
What's your view?
How do you see the situation?
Agreeing
I think you're right.
I agree with you.
Yes, that’s true.
Agreeing strongly
I completely agree! / I totally agree. / I couldn’t agree more!
Absolutely! / You're absolutely right.
International Programmes
Insessional Support & Language Development (ISLD)
Agreeing (partly!)
I agree with you up to a point, but…
That's quite true, but…
I agree with you in principle, but…
Conceding
Yes, I can see that
Fair enough…
I hadn’t considered that.
(That’s a) good point.
Being unsure
I’m not sure what I think about this, because …
I think this is a very difficult issue, because …
Disagreeing politely
(I'm afraid) I don't agree.
I’m not sure I agree (with that).
That’s true, but…
That’s a valid point, but…
Yes, but we also need to consider … (e.g. ‘Yes, but we also need to consider the fact that some
people don’t use email or smartphones.’)
I understand what you’re saying, but…
(I'm afraid) I (totally) disagree.
(I'm afraid) I can't agree (with that).
Note: When you disagree in English, you can sound more polite by starting with ‘I'm afraid…’
Expressing a controversial opinion
Some people might say that…
It’s been suggested that…
I don’t personally agree with this, but (it has been suggested that…) (e.g. ‘I don’t personally agree
with this, but it has been suggested that using smartphones on trains and buses should be
banned.’)
Interrupting politely
May I add something (at this point) …?
Sorry… may I come in here?
Can I just ask a (quick) question here?
You don't understand the words
Sorry?
Sorry – I don’t know that word.
What does "Insessional support" mean?
International Programmes
Insessional Support & Language Development (ISLD)
You’d like to challenge something you’ve heard:
One question. You said ……… Could you explain why?
Can I ask a question? Thanks. You said ……… I’m not sure how that fits in with [contrary
evidence/research/view]. (e.g. ‘You said that students prefer to work alone. I’m not sure how that fits
in with Jones’ 2021 research…’)
You don't understand the idea
(Sorry,) I’m not with you.
(Sorry,) I don’t follow.
(Sorry,) I’m not sure what you mean.
Asking for selective repetition
Could you say the last bit again?
Could you say the first bit again?
Could you say the bit about ‘management training’ again?
You mentioned ‘management training’: could I ask… (ask your question) (e.g. ‘You mentioned
‘management training’: could I ask if that includes health and safety training?’)
Summarising / checking your understanding
So, you mean ...?
So, you’re saying that ...? (e.g. ‘So, you’re saying that working from home is easier than commuting?’)
So, you think …?
Checking that they understand you
Are you with me?
Do you see what I mean?
Reacting and observing
In my experience…
From what I’ve read…
I’ve noticed that…
What surprises / surprised me (the most) is / was…
In reality / In practice… (it isn’t as simple as that). (e.g. ‘You suggested that cigarette manufacturing
should be banned. In practice, it isn’t as simple as that. Lots of people work in that industry…’)
It’s interesting that…
We can’t assume that…
That might not be true for everyone.
We shouldn’t take that at face value. (e.g. ‘This text claims that people don’t like shopping in city
centres any more. We shouldn’t take that at face value. We need more details, because that claim
could be misleading.’)
Charlie Martineau 1993, 2010
