Theo goes Model UN
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1. to order a sequence of arguments
firstly - secondly - finally
to begin/start with - next - lastly
first of all - and also
let me begin by pointing out - and besides
in addition to this
furthermore / moreover
Essentially, the problem is ...
to top it all
basically
besides
above all
what is more
2. to express one's personal opinion
In my opinion / view …
To my mind …
It seems to me that … (> tentative)
I feel / think / believe that … (> neutral)
I have the feeling / the impression that …
As I see it, …
I rather think that …
I am sure that …
I am convinced that …(> strong)
certainly / surely / possibly
3. to state something as a fact
There can be no doubt that …
It is a fact that …
Everyone knows that …
indeed / actually
4. to be evasive (ausweichend)
I'm afraid I can't give you a definitive answer at present.
Sorry to sound evasive, but there is no straightforward answer to that.
I'd need more information to answer your question.
5. to express and qualify one's argument
That is a very important point.
I couldn't agree more.
That seems reasonable.
admittedly / admitting this
This can only / not be accepted if / on condition that / in case / unless …
6. complete agreement (völlige Zustimmung)
I agree.
I agree completely / entirely.
I think you're quite right.
I think so, too.
I don't think so, either.
That's exactly what I think.
That's just what I was thinking.
Yes, definitively.
That's right.
7. qualified agreement (zurückhaltende Zustimmung )
maybe / perhaps (not)
I see your point.
That seems reasonable.
To a certain degree …
Yes, up to a point …
8. to express one's disagreement or doubt
I don't quite agree here.
I cannot accept your view that …
I cannot share this view.
9. qualified or polite disagreement
That seems obvious.
Do you really think so?
I wouldn't say so.
I don't know.
I'm not quite so sure.
although
nevertheless / still
even so
yet
however
Debating – Useful Expressions
Theo goes Model UN
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10. definite disagreement
I don't think so.
I don't agree with you.
I can't agree, I'm afraid.
That's not how I see it.
I disagree (completely).
I don't agree at all.
11. to discuss the pros and cons
on the one hand - on the other hand
There are two sides to this question: …
An argument for this would be …
- Others against it are …
Some people think … - Others say …
however
yet
but
12. to summarize one's arguments
To conclude…
In conclusion…
It follows from this that…
To sum up…
so
therefore
13. making suggestions and recommendations
I'd like to hear your ideas on this. It might be a good idea to …
Any suggestions? I think we should …
Do any of you have any suggestions? Have you thought of ... +gerund / noun
What do you recommend / suggest? I see no alternative but to …
14. to give reasons
The reason for this is that …
There is no reason why …
because
since
as
15. to interrupt someone
If I could just make a point here.
Sorry to interrupt, but I'd just like to say that …
Could I make a suggestion?
16. to give in gracefully
I suppose you're right somehow.
There's something in what you say, I guess.
I guess you are right.
It's just that I was thinking of.
17. to apologize
I am terribly / awfully / very / really sorry that …
I sincerely apologize for (not) … +gerund / noun
I greatly / deeply regret …
I do / must / would like to / wish to / sincerely apologize for … +gerund / noun
I hope you will excuse /forgive me for (not) … +gerund / noun
Please, accept my apologies.
Note:
Never say or write "I beg your pardon" if you want to apologize for something, the meaning of this
expression being that you haven't understood and would like the other person to repeat.
Excuse me!" is not so much a true apology as a polite remark enabling you to make a request or
cover up a slight disturbance.
"Sorry" is a true apology, i.e. when stepping on someone's foot.