Useful Discussion Phrases in English for B2 and C1 Learners

Learning useful discussion phrases in English will help you speak more naturally, politely and confidently in conversations, meetings, classroom debates and Cambridge speaking exams.

Many English learners know how to say I think or I agree, but real discussions require more than that. You may need to start a conversation, ask for someone’s opinion, add a point, interrupt politely, clarify an idea, agree briefly, disagree diplomatically or bring the discussion to a conclusion.

In this lesson, you will learn useful discussion phrases in English for:

• starting a discussion
• asking for opinions
• giving your opinion
• adding ideas
• agreeing and disagreeing briefly
• interrupting politely
• asking for clarification
• moving the discussion forward
• summarising the main point

These expressions are especially useful for B2 First, C1 Advanced, IELTS, business English and everyday conversations.

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Why Discussion Phrases in English are Useful

A good discussion is not only about having ideas. It is also about how you organise those ideas and respond to other people.

In English, especially in formal or exam situations, it is important to sound polite and cooperative. Instead of dominating the conversation or giving one-word answers, you should show that you can listen, respond and keep the discussion moving.

Compare these examples:

Basic:

• I think online learning is good.

Better:

• From my point of view, online learning can be very useful, especially for adults who need flexibility. What do you think?

The second example is stronger because it gives an opinion and invites another person to speak.

Starting a Discussion

Use these phrases when you want to begin a discussion or introduce the first topic.

Shall we start with…?

• Shall we start with the advantages of online learning?

Let’s begin by talking about…

• Let’s begin by talking about why people choose to study abroad.

The first thing we should discuss is…

• The first thing we should discuss is the cost of the project.

Perhaps we could start by looking at…

• Perhaps we could start by looking at the most important problem.

To begin with, I think we should consider…

• To begin with, I think we should consider the needs of younger students.

These phrases are very useful in speaking exams because they help you start confidently instead of waiting awkwardly. Silence may be golden, but not in a speaking exam.

Asking for Someone’s Opinion

A good discussion should not sound like a speech. You need to invite other people to share their views too.

What do you think about…?

• What do you think about using tablets in schools?

How do you feel about…?

• How do you feel about working from home?

What’s your view on…?

• What’s your view on banning cars from city centres?

Would you agree that…?

• Would you agree that social media has changed the way we communicate?

Do you think that…?

• Do you think that exams put too much pressure on students?

How about you?

• I think the first option is more practical. How about you?

These expressions help you sound cooperative and natural. They are especially useful in B2 First and C1 Advanced speaking tasks where you need to interact with another candidate.

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Giving Your Opinion in a Discussion

When you give your opinion, try to be clear but not too aggressive.

I think…

• I think this solution would be easier to organise.

In my opinion…

• In my opinion, public transport should be more affordable.

From my point of view…

• From my point of view, both options have advantages.

It seems to me that…

• It seems to me that the second idea is more realistic.

The way I see it…

• The way I see it, we need to focus on the long-term benefits.

Personally, I would say that…

• Personally, I would say that face-to-face lessons are still important.

For more detailed phrases, you can also read my lesson on how to express your opinion in English.

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Adding a Point to the Discussion

Sometimes you want to add another idea or support what someone has already said.

I’d like to add that…

• I’d like to add that this problem affects older people as well.

Another point worth mentioning is…

• Another point worth mentioning is the cost of transport.

It is also worth considering…

• It is also worth considering how this would affect families.

On top of that…

• On top of that, many students do not have a quiet place to study.

Not only that, but…

• Not only that, but it could also save a lot of time.

I’d also like to point out that…

• I’d also like to point out that this solution may not work for everyone.

These phrases help your ideas flow more naturally and make your answer sound better organised.

Agreeing Briefly in a Discussion

This post is mainly about discussion phrases, but you will often need to agree briefly before moving the conversation forward.

I agree.

• I agree. That would probably be the most practical solution.

That’s a good point.

• That’s a good point. We should also think about the cost.

I see what you mean.

• I see what you mean. Some students do need more support.

I think you’re right.

• I think you’re right. The first option is more realistic.

I feel the same way.

• I feel the same way. Motivation is extremely important.

For more phrases, read my full lesson on better ways to agree and disagree in English.

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Disagreeing Politely in a Discussion

In English, it is usually better to disagree politely, especially in exams, meetings and formal conversations.

I see your point, but…

• I see your point, but I think the second option would be cheaper.

I’m not sure I completely agree.

• I’m not sure I completely agree. Some people may find online learning difficult.

That may be true, but…

• That may be true, but we should also consider the disadvantages.

I understand what you mean, but…

• I understand what you mean, but I think there is another way to look at it.

I’d look at it slightly differently.

• I’d look at it slightly differently. The main issue is not the price, but the quality.

These expressions help you sound respectful, even when you have a different opinion.

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Interrupting Politely

Sometimes you need to enter a conversation while another person is speaking. The key is to do it politely.

Sorry to interrupt, but…

• Sorry to interrupt, but may I add something here?

Can I just say something?

• Can I just say something before we move on?

Could I add something quickly?

• Could I add something quickly about the second option?

I’d like to add something, if I may.

• I’d like to add something, if I may. This point is quite important.

Before you continue, can I just clarify something?

• Before you continue, can I just clarify something about the figures?

These phrases are useful in meetings and speaking exams. They help you join the conversation without sounding rude.

Asking for Clarification

If you do not understand something, do not panic. Asking for clarification is a normal part of a good discussion.

What do you mean by…?

• What do you mean by “flexible working hours”?

Could you explain that a little more?

• Could you explain that a little more? I’m not sure I follow.

Sorry, could you repeat that?

• Sorry, could you repeat that? I didn’t catch the last part.

Do you mean that…?

• Do you mean that students should have fewer exams?

Could you give an example?

• Could you give an example of what you mean?

These phrases are very useful because they show that you are listening carefully.

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Bringing Someone Else into the Discussion

In group discussions, it is polite to include other people.

What do you think, Mark?

• What do you think, Mark? Do you agree with this idea?

Would you like to add anything?

• Would you like to add anything before we choose the best option?

Do you have a different view?

• Do you have a different view on this?

How do you see it?

• How do you see it? Which option would you choose?

We haven’t heard from you yet.

• We haven’t heard from you yet. What do you think?

These expressions are excellent for speaking exams because they show interaction, not just individual speaking.

Moving the Discussion Forward

Sometimes a discussion gets stuck. These phrases help you move to the next point.

Shall we move on to…?

• Shall we move on to the next option?

Let’s look at another point.

• Let’s look at another point before we decide.

Perhaps we should consider…

• Perhaps we should consider the disadvantages as well.

We also need to think about…

• We also need to think about how much time this would take.

Let’s not forget…

• Let’s not forget that some people may not have internet access.

These phrases help keep the discussion organised and focused.

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Reaching a Decision

In many speaking tasks and meetings, you need to come to a decision.

So, which option do we think is best?

• So, which option do we think is best for students?

Shall we agree on…?

• Shall we agree on the second option?

It seems that we both agree that…

• It seems that we both agree that education is the most important factor.

I think we’ve decided that…

• I think we’ve decided that the first idea is more practical.

Overall, we seem to agree that…

• Overall, we seem to agree that public transport should be improved.

These phrases are particularly useful in B2 First Speaking Part 3 and C1 Advanced collaborative tasks.

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Summarising a Discussion

At the end of a discussion, it is useful to summarise the main idea.

To sum up…

• To sum up, we believe that online learning is useful, but it is not suitable for everyone.

Overall…

• Overall, the second option seems more realistic.

All things considered…

• All things considered, we think the benefits outweigh the disadvantages.

The main point is that…

• The main point is that students need more practical support.

In conclusion…

Example:

• In conclusion, both ideas are useful, but the first one would be easier to organise.

A clear summary makes your discussion sound complete and well organised.

Useful Discussion Phrases for B2 First and C1 Advanced

Here is a short list of useful phrases you can use in Cambridge speaking exams:

• Shall we start with this idea?
• What do you think about this option?
• I see your point, but…
• That’s a good point.
• I’d like to add something here.
• Could you explain what you mean?
• Shall we move on to the next point?
• We also need to consider…
• Which option do you think is better?
• Overall, I think we agree that…

Try not to memorise long speeches. Instead, learn short flexible phrases that you can use naturally.

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Mini Dialogue

A: Shall we start with the idea of working from home?

B: Yes, that sounds good. From my point of view, it gives people more flexibility.

A: I see your point, but I think some people find it harder to concentrate at home.

B: That’s a good point. We also need to consider communication between colleagues.

A: Exactly. Shall we move on to the next option?

B: Yes. Overall, I think the best solution would be a mixture of office work and remote work.

This dialogue shows how discussion phrases help speakers cooperate, respond and move the conversation forward.

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Common Mistakes in English Discussions

1. Only saying “I think”

Try to use a variety of phrases.

Basic:

• I think this is good. I think it helps people. I think it is useful.

Better:

• In my opinion, this is useful because it gives people more choice. It is also worth considering the long-term benefits.

2. Not asking the other person anything

A discussion should include interaction.

Better:

• What do you think?
• How do you see it?
• Would you agree with that?

3. Interrupting too directly

Avoid saying:

• Wait. I want to speak.

Say:

• Sorry to interrupt, but can I add something here?

4. Disagreeing too strongly

Avoid saying:

• You’re wrong.

Say:

• I see your point, but I’m not sure I completely agree.

5. Forgetting to summarise

In exams and meetings, try to end clearly.

Better:

• Overall, we seem to agree that the second option is more practical.

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Discussion Phrases in English: Practice Exercise

Complete the sentences with a suitable discussion phrase.

1. __________ we start with the first option?
2. What do you __________ about this idea?
3. I see your point, __________ I think we should consider the cost.
4. Sorry to __________, but may I add something?
5. Could you __________ what you mean by that?
6. Shall we move __________ to the next point?
7. Overall, we seem to __________ that the first option is better.
8. It is also worth __________ the disadvantages.

Answer Key

1. Shall
2. think
3. but
4. interrupt
5. explain
6. on
7. agree
8. considering

Final Thoughts

Learning useful discussion phrases in English will help you take part in conversations more confidently and naturally. You will be able to start a discussion, ask for opinions, add ideas, interrupt politely, disagree respectfully and reach a conclusion.

These phrases are especially useful for B2 and C1 learners because they show interaction, politeness and clear organisation. In a good discussion, you do not simply speak — you listen, respond and help the conversation move forward.

So next time you take part in a discussion, do not rely only on I think or I agree. Use a wider range of natural phrases and you will sound much more fluent, confident and professional.

Related posts:

Vocabulary for Debates and Discussions

B2 First Speaking 

C1 Advanced Speaking

Linking Words for Opinion Essays 

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