Expressing Opinions

used to introduce an explanation or a reason for something; often a way of clarifying a situation

The thing is, my parents like me to be home by ten o'clock.

used before a comment or opinion to indicate that the speaker is sharing it, even though they may not be sure of its value or significance

I'm not an expert on the matter, but for what it's worth, I think you should consult a professional.

to refuse to change one's opinions, behaviors, habits, etc.

Despite the advancements in technology, my grandfather remains set in his ways and prefers to stick to his traditional methods.

to adopt a different opinion or point of view, particularly a contradictory one

I'm not afraid to speak my mind, even if it means ruffling some feathers.

to have a negative or unfavorable opinion or perception of that person

The manager's constant criticism made the employees think poorly of him.

to think that something is normal, easy, unimportant, etc., particularly while others think it to be wrong, strange, difficult, important, etc.

As a seasoned athlete, I think nothing of running a marathon.

to think in a creative way in order to come up with original solutions

The team always thinks outside the box to come up with unique advertisements for all its clients.

in a way that makes someone look bad or incapable

The company's unethical practices were exposed, putting them in a bad light in the eyes of consumers.

used to advise someone to trust one's judgment or experience concerning a particular matter

Take it from me, learning to code is not as difficult as it seems.With dedication and practice, anyone can master it.

a belief that is strong, yet without any explainable reason

I had a gut feeling that the job interview was going well, and I was right.

used before advising someone or giving them a warning

A word to the wise: always check the expiration date before consuming food or medication.

(of a feeling, problem, or belief) to be really strong or troublesome due to having existed for a long time

The scars of war run deep in the hearts of the survivors, who still bear the physical and emotional wounds of conflict.

saying what is in one's mind in a very forceful yet honest manner

The manager gave his employees straight from the shoulder feedback, praising their strengths and identifying areas for improvement.

used when one is about to say something that is only based on information they have

To my knowledge, there have been no reported cases of food poisoning from this restaurant.

to change one's opinion, attitude, or way of speaking, usually to something very different from before

He bragged that the test was easy, but when he saw his grade he changed his tune.

to have an understanding of how one is viewed or valued by another person

After the candid conversation with the supervisor, Sarah knew exactly where she stood in terms of her performance and potential for advancement.

to have a very negative opinion about someone or something and to be unable to say anything positive or complimentary about them

The disappointed customer returned the product, saying they had not a good word to say for it, and demanded a full refund.