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Transcript:

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently. Speaking English is way easier than it seems! You just have to use the right material and techniques.

Do you often find yourself saying “I think” in a conversation? Well, today I’ll teach you some new expressions that will enrich your English vocabulary and make you sound smarter.   

Remember! You can get the transcript of this episode at speakenglishpodcast.com.

Ok. Let’s get started!

Hey, everybody! I’m back with a new episode. Unfortunately, I couldn’t record a new episode last week because I had a cold. So, how are you? I hope you’re okay. Leave some comments on Facebook, on my YouTube channel, or on my website to let me know how you’re doing.

Let’s start with today’s topic.

When we learn a new language, and we don’t yet master much vocabulary, so we tend to repeat the same expressions over and over again. 

And even if people understand what you say, if you want to sound more like a native speaker, you need to expand your English vocabulary.

For example, as an English teacher, I have noticed that some English students tend to abuse the phrase “I think”. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing terrible about starting a conversation like that, but it’s always better to learn new expressions.

So, instead of repeating, “I think,” just give your opinion and say: “In my opinion.”

For example:
1)”In my opinion, you should stop memorizing grammar rules and listen to easy English audios.”

“Tom likes you too much, in my opinion.”
As you can see, we can either place the expression at the beginning of a sentence or at the end.

Another way to start a conversation is by using the expression “If you ask me.“

2) “If you ask me

Don’t take this sentence literally. You can use this expression even though no one’s asked you your opinion. It’s just another way of saying what you think without using the word “think.”

Example:
“If you ask me, he doesn’t seem like a reliable worker.”
“She’s just a bit crazy if you ask me.”

 3) Instead of saying, “I think,” just say, “The way I see it.”

As you probably guessed, we don’t use this expression literally. It has nothing to do with someone’s ability to see something. We use it to give our opinion.

 Example:
“The way I see it, you should get a job as soon as possible.”
“It’s the best thing that could ever happen to you, the way I see it.” 

 4) Another great expression would be, “As far as I can see / As far as I’m concerned.”

 

Example:
“As far as I can see, he has done nothing wrong yet.”
“That’s your own problem, as far as I can see.”
“He can leave anywhere he wants as far as I’m concerned.”

5) And if you want to be really honest about something, start your sentence by saying: “I honestly believe.”

Examples:
“I honestly believe that she’s not the right candidate for this position.”
 “I honestly believe the worst is over.”
“Do you honestly believe he’s gonna quit his job?”

[END of EXTRACT]

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