How to give your opinion in English
I loved it because the food was amazing.
“I liked it very much because the food was very good.”
When: Saying what you thought of a place, a meal or a movie
The moment
You're at a taco truck in Queens with a new friend, talking about restaurants, neighborhoods and movies you've tried. Share what you loved or didn't, say why, and agree or disagree without starting a fight.
A2 · Unit 4 · Small talk & stories
The lines
Opinion plus a reason
Give your opinion, then say why with 'because': 'I loved it because the food was amazing.' Change the ending: 'because it was so cheap', 'because the view was beautiful'. A reason makes your opinion interesting.
I loved it because the food was amazing.
“I liked it very much because the food was very good.”
When to use it: Saying what you thought of a place, a meal or a movie
What you’ll hear back: Oh yeah? I've gotta try it. (Really? I need to try it.)
Disagreeing softly
Americans often disagree in a soft way. Start with 'I see what you mean, but...' and then give your idea: 'I see what you mean, but it wasn't really my thing.' It sounds kind, not rude.
I see what you mean, but it wasn't really my thing.
“I understand you, but I did not really like it.”
When to use it: When your friend liked something and you didn't
What you’ll hear back: Fair enough! (OK, that's a good point.)
Words for this scene
| Word or phrase | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| It was kind of overrated. | ih-wuz KAI-nuh OH-ver-ray-did | People say it's great, but I think it's not so good. |
Everyone loves that bagel place, but honestly it was kind of overrated. Everyone loves that bagel shop, but I didn't think it was so special. Tip: New Yorkers love arguing about the 'best' pizza and bagels. | ||
| Totally! | TOH-duh-lee | Yes, I agree 100%. |
That movie was way too long. / Totally! That movie was too long. / Yes, I agree! Tip: Quick, friendly agreement; very common in casual American talk. | ||
| I'm not a big fan of... | aim NAH-duh big FAN uv | I don't like it very much. |
I'm not a big fan of spicy food, so I got the mild one. I don't really like spicy food, so I got the not-spicy one. Tip: Softer than 'I hate it'; Americans prefer this polite version. | ||
Your objective
Say what you thought of a place or a film and why, then disagree politely with one thing they say.
- your opinion
- a reason
- a polite disagreement
Lines that get it done
- I loved it because the food was amazing.
- I see what you mean, but it wasn't really my thing.
In the live scene the objective stays on screen, and the Replay afterwards says whether you got it done.
Check yourself
1. You want to say you loved a restaurant and give the reason. Which sentence is best?
- I loved it because the food was amazing.
- I loved it so the food was amazing.
- I love it because the food is amazing yesterday.
- I loved it but the food was amazing.
Show the answer
I loved it because the food was amazing.
'Because' introduces the reason. You went in the past, so 'loved' and 'was' are correct.
2. Your friend loved a movie, but you didn't. What is a friendly way to disagree?
- I see what you mean, but it wasn't really my thing.
- No, you're wrong. That movie was bad.
- I see what you mean, so it was really my thing.
- It wasn't my thing because I see what you mean.
Show the answer
I see what you mean, but it wasn't really my thing.
'I see what you mean, but...' shows respect first, then gives your different opinion softly.
3. Your friend says, 'That rooftop bar is kind of overrated.' What do they think?
- It's popular, but it's not as good as people say.
- It's the best bar in the city.
- It's too high up and scary.
- It's very cheap and nobody knows about it.
Show the answer
It's popular, but it's not as good as people say.
'Overrated' means people rate it too high. Your friend thinks it's just OK.