Speaking: Functional Language B1 - Lesson 3: Expressing Opinions, Hopes & Regrets 🤔💭🙏😟
Objective: To learn and practice common English phrases for expressing personal opinions, hopes for the future, and regrets about the past.
- Review and expand on phrases for giving opinions.
- Learn how to express hopes and wishes.
- Learn how to talk about regrets and things you wish had been different.
- Practice using these functional phrases in various conversational contexts.
Sharing our thoughts, dreams for the future, and reflections on the past are all important parts of human connection. This lesson will help you express your opinions clearly, talk about your hopes and aspirations, and discuss regrets in a natural and appropriate way in English.
Phrases for Expressing Opinions (Review & Expansion)
Clearly stating what you think:
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In my opinion,... / I think... / I believe... / I feel...
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It seems to me that... (Slightly more tentative)
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As far as I'm concerned,... (Emphasizing your personal viewpoint)
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If you ask me,... (Informal way to offer an opinion)
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I'd say that... (A softer way to state an opinion)
Phrases for Expressing Hopes
When you want to talk about what you wish for the future:
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I hope (that)... (e.g., ...it doesn't rain tomorrow.)
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I'm hoping to [verb]... / I'm hoping for [noun]...
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Hopefully,... (e.g., ...we can meet up soon.)
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I wish [someone] would [verb]... (Expressing a hope for someone else's action)
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I'm looking forward to [verb-ing / noun]... (Expressing hopeful anticipation)
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With any luck,... (Expressing hope that something good will happen)
Phrases for Expressing Regrets
When you feel sorry about something that happened or didn't happen in the past:
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I regret [verb-ing / noun]... (e.g., ...not studying harder.)
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I wish I had [past participle]... (For things you didn't do but wanted to)
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I wish I hadn't [past participle]... (For things you did but wish you hadn't)
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If only I had [past participle]... (Stronger regret)
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I should have [past participle]... (Recognizing a past mistake or missed opportunity)
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I shouldn't have [past participle]...
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It's a pity that... / What a shame that... (Expressing disappointment or regret about a situation)
Practice Dialogues
Read these dialogues. Notice how the speakers express opinions, hopes, and regrets. Practice with a partner.
Dialogue 1: Talking about future plans and past experiences
Sokha: I'm really hoping to travel to Thailand next year for Songkran. I've always wanted to experience it.
Nita: That sounds amazing! In my opinion, Songkran is one of the most fun festivals in Southeast Asia.
Sokha: I wish I had gone last year, but I couldn't get time off work.
Nita: Well, hopefully, you can make it next year! I'd say that planning early is key.
Dialogue 2: Discussing a missed opportunity
Bunthoeun: That new tech course enrollment just closed. I really regret not signing up when I had the chance.
Chariya: Oh, what a shame! If you ask me, those skills are really valuable right now.
Bunthoeun: I know. I should have applied as soon as I saw it. If only I hadn't hesitated!
Chariya: Well, don't worry too much. I hope they offer it again soon. Maybe you can check their website for future dates?
Activity 1: Express Yourself
Read the situation. How would you express your opinion, hope, or regret? Click "Reveal Sample Response" for an example.
1. Topic: The current traffic situation in Phnom Penh. (Express an opinion)
Your opinion:
2. You are waiting for important exam results. (Express a hope)
Your hope:
3. You missed a chance to see your favorite band play live when they visited Cambodia.
Your regret:
Activity 2: Role-Play Scenarios
Work with a partner. Choose one of the scenarios below. Practice expressing opinions, hopes, and regrets naturally within the conversation.
- Scenario 1: Discussing career choices. One person expresses hope for a certain career path, while the other gives their opinion on it. Perhaps one expresses regret about a past career decision.
- Scenario 2: Talking about a recent community project or event. Express opinions on its success, hopes for future similar events, and perhaps regrets about something that could have been done better.
- Scenario 3: Planning a group trip. Express opinions on potential destinations, hopes for what you'll do there, and maybe a regret about a past trip that didn't go so well.
- Be sincere: When expressing these personal feelings, sincerity makes your communication more genuine.
- Context is key: The way you express these can vary depending on who you're talking to (e.g., a close friend vs. a new acquaintance).
- For regrets, focus on learning: While it's natural to feel regret, try to also think about what you learned from the experience if the conversation allows.
- Listen to others: When others share their opinions, hopes, or regrets, listen actively and empathetically.
- Don't dwell on regrets: In most conversations, it's good to acknowledge a regret and then move on, rather than focusing on it for too long.
Summary: This lesson helped you learn phrases for expressing opinions (e.g., "As far as I'm concerned..."), hopes (e.g., "I'm hoping to..."), and regrets (e.g., "I wish I had..."). Being able to share these personal thoughts and feelings effectively is an important part of fluent and meaningful communication in English.