This week a student asked me: “Is it really necessary to say ‘I believe you’re right,’ or: ‘I feel this and that.?’ It sounds childish.”

Well, you don’t have to use these expressions, but they’re certainly not childish. It just makes it clear that what you’re saying is an opinion and not a fact. I think it’s always good to be clear about that. When you always sound your opinions in the form of statements, it makes you seem bossy.

You probably already know how to use “think” and “believe:” 

I think you’re right.

I believe that little children shouldn’t spend all their free time in front of the TV.

Yuri believes that fuel-powered cars will be replaced by electric cars within the next 5 years.

Tony Alter

Let’s learn some more expressions: 

Doubt… I doubt that Melissa will be well enough to come with us tomorrow. (I don’t think so)

Be convinced… The teacher is convinced that a number of students have cheated in the exam. (she is sure)

Suspect… I suspect that some mistakes have slipped into the process. (I have a negative feeling)

Feel… I feel that Amit deserves a second chance. (I think)

 

Exercise

 

Rewrite the following sentences using the verb in brackets ().

 

1 I’ve always doubted that Veronique has really quit smoking. (suspect)

2 I think Ronny could do a more responsible job, after some training. (feel)

3 I’ve always suspected that geography isn’t his strongest point. (doubt)

4 I’m sure that Margery and Paul can be happy again. (convinced)

5 Their feeling has always been that if they had put another lock on the door, the burglar would have passed by their house. (convinced)

6 I had a strong feeling that dress came from a second-hand shop. (feel)

Answers at the bottom of this page.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers: 

1 I’ve always suspected that Veronique hasn’t really quit smoking.

2 I feel that Ronny could do a more responsible job, after some training.

3 I’ve always doubted that geography is his strongest point.

4 I’m convinced that Margery and Paul can be happy again.

5 They’ve always been convinced that if they had put another lock on the door, the burglar would have passed by their house.

6 I felt very strongly that that dress came from a second-hand shop.