When two people talk to each other, they take turns and interact in the conversation by using various expressions. The speakers make these interactions smoother and more engaging with the help of commonly used expressions, often called conversational phrases.
These phrases are short sentences or remarks that add politeness, interest, or clarity to the discussion.
They serve essential roles, such as acknowledging someone’s opinion, introducing personal thoughts, asking questions, or steering the conversation in a particular direction.
For instance, when one speaker says, “I think teamwork is more productive,” the other might respond with a conversational phrase like, “That’s a valid point, but have you considered individual preferences?”
Such phrases help maintain a natural flow of communication and make the interaction feel more connected and meaningful.
Often semi-formal or idiomatic, these expressions are key to keeping conversations engaging and respectful, ensuring both participants feel heard and understood.
Let’s explore 50 advanced conversational phrases with examples to help you use them effectively in dialogues and real-life conversations. If you’re a teacher, why not use these phrases in your class for role-playing activities?
Table of Contents
I Can’t Help but Wonder If
The phrase “I can’t help but wonder if” introduces curiosity or doubt in a thoughtful and non-confrontational way.
Examples:
- On Technology
Person A: “Technology is making our lives so much easier.”
You: “I can’t help but wonder if it’s also making us more dependent on it.” - On Study Habits
Person A: “Studying late at night works best for me.”
You: “I can’t help but wonder if getting enough sleep would make studying even more effective.”
That’s a Valid Point, but Have You Considered…?
The phrase “That’s a valid point, but have you considered…?” acknowledges someone’s perspective while gently introducing a counterpoint or new idea.
Examples:
- On Remote Work
Person A: “Working from home saves so much commuting time.”
You: “That’s a valid point, but have you considered how it might affect workplace collaboration?” - On Eating Habits
Person A: “Skipping breakfast helps me lose weight.”
You: “That’s a valid point, but have you considered how it might affect your energy levels during the day?”
It Goes Without Saying That
The phrase “It goes without saying that” highlights something obvious or universally accepted.
Examples:
- On Health
Person A: “Exercising regularly can improve your overall well-being.”
You: “It goes without saying that staying active has countless benefits.” - On Education
Person A: “Learning a second language opens up so many opportunities.”
You: “It goes without saying that it can also enhance cultural understanding.”
What Strikes Me the Most Is
The phrase “What strikes me the most is” emphasizes an observation or aspect that stands out to you.
Examples:
- On Environmental Changes
Person A: “Many countries are investing in renewable energy now.”
You: “What strikes me the most is how quickly this shift is happening.” - On Human Resilience
Person A: “People adapt to challenging situations in remarkable ways.”
You: “What strikes me the most is the creativity they show under pressure.”
It’s Worth Mentioning That
The phrase “It’s worth mentioning that” introduces additional relevant information or context.
Examples:
- On Mental Health
Person A: “Taking breaks at work helps me feel less stressed.”
You: “It’s worth mentioning that short walks during breaks can improve focus too.” - On Language Learning
Person A: “It takes years to master a new language.”
You: “It’s worth mentioning that consistent practice can speed up the process.”
From My Standpoint, It Seems Like
The phrase “From my standpoint, it seems like” expresses your opinion in a non-confrontational way.
Examples:
- On Online Classes
Person A: “Online classes are the future of education.”
You: “From my standpoint, it seems like traditional classrooms will still have their role too.” - On Work-Life Balance
Person A: “Remote jobs are the key to achieving work-life balance.”
You: “From my standpoint, it seems like managing time well is the real key.”
I Find It Fascinating That
The phrase “I find it fascinating that” expresses genuine interest in an observation or fact.
Examples:
- On Human Memory
Person A: “People often remember emotional events more vividly.”
You: “I find it fascinating that emotions can have such a strong impact on memory.” - On Nature
Person A: “Trees communicate with each other through their roots.”
You: “I find it fascinating that nature has its own communication systems.”
There’s No Denying the Fact That
The phrase “There’s no denying the fact that” highlights something widely accepted or difficult to dispute.
Examples:
- On Climate Change
Person A: “Global temperatures are rising every year.”
You: “There’s no denying the fact that we need to take immediate action.” - On Teamwork
Person A: “Successful projects require good teamwork.”
You: “There’s no denying the fact that collaboration is key to success.”
It’s a Bit of a Stretch to Say That
The phrase “It’s a bit of a stretch to say that” gently challenges an exaggerated or extreme statement.
Examples:
- On Social Media
Person A: “Social media is ruining all communication skills.”
You: “It’s a bit of a stretch to say that. It also helps people stay connected.” - On Exams
Person A: “Exams are completely useless in education.”
You: “It’s a bit of a stretch to say that. They do help assess understanding in some ways.”
What I’m Trying to Get At Is
The phrase “What I’m trying to get at is” clarifies your main point during a conversation.
Examples:
- On Productivity
Person A: “Multitasking is the best way to get more done.”
You: “What I’m trying to get at is that focusing on one task at a time can be more effective.” - On Team Roles
Person A: “The leader is the most important person in a team.”
You: “What I’m trying to get at is that every role contributes to the team’s success.”
It’s Interesting to Note That
The phrase “It’s interesting to note that” is a way to introduce a noteworthy observation or fact in a conversation.
Examples:
- On Language Learning
Person A: “Children pick up new languages faster than adults.”
You: “It’s interesting to note that adults often learn grammar rules more effectively.” - On Technology
Person A: “Smartphones are everywhere these days.”
You: “It’s interesting to note that they’ve only been popular for about 15 years.”
One Thing That Stands Out to Me Is
The phrase “One thing that stands out to me is” highlights a specific detail or aspect that catches your attention.
Examples:
- On Globalization
Person A: “Globalization has connected the world like never before.”
You: “One thing that stands out to me is how it’s also made local cultures more accessible.” - On Education
Person A: “Many students struggle with online learning.”
You: “One thing that stands out to me is how some thrive in the flexible environment.”
It Makes Me Wonder Whether
The phrase “It makes me wonder whether” introduces curiosity or a hypothetical question about a topic.
Examples:
- On Social Media
Person A: “Social media keeps people informed instantly.”
You: “It makes me wonder whether this constant flow of information is overwhelming.” - On Work Trends
Person A: “Remote work is becoming the new normal.”
You: “It makes me wonder whether it will fully replace traditional offices in the future.”
To Put It Into Perspective
The phrase “To put it into perspective” is used to provide context or compare a situation to something relatable.
Examples:
- On Population Growth
Person A: “The world’s population is over 8 billion now.”
You: “To put it into perspective, it was only 6 billion around 20 years ago.” - On Climate Change
Person A: “The Arctic is melting rapidly.”
You: “To put it into perspective, some regions are losing ice equivalent to the size of a city every year.”
I’ve Come to Realize That
The phrase “I’ve come to realize that” expresses a personal insight or newfound understanding.
Examples:
- On Friendship
Person A: “Good friends are hard to find.”
You: “I’ve come to realize that the best friendships often take years to build.” - On Time Management
Person A: “Time management is so important.”
You: “I’ve come to realize that saying no is a big part of managing time well.”
What’s Even More Intriguing Is
The phrase “What’s even more intriguing is” introduces an additional detail or aspect that adds depth to the conversation.
Examples:
- On Space Exploration
Person A: “Humans have walked on the moon.”
You: “What’s even more intriguing is that we’re now planning to colonize Mars.” - On Artificial Intelligence
Person A: “AI can write essays now.”
You: “What’s even more intriguing is how it’s also being used to diagnose diseases.”
I’ve Often Found Myself Thinking That
The phrase “I’ve often found myself thinking that” introduces a recurring thought or personal observation.
Examples:
- On Travel
Person A: “Traveling broadens your horizons.”
You: “I’ve often found myself thinking that it also teaches you a lot about yourself.” - On Education
Person A: “Education is the key to success.”
You: “I’ve often found myself thinking that real-world experiences are just as important.”
It’s a Fair Assumption to Make That
The phrase “It’s a fair assumption to make that” validates a logical or widely held belief.
Examples:
- On Work Ethics
Person A: “Hard work leads to success.”
You: “It’s a fair assumption to make that consistent effort pays off in the long run.” - On Diet Trends
Person A: “Eating healthy improves your mood.”
You: “It’s a fair assumption to make that diet impacts mental health too.”
Another Way to Look at This Is
The phrase “Another way to look at this is” offers an alternative perspective on the topic at hand.
Examples:
- On Job Opportunities
Person A: “Changing jobs frequently shows instability.”
You: “Another way to look at this is that it shows adaptability and experience.” - On Group Projects
Person A: “Group work is frustrating when people don’t contribute equally.”
You: “Another way to look at this is that it teaches conflict resolution.”
What I Find Particularly Striking Is
The phrase “What I find particularly striking is” highlights a surprising or impressive aspect of the discussion.
Examples:
- On Nature
Person A: “Bees are essential for pollination.”
You: “What I find particularly striking is how one small species supports entire ecosystems.” - On Creativity
Person A: “Some people create art from recycled materials.”
You: “What I find particularly striking is the innovation that goes into turning waste into beauty.”
It’s Hard to Ignore the Fact That
The phrase “It’s hard to ignore the fact that” emphasizes a significant, often undeniable truth or observation in a conversation.
Examples:
- On Environmental Issues
Person A: “Climate change is causing extreme weather patterns.”
You: “It’s hard to ignore the fact that it’s affecting entire ecosystems.” - On Education
Person A: “Online learning has its pros and cons.”
You: “It’s hard to ignore the fact that many students struggle with the lack of in-person interaction.”
I’m Curious to Hear Your Thoughts On
The phrase “I’m curious to hear your thoughts on” invites the other person to share their opinion or perspective on a topic.
Examples:
- On Technology
Person A: “AI will drastically change industries in the next decade.”
You: “I’m curious to hear your thoughts on how it might affect the job market.” - On Travel
Person A: “Traveling can broaden your worldview.”
You: “I’m curious to hear your thoughts on how travel influences cultural understanding.”
What’s Even More Surprising Is
The phrase “What’s even more surprising is” introduces an additional surprising or unexpected element to the conversation.
Examples:
- On Health Trends
Person A: “More people are practicing yoga these days.”
You: “What’s even more surprising is how it’s becoming a mainstream fitness trend.” - On Scientific Discoveries
Person A: “We’re learning more about space every year.”
You: “What’s even more surprising is how much we’ve yet to discover about our own planet.”
It’s Clear to Me That
The phrase “It’s clear to me that” expresses a strong belief or conclusion you’ve drawn based on the information at hand.
Examples:
- On Leadership
Person A: “Good leaders inspire their teams to succeed.”
You: “It’s clear to me that leadership requires trust and vision.” - On Social Media
Person A: “Social media can connect people across the world.”
You: “It’s clear to me that it also plays a huge role in shaping public opinion.”
I’ve Always Believed That
The phrase “I’ve always believed that” reflects a long-held personal conviction or opinion.
Examples:
- On Education
Person A: “Not everyone learns in the same way.”
You: “I’ve always believed that personalized learning is key to student success.” - On Work-Life Balance
Person A: “Finding a balance between work and personal life is challenging.”
You: “I’ve always believed that it’s essential for long-term happiness and health.”
It Dawned on Me That
The phrase “It dawned on me that” indicates a moment of realization or understanding.
Examples:
- On Career Choices
Person A: “People often change careers multiple times in their life.”
You: “It dawned on me that career growth doesn’t always follow a linear path.” - On Time Management
Person A: “Time flies when you’re busy.”
You: “It dawned on me that time management is really about prioritizing what matters.”
That’s an Interesting Way of Looking at It
The phrase “That’s an interesting way of looking at it” acknowledges a new or different perspective, showing open-mindedness.
Examples:
- On Problem-Solving
Person A: “Sometimes the best solution is to do nothing and wait for the problem to resolve itself.”
You: “That’s an interesting way of looking at it. Sometimes stepping back can bring clarity.” - On Business Strategies
Person A: “I think success is about taking risks and experimenting.”
You: “That’s an interesting way of looking at it. Risk-taking does seem to open up new opportunities.”
What I Find Most Compelling Is
The phrase “What I find most compelling is” highlights the aspect of a topic that captures your attention the most.
Examples:
- On Innovation
Person A: “Technology is rapidly changing every industry.”
You: “What I find most compelling is how innovation is democratizing access to resources.” - On Psychology
Person A: “People often react emotionally in stressful situations.”
You: “What I find most compelling is how our brains are wired to react this way for survival.”
It’s Hard to Dispute That
The phrase “It’s hard to dispute that” emphasizes that the point being made is difficult to argue against or deny.
Examples:
- On Health
Person A: “Eating vegetables is essential for good health.”
You: “It’s hard to dispute that, considering all the nutritional benefits.” - On Education
Person A: “Reading regularly improves vocabulary and comprehension.”
You: “It’s hard to dispute that, given the research on reading and cognitive development.”
If You Think About It From This Angle
The phrase “If you think about it from this angle” offers a new perspective on a topic to encourage deeper consideration.
Examples:
- On Stress
Person A: “Stress can be overwhelming at times.”
You: “If you think about it from this angle, stress can also motivate people to get things done.” - On Success
Person A: “Success is mostly about luck.”
You: “If you think about it from this angle, success is often the result of preparation meeting opportunity.”
What Stands Out Most to Me Is
The phrase “What stands out most to me is” highlights the most important or striking part of a discussion or observation.
Examples:
- On Leadership
Person A: “A good leader listens to their team and makes decisions based on feedback.”
You: “What stands out most to me is how essential empathy is in leadership.” - On Teamwork
Person A: “Successful teamwork requires open communication and collaboration.”
You: “What stands out most to me is the trust that needs to be built for effective teamwork.”
It’s Remarkable How
The phrase “It’s remarkable how” expresses amazement or admiration for something that is especially noticeable or impressive.
Examples:
- On Technology
Person A: “We’ve made significant advances in AI in just a few years.”
You: “It’s remarkable how quickly AI is reshaping various industries.” - On Human Resilience
Person A: “People often overcome immense challenges in their lives.”
You: “It’s remarkable how the human spirit can remain strong through adversity.”
I’ve Been Thinking Lately About
The phrase “I’ve been thinking lately about” introduces a recent reflection or topic that has been on your mind.
Examples:
- On Career Paths
Person A: “Many people are switching careers later in life.”
You: “I’ve been thinking lately about how career changes can lead to personal growth.” - On Sustainability
Person A: “Reducing waste is important for our future.”
You: “I’ve been thinking lately about how small lifestyle changes can make a big impact on the environment.”
There’s a Lot to Be Said About
The phrase “There’s a lot to be said about” implies that a topic is worth exploring further due to its importance or complexity.
Examples:
- On Education
Person A: “Education should be about more than just memorizing facts.”
You: “There’s a lot to be said about the need for critical thinking in education.” - On Mental Health
Person A: “Mental health issues are often misunderstood.”
You: “There’s a lot to be said about the importance of destigmatizing mental health care.”
I Can’t Help But Feel That
The phrase “I can’t help but feel that” expresses a strong personal intuition or belief about something, often linked to emotion.
Examples:
- On Society
Person A: “People are becoming more disconnected from each other.”
You: “I can’t help but feel that technology is partly to blame for this.” - On Politics
Person A: “The current political climate is really polarized.”
You: “I can’t help but feel that compromise is becoming harder to achieve.”
It’s Worth Considering That
The phrase “It’s worth considering that” introduces an idea or perspective that should be thought about seriously.
Examples:
- On Climate Change
Person A: “Global warming is a pressing issue.”
You: “It’s worth considering that we all have a role in reducing carbon emissions.” - On Technology in Education
Person A: “Technology should be integrated into all classrooms.”
You: “It’s worth considering that not all students have equal access to technology.”
From Where I’m Standing
The phrase “From where I’m standing” indicates your personal viewpoint or perspective on an issue.
Examples:
- On Workplace Culture
Person A: “The company culture seems to be changing.”
You: “From where I’m standing, it feels like it’s shifting toward more flexibility and creativity.” - On Social Media
Person A: “Social media seems to have a negative impact on mental health.”
You: “From where I’m standing, it’s important to find a healthy balance in our online presence.”
It’s Clear That There’s a Deeper Issue at Play
The phrase “It’s clear that there’s a deeper issue at play” suggests that the current situation is part of a larger, more complex issue.
Examples:
- On Workplace Inequality
Person A: “There’s a noticeable pay gap between employees.”
You: “It’s clear that there’s a deeper issue at play related to gender inequality in the workplace.” - On Education
Person A: “The school system is under a lot of pressure.”
You: “It’s clear that there’s a deeper issue at play regarding funding and resources for public education.”
What’s Particularly Interesting Is
The phrase “What’s particularly interesting is” highlights something specific that you find captivating or noteworthy.
Examples:
- On History
Person A: “History often repeats itself in cycles.”
You: “What’s particularly interesting is how similar events unfold under different circumstances.” - On Innovation
Person A: “New technologies are rapidly changing how we communicate.”
You: “What’s particularly interesting is how some technologies are rediscovering old methods in new ways.”
It Seems to Me That
The phrase “It seems to me that” introduces a personal observation or conclusion that you’ve drawn from the conversation.
Examples:
- On Relationships
Person A: “Long-distance relationships can be difficult to maintain.”
You: “It seems to me that trust and communication are key to making them work.” - On the Economy
Person A: “The economy is showing signs of improvement.”
You: “It seems to me that consumer confidence plays a huge role in this recovery.”
It’s Striking How
The phrase “It’s striking how” draws attention to something that stands out or surprises you in a noticeable way.
Examples:
- On Climate Change
Person A: “Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent.”
You: “It’s striking how much our weather patterns have changed in such a short time.” - On Cultural Shifts
Person A: “Younger generations are adopting new social norms.”
You: “It’s striking how quickly these new norms are taking root globally.”
What Really Catches My Attention Is
The phrase “What really catches my attention is” emphasizes something that stands out or grabs your focus in a conversation.
Examples:
- On Art
Person A: “Modern art often uses abstract forms to convey emotions.”
You: “What really catches my attention is how artists can evoke such strong feelings with minimalistic designs.” - On Social Media Trends
Person A: “Influencers are shaping trends in fashion and lifestyle.”
You: “What really catches my attention is how quickly these trends spread across platforms.”
It’s Worth Reflecting On
The phrase “It’s worth reflecting on” encourages deeper thought about a topic or issue.
Examples:
- On Mental Health
Person A: “Mental health is often overlooked in busy workplaces.”
You: “It’s worth reflecting on how much the work environment affects well-being.” - On Education Systems
Person A: “The traditional education system doesn’t cater to all learning styles.”
You: “It’s worth reflecting on how the system can evolve to be more inclusive.”
One Thing That Comes to Mind Is
The phrase “One thing that comes to mind is” introduces a thought or idea that occurs to you during the conversation.
Examples:
- On Personal Growth
Person A: “Building self-confidence is important for success.”
You: “One thing that comes to mind is how stepping out of your comfort zone helps build that confidence.” - On Innovation
Person A: “Technology has advanced rapidly in the last decade.”
You: “One thing that comes to mind is how artificial intelligence is changing the way we work.”
I Can’t Help But Notice That
The phrase “I can’t help but notice that” highlights something that stands out to you, often in a way that you can’t ignore.
Examples:
- On Customer Service
Person A: “The service at that restaurant was really slow.”
You: “I can’t help but notice that good customer service can make a huge difference in customer loyalty.” - On Fashion Trends
Person A: “People are wearing a lot of vintage clothing nowadays.”
You: “I can’t help but notice that retro styles seem to be making a strong comeback.”
What’s Even More Telling Is
The phrase “What’s even more telling is” introduces something that adds depth or significance to the conversation.
Examples:
- On Business Success
Person A: “The company’s profits have been steadily increasing.”
You: “What’s even more telling is how they’ve managed to expand into new markets.” - On Political Decisions
Person A: “The government is increasing funding for education.”
You: “What’s even more telling is how much they’ve focused on digital learning initiatives.”
It Seems Pretty Evident That
The phrase “It seems pretty evident that” is used when something appears to be very clear or obvious.
Examples:
- On Health and Wellness
Person A: “Exercise is essential for maintaining good health.”
You: “It seems pretty evident that regular physical activity has long-term benefits.” - On Online Shopping
Person A: “Online shopping has taken over traditional retail.”
You: “It seems pretty evident that the convenience of online shopping is driving this shift.”
I’ve Always Been Intrigued By
The phrase “I’ve always been intrigued by” introduces something that has consistently fascinated or captured your attention.
Examples:
- On Space Exploration
Person A: “Space exploration continues to advance, with new missions every year.”
You: “I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of exploring other planets and what it could mean for humanity.” - On Psychology
Person A: “Human behavior is influenced by so many factors, both internal and external.”
You: “I’ve always been intrigued by how our unconscious mind shapes our decisions.”
I’m Sure You’d Agree That
The phrase “I’m sure you’d agree that” is a way of expressing a shared belief or observation, inviting agreement from the other person.
Examples:
- On Time Management
Person A: “Time management is crucial to productivity.”
You: “I’m sure you’d agree that prioritizing tasks is key to staying organized.” - On Learning Languages
Person A: “Practice is the most effective way to learn a new language.”
You: “I’m sure you’d agree that consistency plays a big role in language learning.”
What I Find Particularly Thought-Provoking Is
The phrase “What I find particularly thought-provoking is” draws attention to an idea that has made you think deeply.
Examples:
- On Ethical Dilemmas
Person A: “The line between right and wrong is often blurred in ethical decisions.”
You: “What I find particularly thought-provoking is how subjective moral judgments can be.” - On Technological Impact
Person A: “Technology has the potential to improve nearly every industry.”
You: “What I find particularly thought-provoking is the ethical implications of AI in everyday life.”
Conclusion
Using conversational phrases is a great way to make your interactions clearer, more polite, and engaging. They help conversations flow smoothly and allow you to express your thoughts while responding thoughtfully to others.
By practicing these advanced phrases, you can communicate better in any situation, whether it’s a casual chat, a work discussion, or a classroom activity.
Try using these phrases in your daily conversations to make them more interesting and meaningful.
If you’re a teacher, use them in speaking exercises to help your students build confidence. The more you practice, the easier it will become!
FAQs about Advanced Conversational Phrases
1. What are conversational phrases?
Conversational phrases are commonly used expressions or short sentences that make interactions smoother, more engaging, or polite. They help in expressing thoughts, responding to others, or guiding the flow of conversation.
2. Why are conversational phrases important?
They improve communication by adding clarity, politeness, and engagement. These phrases help you connect better with others and keep the conversation flowing naturally.
3. Can conversational phrases be used in both formal and informal settings?
Yes, conversational phrases can be adapted to suit both formal and informal situations. Some phrases, like “That’s a valid point,” work well in formal contexts, while others, like “What strikes me the most,” are versatile for casual use.
4. How can I learn to use conversational phrases effectively?
Practice using them in real-life conversations, role-playing activities, or language exercises. Listening to native speakers and noting how they use these phrases can also help.
5. Are conversational phrases the same as idioms?
Not exactly. While idioms are fixed expressions with figurative meanings, conversational phrases are more about structuring communication effectively and don’t always have a figurative sense.
6. How do conversational phrases help ESL learners?
They make communication more natural and fluent. Using these phrases can help ESL learners sound more confident and engage better in conversations.
7. Can conversational phrases be overused?
Yes, overusing the same phrases might make your speech sound repetitive. It’s good to learn a variety and use them appropriately based on the context.
8. Are these phrases specific to English?
Many conversational phrases are unique to English, but similar expressions exist in other languages, tailored to their cultural and linguistic norms.
9. How do I teach conversational phrases to students?
Incorporate them into role-playing activities, dialogues, or speaking exercises. Provide real-life scenarios where students can practice these phrases naturally.
10. What are some tips for remembering conversational phrases?
Practice them regularly in your conversations, write them down in a journal, or group them by categories like agreement, disagreement, or curiosity. Repetition is key to mastery.
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