Express Your Opinion in French: Essential Phrases and Structure

Basic Opinion Phrases

Je pense que... (I think that...) Je trouve que... (I find that...) À mon avis... (In my opinion...) Selon moi... (According to me...)

Example Uses:

1. "Je pense que ce film est excellent" (I think this movie is excellent)

• Introduces a straightforward opinion
• Uses "que" to connect to the following statement

2. "À mon avis, ce restaurant est trop cher" (In my opinion, this restaurant is too expensive)

• Starts with opinion marker before sharing the thought
• No "que" needed after "à mon avis"

Strong Opinions

Je suis convaincu(e) que... (I am convinced that...) Je suis certain(e) que... (I am certain that...) Je suis sûr(e) que... (I am sure that...)

Example Uses:

1. "Je suis convaincu que c'est la meilleure solution" (I am convinced this is the best solution)

• Expresses strong belief
• Note the gender agreement with speaker (convaincu/convaincue)

2. "Je suis sûre que tu vas réussir" (I am sure you will succeed)

• Shows confidence in prediction
• Feminine form "sûre" used if speaker is female

Subtle Opinions

Il me semble que... (It seems to me that...) J'ai l'impression que... (I have the impression that...) Je dirais que... (I would say that...)

Examples:

1. "Il me semble que tu as changé" (It seems to me that you've changed)

• Softer way to express observation
• Less direct than "Je pense"

2. "J'ai l'impression qu'il va pleuvoir" (I have the impression it's going to rain)

• Gentle way to share prediction
• Based on personal feeling/observation

Agreeing & Disagreeing

Je suis d'accord (I agree) Tu as raison (You're right) Je ne suis pas d'accord (I disagree) Tu as tort (You're wrong)

Example Dialogues:

1. "- Je trouve que ce livre est fascinant" "- Je suis d'accord, surtout le dernier chapitre" (- I find this book fascinating

   • I agree, especially the last chapter)

2. "- Il me semble qu'il est trop tard" "- Tu as raison, on devrait rentrer" (- It seems to me it's too late

   • You're right, we should go home)

Cultural Notes

• French speakers often soften opinions with phrases like "peut-être" (maybe)
• Direct disagreement is less common than in English
• Using conditional forms ("je dirais") is considered polite

Practical Tips

1. Start with softer phrases when unsure
2. Match opinion strength to situation
3. Remember gender agreement with certain phrases
4. Consider your relationship with listener when choosing phrases

Opinion phrases in French follow clear structures that you can adapt to any situation. Practice with topics you care about to make these patterns natural.