speaking
| meaning |
Phrase |
Function | ||
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There’s a lot to be said for … |
Considering alternatives |
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On the other hand, … |
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Points in favour of … |
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You have to consider the fact that … |
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Alternatively, we could put forward … |
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You could argue that … |
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There are drawbacks, too. |
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I’d go for … anytime! |
Giving preferences |
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It’s pretty clear to me that … |
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On balance, I’d say … |
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No two ways about it, my choice would be … |
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I’m in two minds. / I’m split between … |
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| لو لازم اختار/سأقول |
If you wanted to pin me down, I’d say … |
Examples:
Considering alternatives
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There’s a lot to be said for travelling by train; it’s cheap and comfortable.
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Travelling by car is flexible. On the other hand, it can be very tiring.
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There are many points in favour of staying in your own country for holidays.
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You have to consider the fact that last-minute holidays are often expensive.
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Alternatively, we could put forward the idea of visiting Jordan instead of Europe.
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You could argue that travelling abroad gives you more cultural experiences.
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Camping is cheap and fun. There are drawbacks, too, like bad weather.
Giving preferences
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I’d go for a beach holiday anytime!
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It’s pretty clear to me that travelling in a small group is better.
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On balance, I’d say going abroad is worth the cost.
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No two ways about it, my choice would be the mountains.
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I’m in two minds about going camping or staying in a hotel.
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If you wanted to pin me down, I’d say a city break in Paris.
