CELPIP Listening · Part 5

Part 5 vocabulary: Listening to a Discussion

The words and phrases that come up in Listening Part 5, each with its meaning, an example, similar words and a CELPIP tip. New to this part? Read the Part 5 format and strategy.

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Phrases 74

I see your point, but
phraseCLB 6
Accepts part of another view, then disagrees.
“I see your point, but I think the cost is too high.”
Similarthat's truebut
CELPIP tip Signals partial disagreement, which is important for opinion questions.
I couldn't agree more
phraseCLB 6
Shows complete agreement.
“I couldn't agree more. We need more staff.”
Similarabsolutelyexactly
CELPIP tip Despite the negative form, it means strong agreement.
I'm not sure I agree
phraseCLB 6
Polite disagreement.
“I'm not sure I agree with that approach.”
SimilarI have doubtsI'm not convinced
CELPIP tip Track who disagrees with whom.
What do you think
phraseCLB 5
Asks someone's opinion.
“What do you think, Maria?”
Similarhow do you feel about
CELPIP tip Signals a change of speaker.
Let's go with
phraseCLB 5
Shows the final decision.
“OK, let's go with the second plan.”
Similarlet's choosewe'll do
CELPIP tip Final decisions are often tested.
That's a good point
phraseCLB 6
Shows agreement or acceptance.
“That's a good point. I hadn't thought of that.”
Similarfair pointgood idea
CELPIP tip Shows a speaker changing their view.
To be fair
phraseCLB 7
Introduces a balanced view.
“To be fair, the old system worked for years.”
Similarin fairnessadmittedly
CELPIP tip Introduces a balanced view or a concession to the other speaker.
Getting back to
phraseCLB 7
Returns to the main topic.
“Getting back to the budget, how much do we have left?”
Similarreturning toas I was saying
CELPIP tip Helps you follow topic changes.
sorry to interrupt
phraseCLB 6
Politely breaks into a conversation.
“Sorry to interrupt, but I have a question.”
Similarexcuse me
CELPIP tip Signals a new speaker.
can I just say
phraseCLB 6
Asks to add a point.
“Can I just say that the budget is tight?”
Similarmay I add
CELPIP tip Signals a new point.
if you don't mind me saying
phraseCLB 8
Softens a critical comment.
“If you don't mind me saying, the plan seems rushed.”
Similarwith respect
CELPIP tip Softens a critical comment that follows.
with all due respect
phraseCLB 8
Polite way to disagree strongly.
“With all due respect, I think you're wrong.”
Similarrespectfully
CELPIP tip A polite way to disagree strongly. Strong disagreement follows.
I take your point, but
phraseCLB 7
Accepts a point, then disagrees.
“I take your point, but we can't afford it.”
SimilarI see what you meanbut
CELPIP tip Accepts part of an argument, then disagrees.
that's exactly what I was thinking
phraseCLB 6
Strong agreement.
“That's exactly what I was thinking!”
Similarmy thoughts exactly
CELPIP tip Strong agreement between the speakers.
I'm with you on that
phraseCLB 6
Agrees.
“I'm with you on that one.”
SimilarI agree
CELPIP tip Agreement. Track who agrees with whom.
you've got a point there
phraseCLB 6
Accepts a point.
“Hmm, you've got a point there.”
Similarfair point
CELPIP tip Accepts the other speaker's point.
I see where you're coming from
phraseCLB 7
Understands another view.
“I see where you're coming from, but...”
SimilarI understand
CELPIP tip Often followed by 'but'.
I'm not so sure
phraseCLB 6
Doubts.
“I'm not so sure that's a good idea.”
SimilarI doubt it
CELPIP tip Shows doubt or mild disagreement.
I beg to differ
phraseCLB 8
Formal disagreement.
“I beg to differ. The data shows otherwise.”
SimilarI disagree
CELPIP tip Formal, strong disagreement. The speaker is about to give an opposite view.
that's not how I see it
phraseCLB 6
Disagrees.
“That's not how I see it at all.”
SimilarI see it differently
CELPIP tip Disagreement. A different view follows.
I'm afraid I disagree
phraseCLB 6
Polite disagreement.
“I'm afraid I disagree with that.”
SimilarI have to disagree
CELPIP tip Polite disagreement. Note who disagrees with whom.
let's not forget
phraseCLB 6
Reminds others of a point.
“Let's not forget about the cost.”
Similarremember
CELPIP tip Raises a point others may have missed, often a concern.
the way I see it
phraseCLB 6
Introduces an opinion.
“The way I see it, we need more time.”
Similarin my view
CELPIP tip Introduces the speaker's own opinion.
if you ask me
phraseCLB 5
Introduces an opinion.
“If you ask me, it's a waste of money.”
Similarin my opinion
CELPIP tip Introduces a personal opinion.
I'd say
phraseCLB 5
Gives an opinion.
“I'd say we should wait.”
SimilarI think
CELPIP tip Gives an opinion or estimate.
what I mean is
phraseCLB 6
Clarifies.
“What I mean is, we need a backup plan.”
Similarin other words
CELPIP tip The speaker restates their point more clearly. The restatement is often what a question tests.
let me put it another way
phraseCLB 6
Rephrases.
“Let me put it another way.”
Similarto clarify
CELPIP tip The speaker rephrases. The second version is usually clearer, so focus on it.
to put it simply
phraseCLB 6
Simplifies.
“To put it simply, we're over budget.”
Similarbasically
CELPIP tip A simpler restatement of the point follows. Use it to check your understanding.
does that make sense
phraseCLB 6
Checks understanding.
“Does that make sense to everyone?”
Similaris that clear
CELPIP tip The speaker checks that others understand. Listen to the reply.
are we all agreed
phraseCLB 6
Checks agreement.
“So, are we all agreed?”
Similardoes everyone agree
CELPIP tip Checks whether everyone agrees. A decision is close.
so it's settled
phraseCLB 6
Confirms a decision.
“So it's settled. We'll meet Friday.”
Similarit's decided
CELPIP tip Confirms the final decision. What comes just before is often the answer.
let's move on
phraseCLB 6
Changes topic.
“Let's move on to the next item.”
Similarnext
CELPIP tip The topic changes. The earlier topic is finished, decided or not.
before we wrap up
phraseCLB 7
Introduces final points.
“Before we wrap up, any questions?”
Similarbefore we finish
CELPIP tip The discussion is ending. Final points and decisions often follow.
to sum up
phraseCLB 6
Summarizes.
“To sum up, we've agreed on two things.”
Similarin summary
CELPIP tip Summarizes the discussion: useful for main-idea questions.
what's your take on
phraseCLB 7
Asks for an opinion.
“What's your take on this?”
Similarwhat do you think
CELPIP tip Asks another speaker for their opinion, so a new view follows.
how do you feel about
phraseCLB 6
Asks for an opinion.
“How do you feel about the new schedule?”
Similarwhat do you think
CELPIP tip Invites another speaker's opinion. Note who answers and what they think.
any thoughts
phraseCLB 5
Asks for opinions.
“Any thoughts on the venue?”
Similarideas
CELPIP tip Invites opinions from the group. Track each reply.
I was going to say
phraseCLB 6
Introduces a point.
“I was going to say the same thing.”
SimilarI wanted to say
CELPIP tip Agreement or new point.
going back to what you said
phraseCLB 7
Refers to an earlier comment.
“Going back to what you said about costs...”
Similarregarding your point
CELPIP tip Refers to an earlier comment. Connect the two parts of the discussion.
on that note
phraseCLB 7
Connects to the previous topic.
“On that note, let's talk about staffing.”
Similarspeaking of which
CELPIP tip Connects to the previous topic before moving on.
speaking of which
phraseCLB 7
Connects topics.
“Speaking of which, has anyone called the caterer?”
Similaron that note
CELPIP tip Connects a new idea to what was just mentioned.
that reminds me
phraseCLB 6
Introduces a related idea.
“That reminds me, we need to book the room.”
Similarby the way
CELPIP tip Introduces a related idea, often a side point.
by the way
phraseCLB 5
Introduces a side point.
“By the way, Mark can't come.”
Similarincidentally
CELPIP tip Introduces a side point, usually not the main issue.
the bottom line is
phraseCLB 7
States the key point.
“The bottom line is we need more money.”
Similarultimately
CELPIP tip States the key point. Often the answer to a main-idea question.
at this point
phraseCLB 7
Now.
“At this point, we don't have a choice.”
Similarnow
CELPIP tip Means now, at this stage. Often about what is possible right now.
for what it's worth
phraseCLB 7
Offers an opinion modestly.
“For what it's worth, I like the first idea.”
Similarin my humble opinion
CELPIP tip Offers an opinion modestly. The opinion still counts.
I hadn't considered that
phraseCLB 6
Shows a new idea.
“Good point. I hadn't considered that.”
SimilarI didn't think of that
CELPIP tip The speaker is starting to change their mind. Opinion-change questions test this.
you may be right
phraseCLB 6
Concedes.
“You may be right about the timing.”
Similarperhaps you're right
CELPIP tip A concession: the speaker accepts the other view, at least in part.
I suppose so
phraseCLB 5
Reluctant agreement.
“I suppose so, if there's no other option.”
SimilarI guess
CELPIP tip Reluctant agreement. The speaker agrees but is not enthusiastic.
fair enough
phraseCLB 6
Accepts a point.
“Fair enough. Let's try it your way.”
Similarokay
CELPIP tip Accepts a point, often without full agreement.
that's a fair point
phraseCLB 6
Accepts a point.
“That's a fair point.”
Similargood point
CELPIP tip Accepts another speaker's point as reasonable.
I'm on board
phraseCLB 6
Agrees to a plan.
“I'm on board with that plan.”
SimilarI'm in
CELPIP tip Agrees to support a plan.
count me in
phraseCLB 5
Agrees to join.
“A team lunch? Count me in.”
SimilarI'm in
CELPIP tip Agrees to join an activity or plan.
I'll leave it up to you
phraseCLB 6
Lets others decide.
“I'll leave it up to you.”
Similaryour call
CELPIP tip Lets someone else decide. Listen for who makes the final choice.
it's up to you
phraseCLB 5
The decision is yours.
“It's up to you, really.”
Similaryour choice
CELPIP tip The decision belongs to the other person.
why don't we
phraseCLB 5
Suggests.
“Why don't we vote on it?”
Similarlet's
CELPIP tip Introduces a suggestion. Listen for whether the group accepts it.
how about we
phraseCLB 5
Suggests.
“How about we split the work?”
Similarwhy don't we
CELPIP tip Introduces a suggestion for the group.
I propose that
phraseCLB 7
Formal suggestion.
“I propose that we postpone the event.”
SimilarI suggest
CELPIP tip A formal suggestion. Often becomes the plan the group discusses.
what if we
phraseCLB 5
Suggests.
“What if we hired a temp?”
Similarhow about
CELPIP tip Introduces a new idea to consider.
as far as I know
phraseCLB 6
Based on what I know.
“As far as I know, the room is free.”
Similarto my knowledge
CELPIP tip The information may not be certain.
correct me if I'm wrong
phraseCLB 6
Checks a fact politely.
“Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't it due today?”
Similarif I'm not mistaken
CELPIP tip Politely checks a fact. Listen for whether it is confirmed.
if I'm not mistaken
phraseCLB 7
Checks a fact.
“If I'm not mistaken, we did this last year.”
Similarcorrect me if I'm wrong
CELPIP tip Checks a fact politely. The speaker may be wrong.
I couldn't have said it better
phraseCLB 7
Strong agreement.
“I couldn't have said it better myself.”
Similarexactly
CELPIP tip Strong agreement with the previous speaker.
that's beside the point
phraseCLB 8
Not relevant.
“That's beside the point. We need a decision.”
Similarirrelevant
CELPIP tip Dismisses a point as irrelevant. The speaker returns to the main issue.
let's get back on track
phraseCLB 7
Returns to the topic.
“Okay, let's get back on track.”
Similarback to the topic
CELPIP tip Returns the discussion to the main topic.
I see what you mean
phraseCLB 5
Understands.
“I see what you mean.”
SimilarI understand
CELPIP tip Shows understanding, not always agreement. A "but" may follow.
let me finish
phraseCLB 5
Asks not to be interrupted.
“Please, let me finish.”
Similarhold on
CELPIP tip The speaker asks not to be interrupted. Their point continues.
hold on a second
phraseCLB 5
Asks to pause.
“Hold on a second. That's not right.”
Similarwait
CELPIP tip Interrupts to pause or question something.
I'm inclined to agree
phraseCLB 8
I mostly agree.
“I'm inclined to agree with Sam; the cheaper option makes sense.”
SimilarI tend to agreeI'd agree
CELPIP tip A soft agreement; it tells you whose side the speaker is on.
I have reservations about
phraseCLB 8
I have doubts about.
“I have reservations about hiring a new company this late.”
SimilarI have doubts aboutI'm unsure about
CELPIP tip Signals mild disagreement, not a direct no.
I'm warming to the idea
phraseCLB 9
I am starting to like the idea more.
“I wasn't sure at first, but I'm warming to the idea of a potluck.”
Similarcoming aroundstarting to like
CELPIP tip Signals a change of opinion, a classic question target.
to put it mildly
phraseCLB 9
Used to say that the truth is even stronger than your words.
“The last event was disorganized, to put it mildly.”
Similarto say the least
CELPIP tip Means the speaker feels strongly, more than the words suggest.
I'm not wedded to the idea
phraseCLB 10
I'm not strongly attached to my suggestion.
“I'm not wedded to the idea of a hotel; an Airbnb is fine too.”
SimilarI'm flexibleI'm open to other options
CELPIP tip Signals the speaker is ready to compromise.
I stand corrected
phraseCLB 10
I accept that I was wrong.
“Oh, it's on the 12th? I stand corrected.”
Similarmy mistakeyou're right
CELPIP tip Shows a speaker changing an earlier statement; track the correct fact.

Verbs 6

propose
verbCLB 7/prəˈpoʊz/
To suggest a plan.
“I propose that we hire a temporary assistant.”
Similarsuggestput forward
CELPIP tip Identify who proposes each idea.
object
verbCLB 7/əbˈdʒɛkt/
To say you disagree with something.
“I'd have to object to that idea.”
Similaropposedisagree
CELPIP tip Means to say you disagree. Shows opposition in the discussion.
compromise
verbCLB 6/ˈkɒmprəˌmaɪz/
To agree by each side giving something up.
“Maybe we can compromise and do half online.”
Similarmeet halfway
CELPIP tip Discussions often end in a compromise.
reiterate
verbCLB 8/riˈɪtəreɪt/
To repeat a point to make it clear.
“Just to reiterate, we all need to submit our budgets by Friday.”
Similarrepeatrestate
CELPIP tip Signals a key point the speaker wants remembered.
concede
verbCLB 9/kənˈsiːd/
To admit that something is true, often unwillingly.
“I'll concede that the location is better, but the rent is too high.”
Similaradmitacknowledgegrant
CELPIP tip The real opinion usually comes after "but".
defer to
phrasal verbCLB 10
To accept someone's opinion because of their knowledge or authority.
“I'll defer to Maria on this; she's done it before.”
Similargo along withyield to
CELPIP tip Tells you who will make the final decision.

Nouns 2

concern
nounCLB 6/kənˈsɜːrn/
A worry.
“My main concern is the timeline.”
Similarworryissue
CELPIP tip Each speaker's concern is a likely question.
consensus
nounCLB 8/kənˈsɛnsəs/
General agreement among a group.
“It sounds like we've reached a consensus.”
Similaragreementaccord
CELPIP tip Signals the group decision.

Adjectives 1

reluctant
adjectiveCLB 7/rɪˈlʌktənt/
Not willing to do something.
“She seems reluctant to change the schedule.”
Similarunwillinghesitant
CELPIP tip Questions often ask how a speaker feels.

Expressions 4

Let's agree to disagree
expressionCLB 7
Accepts that people have different opinions.
“Well, let's agree to disagree on that one.”
Similarwe see it differently
CELPIP tip Means no agreement was reached.
I'll second that
expressionCLB 8
I agree with what was just suggested.
“"We should leave early." "I'll second that."”
SimilarI agreesame here
CELPIP tip Quick agreement; easy to miss in a fast conversation.
that's a valid point
expressionCLB 9
What you say is reasonable.
“That's a valid point, but we still need to think about cost.”
Similarfair pointgood point
CELPIP tip Often followed by "but", which introduces the real opinion.
that's neither here nor there
expressionCLB 10
That is not important to this discussion.
“Whether he likes the colour is neither here nor there; it's what the client wants.”
Similarthat's irrelevantthat doesn't matter
CELPIP tip Dismisses a point; questions may ask what matters most.

Adverbs 4

exactly
adverbCLB 5/ɪɡˈzæktli/
Shows strong agreement.
“Exactly! That's my point.”
Similarprecisely
CELPIP tip Strong agreement with what was just said.
absolutely
adverbCLB 5/ˈæbsəˌluːtli/
Completely; yes.
“Absolutely, I agree.”
Similardefinitely
CELPIP tip Complete agreement with what was just said.
obviously
adverbCLB 6/ˈɒbviəsli/
Clearly.
“Obviously, we can't do both.”
Similarclearly
CELPIP tip Presents something as clear to everyone.
frankly
adverbCLB 7/ˈfræŋkli/
Honestly.
“Frankly, I think it's a bad idea.”
Similarhonestly
CELPIP tip Often comes before an honest or critical opinion.

Idioms 9

on the fence
idiomCLB 7
Undecided.
“I'm still on the fence about it.”
Similarundecided
CELPIP tip Shows a speaker hasn't decided.
see eye to eye
idiomCLB 7
Agree.
“We don't always see eye to eye.”
Similaragree
CELPIP tip Means to agree. "We don't see eye to eye" means they disagree.
play devil's advocate
idiomCLB 8
Argue the other side for discussion.
“Let me play devil's advocate for a moment.”
Similarargue the opposite
CELPIP tip Not the speaker's real view.
back to square one
idiomCLB 7
Back to the beginning.
“If that fails, we're back to square one.”
Similarstarting over
CELPIP tip Means they must start again. Often the outcome when a plan fails.
a good compromise
idiomCLB 7
A solution that works for everyone.
“That sounds like a good compromise.”
Similarmiddle ground
CELPIP tip A solution that works for everyone. Often the final decision.
on the same wavelength
idiomCLB 9
Thinking the same way.
“We're on the same wavelength.”
Similarin agreement
CELPIP tip Means thinking the same way. Shows strong agreement.
play it by ear
phraseCLB 8
To decide what to do as things happen, without a fixed plan.
“Let's not book anything yet and play it by ear.”
Similarwait and seeimprovise
CELPIP tip Means no decision has been made; questions may test this.
a sticking point
idiomCLB 9
An issue that stops people from agreeing.
“The budget is still the main sticking point.”
Similarobstaclepoint of disagreement
CELPIP tip Often names what the speakers disagree about, a common question target.
split the difference
idiomCLB 10
To agree on something halfway between two positions.
“You want Friday, I want Monday; let's split the difference and say Wednesday.”
Similarmeet halfwaycompromise
CELPIP tip Usually leads directly to the final decision.

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More CELPIP Listening vocabulary

Part 1: Listening to Problem Solving (100 words)
Part 2: Listening to a Daily Life Conversation (101 words)
Part 3: Listening for Information (99 words)
Part 4: Listening to a News Item (101 words)
Part 6: Listening to Viewpoints (108 words)

All CELPIP vocabulary lists

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Phrases 74

I see your point, but

I couldn't agree more

I'm not sure I agree

What do you think

Let's go with

That's a good point

To be fair

Getting back to

sorry to interrupt

can I just say

if you don't mind me saying

with all due respect

I take your point, but

that's exactly what I was thinking

I'm with you on that

you've got a point there

I see where you're coming from

I'm not so sure

I beg to differ

that's not how I see it

I'm afraid I disagree

let's not forget

the way I see it

if you ask me

I'd say

what I mean is

let me put it another way

to put it simply

does that make sense

are we all agreed

so it's settled

let's move on

before we wrap up

to sum up

what's your take on

how do you feel about

any thoughts

I was going to say

going back to what you said

on that note

speaking of which

that reminds me

by the way

the bottom line is

at this point

for what it's worth

I hadn't considered that

you may be right

I suppose so

fair enough

that's a fair point

I'm on board

count me in

I'll leave it up to you

it's up to you

why don't we

how about we

I propose that

what if we

as far as I know

correct me if I'm wrong

if I'm not mistaken

I couldn't have said it better

that's beside the point

let's get back on track

I see what you mean

let me finish

hold on a second

I'm inclined to agree

I have reservations about

I'm warming to the idea

to put it mildly

I'm not wedded to the idea

I stand corrected

Verbs 6

propose

object

compromise

reiterate