"That's a Great Point" – IELTS & Business English Phrase Guide

Understanding This Powerful Professional Phrase

Welcome to your guide on professional communication. In high-stakes settings like business meetings, grad school seminars, or IELTS Speaking Part 3, one phrase stands out: "That's a great point."

This simple business English phrase for meetings builds rapport, shows active listening, and lets you disagree gracefully. Below: meaning, real examples, and how to use it in IELTS, work, and academia.

What "That's a Great Point" Really Means

You're saying three things at once:

1. "I heard you." (Active listening)

2. "Your idea has value." (Validation)

3. "Let's build on this." (Collaboration, not conflict)

Key insight: You don't have to agree. Just acknowledge. Then pivot smoothly.

Why It Works: Business, Grad School, IELTS

Business Meetings: Shows teamwork. Turns competition into collaboration.

Grad School: Expected in academic discourse. Sets up analysis or counterpoints.

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Boosts coherence and fluency. Examiners love structured responses.

Real-World Examples (Copy & Adapt)

Business Meeting:

Colleague: "We should focus only on influencers."

You: "That's a great point, Sarah. The reach is huge. How can we combine that with email to cover older demographics?"

Grad School Seminar:

Peer: "The protagonist is selfish."

You: "That's a great point about his early actions. I'd add that his arc shifts after the climax, showing growth."

Job Interview:

Interviewer: "Technical skill is number one."

You: "That's a great point, and I agree. I also find communication turns technical skill into team impact."

Professional Email:

Feedback: "Add recent data to section 2."

You: "Thank you. That's a great point. I'll update and resend by 3 PM."

Strategic Uses: Agree & Disagree Professionally

Acknowledge + Add: "That's a great point, and here's another angle..."

Acknowledge + Disagree: "That's a great point, but I see it slightly differently..."

Acknowledge + Ask: "That's a great point. How would that work with..."

Pro move: Pair with "I see where you're coming from" for extra empathy.

10 Variations for IELTS & Meetings

1. That's a valid point.

2. You've raised a great point there.

3. That's a strong argument.

4. Interesting point. Let me add...

5. I hadn't thought of it that way.

6. That makes sense; however...

7. Fair point. Here's my take...

8. That's worth considering.

9. You're absolutely right about...

10. That's a key insight.

Try This Today

In your next meeting, class, or practice IELTS answer, use "That's a great point" once.

Comment below: "Used it here: ___" 👇

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

How do I use 'that's a great point' in IELTS?

Use it in Part 3 to acknowledge the question, then add your view. It boosts coherence and shows you're thinking critically.

Can I disagree after saying 'that's a great point'?

Yes! Follow with "but," "however," or "on the other hand" for polite contrast.

Is it formal enough for business emails?

Absolutely. It's professional, respectful, and collaborative.

What's the difference between 'that's a great point' and 'I agree'?

"That's a great point" acknowledges value without full agreement. "I agree" means you fully support the idea.

P.S. Love professional phrases? Check out: "I See Where You're Coming From" Guide

Read up. Speak up. Rise up. One phrase at a time.