Agreeing and disagreeing

In this video, Emir and Paul discuss a design for a client. Listen to the language they use for agreeing and disagreeing and practise saying the useful phrases.

Do the preparation exercise first. Then watch the video and do the exercises to check your understanding and practise the language.

Transcript

Ana: Hi! I'm Ana. Welcome to What to Say!

Do you know what to say when you agree and disagree? Listen out for useful language for agreeing and disagreeing. Then, we'll practise saying the new phrases – after this.

 

Paul: So?

Emir: I'm not convinced by that idea.

Paul: Why?

Emir: Well, this design is just too simple. 

Paul: It's not simple, it's minimal. Plus, it's what the client asked for.

Emir: I'm not so sure. Look … Look at these designs here. I think this is the style that the client wants.

Paul: Hmmm … I think I disagree. They said they wanted it clean and minimal.

Emir: These designs are clean and minimal. 

Paul: Look, don't get me wrong, Emir. I like them, but I don't think they fit the brief. For example, here, there's just a bit too much going on.

Emir: OK, I see what you mean, but without all the colour, it would look a bit … empty. 

Paul: True. OK, how about taking that and that away? So it still looks interesting, but less busy. 

Emir: OK … maybe you've got a point there. Actually, that has given me an idea.

Emir: So we remove the blue. I think that creates a nice balance.

Paul: Yeah, yeah. I think you're right. Changing the circles helped too. 

Emir: I agree. So we're happy with this now?

Paul: Yes, definitely. 

Emir: So it looks like we can agree!

Paul: Occasionally. 

 

Ana: Hello again! I'm pleased that Paul and Emir agreed with each other in the end. So, did you notice the useful phrases used for agreeing and disagreeing? Listen to me and then repeat. 

 

I'm not convinced by that idea.

I'm not so sure.

I think I disagree.

Don't get me wrong, but I don't think they fit. 

I see what you mean, but it looks a bit empty. 

OK, maybe you've got a point there.

I think you're right.

Yes, definitely.

I agree. 

 

Ana: Try and use some of these phrases the next time you agree and disagree in English. Bye for now!

Discussion

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Average: 4.5 (107 votes)
The same as me happened last week , my friend was telling me that we have to do it in our country because of the difficult situation of the world but I tried to convince her that it is a good opportunity so we have to go despite the problems.

Submitted by Ray Or on Sun, 20/09/2020 - 08:30

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Is it Possible to have a group discussion to practice will all learners ?

Hello Ray Or,

No, I'm afraid that's not possible on LearnEnglish. You might want to look into our English Online courses, where you'd be in a virtual classroom with a teacher and other students.

All the best,

Kirk

The LearnEnglish Team

Submitted by Daniel FYT on Fri, 18/09/2020 - 18:03

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Very interesting! Could you advise me a dictionary where I can find translation (in French) of some expressions like “don't get me wrong”, “ they fit the brief” “too much going on” Yes that’s funny. They are all in the same phrase ;-) Thanks Emir

Hello Emir,

The Cambridge Dictionary has an English–French dictionary, but I'm not sure you will find translations of phrases such as these. I'd recommend WordReference and/or Linguee, though it's also a good idea for you to do a little searching, as you might find something even more useful.

Hope this helps.

All the best,

Kirk

The LearnEnglish Team

Submitted by Hnin Ei Khing on Wed, 16/09/2020 - 05:45

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I made a discussion with my friend for English speaking practice. Then, I drew a schedule for an hour Every Saturday. But she was not convinced by that idea. I thought she disagree.

Submitted by cittàutopica on Fri, 11/09/2020 - 16:04

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In my country a constitutional referendum will happen in this month about the reduction of Members of Parliament. I disagree with those who approve this reduction.

Submitted by Bukola on Thu, 10/09/2020 - 20:17

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On Tuesday I disagreed with my colleagues at work on tools needed for our work activities. Eventually we came into agreement on the best way to use the tool which was quite helpful.

Submitted by Rosemeire Oliveira on Tue, 08/09/2020 - 02:16

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The last week my friend and I had a brief discussion because I told to my friend that ours friend usually study only 2 hours per day and she definitely disagreed with my information. She was not convinced by that. I understand her point of view cause both of us study approximately 8 hours every day but that day I was felling so tired with ours disagreement and I have decided left her to following my studies in my bedroom.