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 (159 votes)
Profile picture for user Asolwis220

Submitted by Asolwis220 on Tue, 26/01/2021 - 09:39

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The last time that I´ve disagreeing with someone, was with my cousin for she don´t like to eat vegetables and healthy food and for her was very important in this moment eat good, because she was a little ill and she needed to eat brocoli and salads, however in the end she thanked me for being so insistent because, she improved a lot.

Submitted by Htet Su Naing on Fri, 22/01/2021 - 18:34

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I disagreed with my boyfriend yesterday. We talked about Korea drama and argued why we are not much romantic like in the drama. He told me that the real world has not background music and slow motion. I'm not sure for his answer. Do you agree or disagree?

Submitted by Fernanda Dominguez on Thu, 21/01/2021 - 02:46

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The last time I disagree with someone was yesterday, my sister and I were trying to make a familiar recipe and remembered different ingredients. At the end it worked.

Submitted by German on Wed, 20/01/2021 - 02:16

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The last time I disagreed with someone was today because mi wife and I discused about a topic
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Submitted by Oksi1001 on Mon, 18/01/2021 - 13:15

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We have been doing appartment renovation with my boyfriend. And disagree to each other quite often. Last time was 2 days ago. We chose a washing machine and i liked one, but my boyfriend thinks this one is agly and inappropriate.He offered one, that not better than my choise. We are looking for a compromise currently.

Submitted by nancyvirginiare on Wed, 13/01/2021 - 19:48

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The last time i disagree with someone was with my mom talking about the best way to set up new prices for products in our familia business.

Submitted by Melissa Ayala on Wed, 13/01/2021 - 18:47

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I always disagree with people when they discuss a certain topic but they don't read to be sure about it

Submitted by Justine STM on Mon, 11/01/2021 - 15:07

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The last time i disagree with someone was with my best friend in a dinner. He wanted to play at a society game with all present people, but i was with my new boyfriend who didn't speak french. So i was thinking he couldn't play with us and then didn't enjoy the moment.

Submitted by M19 on Sun, 10/01/2021 - 08:34

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I remember one day at work, a colleague of mine suggested that a certain instrument be used for making assessments. I was not convinced by the idea, however much she insisted that it would save time and reduce risks. From my experience in using it on clients, more time was spent in taking measurements than on addressing clients' urgent needs. Also, the potential for injury was high considering the fact that the instrument had to be attached on the client's body. She understood and realized that I was actually right after gathering further information on that particular instrument. Comparisons were made in relation to other available ones, clients experiences and expectations were documented and finally a decision was reached that everyone agreed to.