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)

Submitted by maximumjeff on Sat, 26/06/2021 - 08:12

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The disagreement that I had with my friend was about which movies to watch. She wanted to see love movie and I wanted action film. We finally chose to watch a humorous one.

Submitted by GiulianaAndy on Thu, 17/06/2021 - 20:19

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The last time I disagreed with someone was before the pandemic, in 2019, I was talking to my comrade, and then we disagreed our ideas about a project, and I rejected him. It was an awful situation, but finally the problem was solved

Submitted by Pann Nilar Htun on Wed, 16/06/2021 - 08:58

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I am flexible and negotiable one. I don't think I am always right. when I disagree with someone, I pointed out her what are the reasons. On the same time, we tried to find out the best solutions of the problem with win-win method. Many thanks for other collogues' interesting comment.

Submitted by Cima on Fri, 04/06/2021 - 17:25

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Yesterday I disagreed with some calls mates on how to make an online campaign and how we target the customers but everyone has a different idea about it, finally we agreed on putting two options together.

Submitted by Sika2803 on Sat, 29/05/2021 - 16:41

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Two days ago, I disagreed with my friend about her study. Since she started her part-time job, she has become failing in schoolwork. It’s also the reason of my disagreement. At that time, I gave her some advices to hope she realizes which is more important. But I don’t know how she think after hearing my sincerely spoken, because she seems to wanna earn money more. No matter how we still young, i think we should focus on our studying first.

Submitted by Homam21 on Mon, 24/05/2021 - 11:47

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It always happens. There are many suggestions or opinions at work we agree with some of them and disagree with the rest.

Submitted by ALLESTALL on Tue, 30/03/2021 - 16:30

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I often disagree with my husband or my son about any topic such as food, trips, gardening etc... I think I am right and the are convinced they are right as well... so in the end we try to find a good solution for everyone.

Submitted by MikhailZatopliaev on Sun, 28/03/2021 - 07:12

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Last time when I disagreed with somebody was when we are choosing a baby carriage, I preferred cheeper one but my wife more expensive. My wife won.