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 Gizmoist on Wed, 05/01/2022 - 17:30

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After having a baby, my spouse and I often discuss the issues related to our son. For example, my husband always wants him to take to the park even snowy days or he doesn't want to change my son's clothes even he is so sweaty. In these moments, we always argue and I often disagree with him.

Submitted by BelaBela45 on Tue, 04/01/2022 - 00:08

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Sometimes I disagree with my husband because I like to think a lot before making a decision , and he is more impulsive. For example, he is used to buying things because they are in promotion or because he never these had items before. Me, I prefer investing my money in things that I really need and WHEN I need them , and if they fit in my budget.

Submitted by Myat Moe on Mon, 03/01/2022 - 09:58

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I always argue with my brothers over small things. So this is such a useful lesson for me. Now I can use a load of phrases to argue with them.

Submitted by Daniel Garroux on Sat, 01/01/2022 - 19:22

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The last time I disagree with someone was during a conversation with friends. One of them was against getting the vaccine. We finally convinced him to do it, but it was very hard, cause he had a lot of concerns about the collateral effects of the vaccine.

Submitted by huynguyen09 on Fri, 31/12/2021 - 15:03

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The latest time that I disagreed is when I talking with my boss. I don't think the plan he has prepared for our team is following the orientation of the director.

Submitted by Suraj paliwal on Wed, 01/12/2021 - 08:34

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When I disagree something I usually say I don't like this idea or things. It's happens everyday.