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: 4.4 (230 votes)
Profile picture for user Orcklyx_Anato

Submitted by Orcklyx_Anato on Wed, 08/10/2025 - 08:32

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It was a couple months ago. It was with my brother. We disagree about his way to manage his money.

Submitted by Merlin on Tue, 07/10/2025 - 09:43

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Yesterday, we were discussing a report, and I disagreed with what my colleague was saying.

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Submitted by _Gloria on Sun, 05/10/2025 - 03:10

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Last week, I disagreed with my co-workers to use the report writing tone in preparation of handbook
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Submitted by Reules on Thu, 02/10/2025 - 03:57

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Sometimes at work, i am not convinced by the ideas my partners share. I have to say "Don't get me wrong but I don't think it is the best way to reach our goals". But also, there are some good ideas in which I say " you`ve got a point there" 

At the end of the day, we are learning from everyone. 

Thanks British Council, for sharing so helpful material. I am your fan .

Submitted by Valeria.graci14 on Tue, 30/09/2025 - 15:18

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The last time I disagree with somebody was yesterday. My classmates were arguing about the money we recollected for our graduation party. They thought it wasn't enough and blamed a friend of mind about bad organization but I disagree because it is too late to blame him! No one was involved. Now, we don't have money and they noticed that without looking for a solution.

Today, I have agreed with my  wife. She had convinced me that talk about politics won´t take us nowhere.

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Submitted by Hani._ on Sun, 28/09/2025 - 00:15

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I'm watching everybody say the last time they disagreed, so I also want tell my las time I disagree or agree, everyday I disagree with my mom, we also are discussing, because she works and I study and my house is always alone, so is dirty and has a bad organization, and we dont like to wash the dishes, so we hardly ever  are agree, but I love her jejej.

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Submitted by sdk.hlms on Sun, 21/09/2025 - 09:27

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Last night my roommate and i agreed keeping our dorm room clean and make it our home.

Submitted by Teacher Alex on Mon, 15/09/2025 - 11:26

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Well, I gotta say this in the present. My wife and I are always disagreeing about something, gee. It seems that we can`t agree about almost anything.