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 (272 votes)

Submitted by juamerico on Thu, 03/09/2026 - 18:13

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I disagreed with my teammate about a task at work. 
We discussed about their point of view. First, I wasn't convinced by that idea and I'm not quite so sure about the details. 
Than, after discussed the trade-offs, he has got a point.
Finally, I was convinced to change the task.

Submitted by Andreeva on Mon, 31/08/2026 - 13:11

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I agree, I really benefited from this exercise.

Submitted by Jacqueline14 on Sun, 30/08/2026 - 18:26

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I disagree with a lot of comments by the politicians. All of them live thinking that live is more easy than the reality, because sometimes, seems that they live in other world.

Sometimes , I disagree my manager , he wants me to do things that I'm so sure it will help us to complete our job.

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Submitted by Khushra on Sun, 30/08/2026 - 12:41

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Today itself I disagreed with my younger brother. He wanted to sell land at a much cheaper rate than the rate prevailing around there. Any way, the piece of land was his & I allowed him to go the way he wanted. Finally, he had  the deal negotiation.

Submitted by denis.sabo on Sat, 29/08/2026 - 04:56

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I disagree with my emplyee yesterday when he asked me a permission to be absent at our tomorrow meeting as he is design to organize this meeting

Submitted by Nadra Ibrahim on Thu, 20/08/2026 - 22:06

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The last time I disagree with someone was yesterday, when my daughter asked me to buy a new toy, but I promised her I will buy it next week.

Submitted by samah_osman on Thu, 20/08/2026 - 17:08

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I really like this lesson. It really it helps me.