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 (239 votes)

Submitted by Ssannmm on Thu, 05/03/2026 - 10:51

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I remember the last time I disagreed with a colleague. A few months ago, I was convinced we should introduce changes to a ticketing process. When I showed these changes to my colleague She refused my proposal arguing that is not the time to discuss this. I think it was disrespectful and not constructive, indeed.

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Submitted by Tala-alshorafa on Mon, 02/03/2026 - 15:00

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I disagreed with my friend about the way you can use to register for the second term of university.

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Submitted by Ibrahimabdalla88 on Sat, 07/02/2026 - 09:00

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I disagree with my colleague, when we were discussing about climate change. 

Submitted by SLC on Fri, 06/02/2026 - 08:45

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Yesterday. I told the teacher that the homework for the weekend was too much, but he didn't agree.

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Submitted by Bemadjita on Fri, 06/02/2026 - 06:40

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I, often had discussion with the operation manager regarding the employees annual leaves and we never agreed on the planning. He always disagreed on the duration employees requested to go on leave although he was copied in the email.

Submitted by areal on Wed, 04/02/2026 - 21:49

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I frequently disagree with my colleagues at work. As a QA, I should ensure the software complies with the final user needs and with the code guidelines.

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Submitted by Danoue02 on Wed, 04/02/2026 - 19:33

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I remember the last time i disagreed with someone was in december, my sister and i had different opinions about the number of people we had to invite in our Christmas party. Finally i convinced her and we agreed .

Submitted by rainer_hs on Wed, 04/02/2026 - 09:32

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I remember the last time I disagreed with my friend. He set an appointment to meet at 4:0 p.m in a big mall in this town. However, I disagreed with that because I had another plan at the time. So we decided meeting in the morning at the cafe to talk about our next trip. It was a really funtastic meeting as we shared our ideas, and laughed together. I hope our trip would be nice and successful.  

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Submitted by Mrs. on Tue, 03/02/2026 - 18:35

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I disagreed with my brother with frequency. When he said YES, I said No. He sometimes discuss with another persons unnecessary way. I said him that need take more emphaty and tolerance. He never change.