Discussing advantages and disadvantages

In this video, Noelia and Yuna talk about how to encourage creativity in the office. Listen to the language they use to discuss advantages and disadvantages 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 discuss advantages and disadvantages? Listen out for useful language for discussing advantages and disadvantages. Then, we'll practise saying the new phrases – after this.

 

Noelia: So, table tennis, bean bags, board games, video games! Hey, how about a trampoline?

Yuna: Stop right there. I love your ideas, Noelia, but a trampoline? Really?

Noelia: Absolutely. When do you have your best ideas?

Yuna: I don't know. Usually when I'm cooking, I suppose.

Noelia: Exactly. We often have our best ideas when we are away from our desks. The other day I was on a trampoline and the vision for the creativity room came to me.

Yuna: Why were you on a trampo…? Never mind. Look, on the one hand it's a lovely idea and it fits with our brand, but on the other hand it could be noisy and chaotic and maybe too much fun!

Noelia: But having fun helps you be creative, and being creative is vital to our business! 

Yuna: I see what you mean, but I'm just not sure if a trampoline is necessary. Also, there could be an issue with the clients arriving at the office and seeing us all jumping around.

Noelia: I see where you're coming from, but I think our clients will love it! And there are lots of advantages to trampolining. It's good for the body and the mind.

Yuna: Maybe, but I can also see the disadvantages. What if someone hurts themselves?

Noelia: But we're all adults. And we can get extra insurance. Come on! It's a great idea!

Yuna: OK, I'll think about it. 

Noelia: Perfect. I'll email you some links!

Yuna: I haven't said yes! Oh, Noelia! 

 

Ana: Hello again! A trampoline in the office? Well, there's an idea! So, did you notice the useful phrases used for discussing advantages and disadvantages? Listen to me and then repeat. 

 

On the one hand …, but on the other hand …

I see what you mean, but I'm just not sure.

There could be an issue with that. 

I see where you're coming from, but I think they'll love it. 

There are lots of advantages.

Maybe, but I can also see the disadvantages.

 

Ana: Try and use some of these phrases the next time you discuss advantages and disadvantages in English. Bye for now!

Discussion

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Language level

Average: 4.5 (54 votes)

Submitted by JannyJaneth on Thu, 10/09/2026 - 16:20

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I get my best ideas at night, with the lights off, when I am calm and free from distractions, and  also  when I am  walking  in  open  country,  whether in the morning or at night.

Submitted by Machinus on Thu, 03/09/2026 - 05:05

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When and where do you have your best ideas?

 

Iusually have my best ideas when i´m relaxed,especially at home.I also get good ideas when I´m walking or listening to music

In adition i have best ideas when I watch tutorals videos.

Submitted by MASHIEL on Sat, 29/08/2026 - 21:33

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When and where do you have your best ideas?

I get my best ideas on weekend nights in my room while listening to good music.

Submitted by gulnaz0112 on Fri, 21/08/2026 - 09:56

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usually i have best ideas when i am in the mountains 

 

Submitted by rafiulislam1306 on Sat, 08/08/2026 - 04:10

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I am not quite sure exactly when I get the best ideas. But I am certain it doesn't come when I binge watch shorts or reels.

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Submitted by nonittabonita on Thu, 06/08/2026 - 21:59

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I have my best ideas when I do the dishes at 2am morning, I feel like I can brainstorm and rethink of everything came to my mind previously that I didn't discuss with myself because of being busy

Submitted by Mr.Rad on Wed, 22/07/2026 - 10:02

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Definitely, when the time to hit the sack comes, it brings good ideas with it.

Submitted by Mariane Guerra on Sat, 06/06/2026 - 13:24

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I usually get my best ideas late at night, almost in the early hours of the morning, when everyone else is assleep and the world is quiet. But I can see the disadvantages, for example I sleepy during all day.

Submitted by Mohammad-Barakat on Sat, 02/05/2026 - 23:33

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I have best ideas when I stay lonely in my room or in the office.

Submitted by CarlaCA on Thu, 16/04/2026 - 12:06

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I usually think of my best ideas in the afternoon, especially when I listen to songs while studying. Moreover, walking around my city also helps me to come up with ideas. It makes my brain clearer to think.