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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Submitted by IYusufI on Sun, 17/09/2023 - 20:11

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I disagreed with a friend when he spoke impolitely with the other friend & said racist words, which was an awful situation affected us badly, I definitely disagreed with the one who said that & supported the other one till we settled the situation & the first one apologized to him.

Submitted by kaanxcolak on Sat, 16/09/2023 - 11:08

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I disagreed with my friend last time. He always makes weird decisions. I said that him you should be confident and logical.

Submitted by ruan1999 on Wed, 13/09/2023 - 03:04

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I disagreed with my supervisor about how to get things done. I have my own methods. He is just too rigid.

Submitted by noha.bendary on Sun, 10/09/2023 - 16:31

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I'm not convinced, that this is what our tutor meant in the lecture. I think she wanted us to write a report on the topic and then do a presentation on it. (my opponent) I think I disagree, because she asked us to attend in class and get prepared for a discussion. why don't we send her an email and get her reply on that. Definitely, i agree with that.

Submitted by mohamed abdikarim on Tue, 05/09/2023 - 21:59

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i am not remember the last time i disagree someone, but after tomorrow i will disagree everything without reason to learn how disagree people.

Submitted by Ampy on Sun, 03/09/2023 - 17:26

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The last time that I disagree with someone, was yesterday, with my husband, I was driving I He told me to go for another way, I said not because I know this place. Finally, I went for the way he wanted I we lost!!

Submitted by STL8BRU on Tue, 15/08/2023 - 14:34

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I agree with may manager that we sent too much time on the communication topic for a small return on our time investment