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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Language level

Average: 4.4 (235 votes)

Submitted by Ali_shuait on Sun, 02/11/2025 - 08:16

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Learning these things has given me my own thoughts from another perspectives, so now I can say I'm agree or I'm disagree for every who doesn't match my opinions and thoughts regardless of who's or where did they come from, thanks British council 💙

Submitted by RitaFerreira on Tue, 28/10/2025 - 22:50

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Let me think… ;) Yes, I live near the sea. I’m from Oporto, in Portugal, and we have the Atlantic Ocean as a border. Portugal is a "heaven planted near the sea," as we say! It’s really good to live here. I’m so lucky to be born in a country without war, with good weather and nice people.

When I was young, my family and I went to the beach every summer. I remember a specific time when my mom promised me we would go to the beach, but… she lied. She didn’t want to go. When I discovered it, I started crying.

The beach and the sea are my safe place, my recharge, and my reading spot. Now, I’m the adult who takes the family’s children to the beach, and… I never make anyone cry hihi :)

Submitted by lpatarroyo on Fri, 24/10/2025 - 11:19

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i hoy disagree with others when it Is necessary

Submitted by RitaFerreira on Thu, 23/10/2025 - 16:50

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For me, disagreement is valuable.
I have a critical mindset, and it’s common for me to have something to add.
I don’t disagree just to oppose. It’s because I’m creative and usually I see something new, a different perspective.
This characteristic of mine is an advantage in my profession. I practice this ability every day.
Disagreement isn’t a bad thing for me. I see disagreement, or, as we say, constructive criticism, as a way to achieve development.  

Submitted by hudahatab on Tue, 21/10/2025 - 11:01

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Today, while I am speaking with my brother he talked with my baby daughter in a bad way, so I disagreed with him.

Submitted by Paula_svanegas on Tue, 21/10/2025 - 01:12

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Hello 

The last time i disagreed with someone it was a Friday I went out with a friend and we needed to decide where to eat, she gave some options but I couldn't decide the kind of food that I wanted to eat. I shew her the I disagreed and finally we decided together a new mexican reastaurant near to us and It was a new experience for both

Submitted by Kaveeta5397 on Sun, 19/10/2025 - 16:09

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My mom agreed to make special dishes for me once I go to my parent's house.

Submitted by hemza14 on Fri, 17/10/2025 - 20:46

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Last time i disagreed with someone, it was my mother yesterday. She wasn't convinced by the idea that my girlfriend will stay with me for the night.

Submitted by Oriolowo on Wed, 15/10/2025 - 13:11

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I disagree with my co-event committee on the schedule for the participant, but they agreed with me after I explained with reference points.

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Submitted by ShaheNaz_ on Sun, 12/10/2025 - 08:39

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last time I agreed with my sister was 2 days ago. it was about someone she called many twice in different time but she didn't replay or get back to my sister later. my sister found that behavior is unacceptable and decided not to call her again, she has got a point it's unacceptable but I advised my sister to send her a message to tell her that she was worry about her so she phoned her but her didn't call you back .

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