Agreement and disagreement in English. How to express agreement and disagreement in English
Sometimes when you are having an active discussion or even arguing with someone, it is very useful to have a few ready-made phrases for agreeing or disagreeing with your opponent. Moreover, when the conversation goes on English language. Mastery of such phrases makes us more confident interlocutors and helps us convey our point of view.
To spice up your speech and prepare you for the next debate, we've compiled a list of different English phrases to express agreement or disagreement in English. Use them and you will notice how much easier it becomes for you to express your opinion.
Phrases for expressing your opinion
You can always start a conversation or discussion by expressing your own opinion on a specific topic.
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In my opinion…
This is the simplest and most common way to express your opinion.
Frankly, I think...
To be “frank”- be honest and "frankly" has the same meaning as “honestly”- Honestly. This phrase is used in situations where the other person wants to emphasize that they are saying something that they would not normally share.
Personally, I think that...
Use this phrase to highlight your own opinion(which may be different from the majority), without expecting the consent of others.
If you ask me, I think that...
Paradoxically, this phrase is used precisely when people were not asked for their opinion.
As far as I’m concerned…
Sometimes this expression is used to emphasize that your opinion is not the most widespread, and that it concerns only you.
Phrases for expressing agreement
I agree.
It's very simple and quick way agree with another person's opinion. However, it does not provide an opportunity to develop the conversation.
(No,) I think you're right.
This phrase can be used in two ways. If your interlocutor believes that his opinion is not the most common (but you agree with him), then you can use “No” at the beginning of his sentence to emphasize that his opinion is indeed rare. And after he finishes the thought, add “I think you’re right.” A little confusing, right? The second option involves using the expression “I think you’re right” at the very end to show that you are on the side of the interlocutor.
Definitely.
A very strong form of expressing agreement. You can always add arguments to it to support your opinion.
I think so too...
I couldn't agree more.
Despite the fact that this phrase begins with denial, it expresses complete agreement. She seems to be saying that it is impossible to expect greater agreement.
Phrases for expressing disagreement
I disagree.
A very simple phrase of disagreement. Like "I agree"? it doesn't provide any information about your opinion. Therefore, we advise you to back it up with arguments and facts to make your statement more convincing.
I’m not sure about that...
This phrase can be used to express disagreement in a mild manner or when the facts given by your interlocutor may not be true.
Yes, but...
That’s a good point but…
Both of these expressions show disagreement even though they contain the word "yes".
I think we're going to have to agree to disagree.
If you feel that you are at a dead end, or that there is simply no way to come to an agreement with your interlocutor. you can use this phrase to stand by your opinions and end the discussion.
You can practice having discussions. This is a great conversation topic that provides an opportunity to express different opinions, as well as discuss the latest innovations in the world of cinema!
Check also our article on how to properly ask for forgiveness when you have offended someone.
When expressing disagreement, disapproval, hostility and resistance in English, the composition of the statement or question is important. The answer carries the opposite connotation to the beginning: a positive beginning is a negative answer, a negative beginning is a positive answer.
— Youagreewithme,don'tyou? – You agree with me, right?
— No,Idon't.I'mfullyagainstyourplan - Not at all. I'm against your plan
— You haven’t collected the pages of the rough copy — YouNotcollectedpagesdraft
- Oh, I have. I'vedoneit – Just not – collected
Clerical and colloquial disagreement vary greatly. The expression of disagreement depends on the situation and the plot. They obey a strict order, and inappropriate disagreement sounds incoherent and rude. Disagreement and refusal are preceded by politeness.
I’m afraid, - I’m afraid,
I’m sorry to say – Kunfortunately,
I’d rather - I would
Intonation when expressing disagreement
The refusal is pronounced in a firm fall, usually with a descending scale.
I ‘don’t \ think so – NotThink
I disa\gree – Idisagree
Ire'fuse 'point\blank - By no means
Failure with a low start and a high fall sounds like resistance.
I'm | sorry you are mis\taken – I'm afraid, Youwrong
| Why\shouldI? - Why on earth?
| Notat\all – Not at all
A polite objection can be made with a fall-rise or a high fall with a low rise.
That’s'noten'tirely\/true – This is not entirely true
On the \ contrary, we’re \ quite / different – On the contrary, Wedifferent
The phrase “I’m afraid” at the beginning of a sentence is usually accented with a raised tone.
I’m a’fraid I ‘don’t a\gree with you – I’m afraid, NotI agreeVYou
The discordant phrase “I’m sorry” sounds like regret with the first stress in the scale.
I'm'sorryto 'sayyou\can't – Unfortunately, you can’t
Colloquial phrase sort of is placed before any meaningful word, thereby calling its truth into question. In a sentence it is usually stressed, but in rapid speech it sounds like [‘so:tә].
I ‘sort of \like it – LikeCool!
The preposition at the end of an English statement is pronounced with a small accent. The monosyllabic pronoun behind it remains unstressed and shortened.
I\hate to disa/gree | with you – Sorry, ButYounot right
I’m a’fraid I ‘don’t a\gree | with you – I'm afraid, hereIWithyouI disagree
Examples
plot | answer |
Disagreement | |
Officially | |
— The editor thinks her review of the book is the best. | — I don't think so, I disagree. |
— In my view the news-shows are very superficial. | — I'm sorry, but you're mistaken. I find them most interesting. |
— The one thing about such plans is that they never materialize. | — I'm afraid I don't agree with you. |
— His account of the meeting is quite precise. | - That’s not entirely true. Not omitted a few important details. |
— The recreation facilities in the city have developed at a quick pace. | — I couldn’t agree less. There are not enough outdoor facilities. The number of gyms and tennis courts is quite inadequate. |
Vernacular | |
— I’m crazy about detective stories, are you? | — I don’t like them at all. I hate them actually. |
— I can’t stand the New Wave. | - I sort of like. |
— Aren’t you fond of modern art? | - No, it’s all rubbish. |
— I found the local TV quite good. | — On the contrary, it’s pretty awful, too much advertising, no educational programs. |
— Take a hot bath? | — WhyshouldI?I'm not cold. |
— You drink too much coffee, don’t you? | - Not at all, I hardly have one cup a day. |
— It’s going to happen sooner or later. | - Not if I can help it. |
— You don’t put enough effort into your work. | - It's unfair. I'm doing my best. |
—You have a striking resemblance to your sister. | — On the contrary, we’re quite different. |
Refusal | |
Officially | |
— May I come to your office to discuss the matter? | — I’m sorry to say you can’t. I’m leaving the country tomorrow morning. |
— Is it convenient if I call you up, say, after 10 pm? | - I'm afraid not. It's going to be too late. |
— May I take the book from the shelf? | — I’d rather give it to you myself. |
— This is the proposal we’re going to make to you. | — I can't possibly accept that. |
Vernacular | |
— May I open the window? | - No, unfortunately not. There's going to be a draft. |
— Will you go yachting with us? True, the weather forecasts are bad. | — Why should I? |
I refuse point blank. | — So, you’ll ring me up at 5, will you? |
- No, I wouldn’t think of it after what you said.
Dialogues
Office. Secretary with 2 visitors. secretary: | What do you want, gentlemen? |
Who do you need, gentlemen? Mr Stewart: | We have an appointment with Mr. Wangstaff. |
Office. Secretary with 2 visitors. Mr. Wangstaff appointed us. I’m sorry but there’s nothing in the book about it | . Mr. Wangstaff never sees anyone between 10 and half past. |
Who do you need, gentlemen? I'm afraid it's not written down in the diary. Mr. Wangstaff never accepts from 10 to 10:30. | Then you must have forgotten to put it down. This way, Mr. Russell., YouApparentlyforgotuswrite down |
. This way, Mr. Russell.
Airport. Air traffic controllers.
Turn. 2 students.
Restaurant.
— I'veAuto stop. 2 random travel companions.beenhereforabout 15 | minutes and there has been no bus. I guess there's something wrong. Generally the bus service here is good. |
- Not a single bus in 15 minutes. Probably some kind of emergency. Usually the bus service here is good. | - I'm afraid you're wrong. Buses here never come on time, and there are very few of them on this route. They are as irregular as they can be. |
- Yes, come on. Buses on this route are rare and always late. So it's business as usual now.
Conference. 2 participants.
Caroline with her boyfriend Jim.
English Joke
Once there was a millionaire who had a collection of live alligators. He kept them in a pool at the back of his mansion. The millionaire also had a beautiful daughter who was single.
The millionaire is so impressed, says, “My boy, that was incredible! Fantastic! I didn't think it could be done! Well, I must keep my end of the bargain. Which do you want, my daughter or the one million dollars?”
The man says, “Listen, I don’t want your money. I don’t want your daughter, either. I want the person who pushed me in that water!”
Express your consent
Express your consent
express consent, have nothing against, give consent, agree, agree, sign with both hands, express readiness to go, express readiness to go, do not say a word against
Dictionary of Russian synonyms.
See what “express consent” means in other dictionaries:
express- admiration action express readiness demonstration express desire demonstration express opinion verbalization express thought demonstration express hope demonstration express intention demonstration express distrust ... ...
agreement- express agreement demonstration give consent action give consent action achieve agreement action, causation wait for agreement modality, expectation achieve agreement action achieve agreement action, begin to express... ... Verbal compatibility of non-objective names
CONSENT, consent, cf. 1. units only An affirmative answer to a request for something. To do or ask for permission to do something. Do it, permission. Give consent to something. Express your consent to do something. "Silence is a sign... ... Ushakov's Explanatory Dictionary
Express agreement, do not say a word against, express readiness to go, agree, express agreement, sign with both hands, have nothing against, agree, express readiness to go Dictionary of Russian synonyms ... Synonym dictionary
Agree, agree, have nothing against, express consent, express readiness to go, express readiness to go, sign with both hands, do not say a word against, give consent Dictionary of Russian synonyms ... Synonym dictionary
Cm … Synonym dictionary
to express- gratitude action express deep condolences demonstration express deep gratitude demonstration express deep gratitude demonstration express readiness demonstration express desire demonstration express... ... Verbal compatibility of non-objective names
demonstration- (not) withstand interruption of character, demonstration (not) show signs, demonstration (not) hide Neg’s joy, demonstration (not) hide Neg’s irritation, demonstration analysis showed the subject, demonstration analysis showed the subject... Verbal compatibility of non-objective names
Agree, give consent, express consent, do not say a word against, sign with both hands, have nothing against, express readiness to go, express agreement, express readiness to go Dictionary of Russian synonyms ... Synonym dictionary
I will accept, you will accept, please. accepted, accepted, accepted; accepted, owl (to accept) 1. someone or something. To take, to receive from the one who gives. “Maria Ivanovna accepted the letter with a trembling hand.” Pushkin. Accept the gift. Accept the parcel. || Take, grab... ... Ushakov's Explanatory Dictionary
Books
- Access 3 Plus. Grammar Key, Evans V., Dooley J.. Access 3 is the third stage of a four-level English language course for secondary school, corresponding to Pre-Intermediate level A2 - B1. At this stage of learning, children master the following speech...
Every day we communicate with people and encounter different points vision ( points of view). Sometimes we are asked to express our opinion ( to express one's opinion), sometimes they don’t ask, and sometimes we just can’t keep it ( to hold it back).
In order to express my position ( to declare one's position) in English, we need a certain vocabulary. Let's get acquainted with it.
Agreeing: how to express your agreement in English
Among the phrases indicating your agreement with what was said are the following:
Phrase | Translation |
---|---|
Formal phrases | |
I accept your point of view. | I accept your point of view. |
I agree up to a point, but... | I partly agree, but... |
I couldn't agree with you more. | Totally agree with you. (verbatim - I couldn't agree more.) |
I have to side with you on this. | I must support you in this. |
I see exactly what you mean. | I understand what you mean. |
That is exactly how I feel. | That's exactly what I think. (literally – This is exactly how I feel.) |
That is partly true but... | This is partially true, but... |
You are absolutely right. | You are absolutely right. |
Informal phrases | |
I agree with you 100 percent. | I agree with you 100 percent. |
I was just going to say that. | I was just about to say the same thing. |
I'm with you in this. | I support you in this |
Me too. | Me too. |
Tell me about it. | Yes, that's true. |
That is partly true but... | This is partially true, but... |
Disagreeing: express disagreement in English
Often we are forced to disagree with what is said. The following phrases will help you with this:
Phrase | Translation |
---|---|
Formal phrases | |
I am afraid I disagree with you. | I'm afraid I don't agree with you. |
I beg to differ. | I beg to differ. |
I cannot agree with you. | I can't agree with you. |
I must take issue with you on/about/over that. | I have to disagree with you on this. |
I totally disagree. | I completely disagree. |
I would say the exact opposite. | I would say just the opposite. |
It is unjustifiable to say that... | It is unjustified to say that... |
That is not entirely true. | This is not entirely true. |
Informal phrases | |
I don't go along with you on that. | I don't agree with you on this issue. |
It's the other way round. | Quite the opposite. |
No way. | In no case. |
That's not the case. | Not in this case. |
You're dead wrong. | You are completely wrong. |
Want to learn even more phrases to express agreement and disagreement? Then watch the video with the teacher Benjamin.
This video also provides words and phrases to help you express your own point of view. Let's remember them too:
- Personally... - I personally...;
- Frankly... - Honestly...;
- If you ask me... – If you ask my opinion...;
- I reckon... - I believe...;
- I'd say that... – I would say that...;
- Definitely... - Definitely...;
- That's a good point... - Good idea...;
- In my opinion... - In my opinion...;
- I think so too. - I think so too.
- I'm not sure about that. - I'm not sure about that.
So, we've looked at common words and phrases for expressing agreement and disagreement in English. However, you should remember: it is important not only what to say, but also how to say it. Therefore, we bring to your attention tips on how to conduct a discussion constructively without spoiling your relationship with your interlocutor.
5 golden rules of discussion
- Listen to the other person's point of view. By being attentive and patient, you will show your respect and win the person over ( to win sb's favor). This way, the likelihood that your interlocutor will do the same will increase, and you will have a better chance of getting your point across ( to put a message across to somebody) or convince.
- Keep calm. This is very important if you want to carry on a conversation ( to keep a conversation on track), rather than finishing it quickly. Of course, it's hard if you lose your temper easily ( to lose one's temper) or talk about something important to you, but it’s worth it.
- Don't be rude or belittle your interlocutor's opinions. There is nothing worse than mutual insults, because they lead nowhere ( to lead nowhere). If you feel like you're about to break down ( to be about to lose control), do not raise your voice under any circumstances ( to raise one's voice). On the contrary, try to speak more quietly than usual. Believe me, it helps.
- Talk less you and use more I. So that your arguments do not sound like a reproach, do not get personal ( to become personal), but talk about your feelings and thoughts. For example:
I am short of time today. Could we please put this off until tomorrow? – I don’t have much time today. Could we put this off until tomorrow?
You are so assertive. Can we leave it until tomorrow? - You are so persistent. Can we leave this for tomorrow?
- Give arguments and examples. If you bring truths to support your idea that are hard to disagree with, you will leave your opponent far behind ( to leave smb far behind). After all, it’s hard to argue with the truth, although... and everyone has their own truth. However, insist on your opinion tactfully and respectfully, and illustrate your opinion with accessible and vivid examples from life.
Good luck in your English speaking endeavors! To make it easier to train eloquence, download a table with the words and expressions given in the article.
(*.pdf, 201 Kb)
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