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 (179 votes)

Submitted by FarahA on Fri, 07/03/2025 - 12:02

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Three days ago , I disagreed with my friends about the place we would go then after many discussions we agreed to go to the park . 

Submitted by minglann119_ on Wed, 05/03/2025 - 20:10

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The last time i disagree with somone was yesterday.

my sister ask me which book i want and i told her i want a large book, but she disagree with it.

but i told her the reasons why i need the large book.

and finally she agree with me.

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Submitted by Geo_Abdallah on Wed, 05/03/2025 - 12:37

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The last time I disagreed with someone was three months ago, I disagreed with my roommate because he wanted the disk only for himself to study on it , He's really selfish.

Oh! I totally understand how you feel about having a roommate. Since I left my parents' house, I’ve been sharing places with others. It can be quite difficult because people have different cleaning habits.

Submitted by Ashan89 on Wed, 05/03/2025 - 10:58

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Always  I disagree with my wife and she does the same. But many times actually we trying to say the same things. after discussing, we agree on our points.

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Submitted by Abdoul 100 on Sun, 23/02/2025 - 19:34

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Often i am not convinced by the idea of Migration

Submitted by ElisaC80 on Fri, 21/02/2025 - 09:11

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Yesterday I disagreed with my sister. She wanted to walk to the gym and I wanted to go by car. Finally, she decided to drive because it was raining.

Submitted by luisfer1980 on Sun, 16/02/2025 - 17:14

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The last time when I agreed with someone It was when we were discussing about  what place will we go to vacations. First I proposed the beach but my partner wanted to go to a farm. Finally we chose to go the beach.

Submitted by samane key on Fri, 14/02/2025 - 08:12

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Two weeks ago,I wasn't convinced by my colleage's idea about a project.I disagreed with her.I liked her ideas,l don't think they fit the brief.finally,after some changes ,it looks like we can agree.

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