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

Download
Worksheet92.5 KB

Language level

Average: 4.4 (170 votes)
Do you need to improve your English speaking skills?
Join thousands of learners from around the world who are improving their English speaking skills with our live online classes and personal tutoring courses.

Submitted by Stéphanie_Cer on Sun, 25/09/2022 - 15:20

Permalink

The latest time that I disagreed was with my son when he asked me for for the second time in the week, to go to a party.

Submitted by Magsut on Thu, 15/09/2022 - 16:07

Permalink

the lastest time I disagreed is when I talking with my friend

Submitted by Hop_dai_de on Tue, 30/08/2022 - 14:38

Permalink

um... I think that the conversation is a bit short, can the council make it longer?

Submitted by irving.oli on Fri, 26/08/2022 - 15:14

Permalink

the las time i dissagred was when i talked to my wife about buy a house, she wants to buy a house and i want to buy an apartment. we talked about the price and the house or apartment´s section.

Submitted by Caroline Forbs on Sat, 13/08/2022 - 23:31

Permalink

I disagreed with my team work about the title of our reaserch project .
For my point of vew, the title that was suggested seemd like it didn't really match with the concept of the project this is why I proposed to change it. The rest of the team didn't share me the same opinion. So we ended up doing a vote and they won 😅😅

Submitted by Nandar Su Hlaing on Wed, 10/08/2022 - 10:43

Permalink

When we have disagreement, we are trying to discuss and search the problem and trying to solve the problem. There is not much disagree with my colleagues.

Submitted by Saravalou on Wed, 10/08/2022 - 07:22

Permalink

I usually get to disagree with my little sister, even if we're 15000 km away (we basically cut the phone while the other is talking). It's normal for us, because she has her pride and she doesn't want to get wrong (me too, I have to admit).
Or, when we talk about a simple idea, she's not convinced and wants to change everything. But, at the end, we always get a point and we finally agree. Always put family first !

Submitted by Luiscarza on Sun, 07/08/2022 - 21:06

Permalink

In my job, sometimes I disagree with some colleagues. It is normal. And they disagree with me in other situations. But it’s okay.

Submitted by messa.chaima on Tue, 26/07/2022 - 19:36

Permalink

me and my sister always disagree, when we go outside together or when we have fun, when we want to cook or when we discuss about somthing; she never have got my point.