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 (170 votes)
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Submitted by Melissa Ayala on Wed, 13/01/2021 - 18:47

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I always disagree with people when they discuss a certain topic but they don't read to be sure about it

Submitted by Justine STM on Mon, 11/01/2021 - 15:07

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The last time i disagree with someone was with my best friend in a dinner. He wanted to play at a society game with all present people, but i was with my new boyfriend who didn't speak french. So i was thinking he couldn't play with us and then didn't enjoy the moment.

Submitted by M19 on Sun, 10/01/2021 - 08:34

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I remember one day at work, a colleague of mine suggested that a certain instrument be used for making assessments. I was not convinced by the idea, however much she insisted that it would save time and reduce risks. From my experience in using it on clients, more time was spent in taking measurements than on addressing clients' urgent needs. Also, the potential for injury was high considering the fact that the instrument had to be attached on the client's body. She understood and realized that I was actually right after gathering further information on that particular instrument. Comparisons were made in relation to other available ones, clients experiences and expectations were documented and finally a decision was reached that everyone agreed to.

Submitted by Ololade on Thu, 07/01/2021 - 22:57

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This is really cool and educating.

Submitted by khine_yu on Thu, 07/01/2021 - 08:31

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Last night, I disagree with my friend. We found two dresses online and she think pink one is prettier but I don't think so.

Submitted by Joesph on Wed, 06/01/2021 - 13:56

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My friend suggested to me go to the mountain next weekend, But I disagree with his idea because the weather is not clear there are a lot of clouds and maybe its going to rain, I informed him my wish to spend the time in the home and watching a movie.

Submitted by Gabi on Wed, 06/01/2021 - 11:49

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I loved this activity.

Submitted by YewandeAdeosun on Fri, 25/12/2020 - 18:23

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I really find this helpful. I learnt new words

Submitted by YewandeAdeosun on Fri, 25/12/2020 - 18:19

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Today. I disagreed with my boyfriend . He argued with me on replying exes chats although I am not convinced. In my opinion I feel that it’s not bad replying exes chats

Submitted by Thinn Thiri Myo on Thu, 24/12/2020 - 04:57

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Yesterday,I disagree with my mom.I give her some advice.But she says,it didn't do like that because it doesn't match with her.