two sides of coin

Agreeing and Disagreeing in English

Different People have different choices, opinions, ideas, views, Ideologies and philosophies. When such differences become discourse among people, it makes the nation and society healthier. But in general, people have a misunderstanding of the word ‘Disagreeing‘.

If you show either Agreeing or Disagreeing about something, it doesn’t mean that a friendly, romantic, or professional relationship would be somehow weak or rough/rude. Both expressions are important in our daily conversation.

So in this post, you will find many useful expressions words and phrases which make you a bit different from others and closer to the native speaker. We must be conscious while using these expressions in a different situation and setting of the talk.

Useful Tips for sharing Opinion

Politeness is a strength, not weakness: Even if you disagree, you can still be soft and kind. an expression like “I might be wrong, but…” or “I am sorry, but I don’t agree,” help to maintain politeness and respect.

You are sharing your opinion not facts: While sharing your opinion in English you must clear to the listeners that you are sharing your personal opinion not facts & figures or someone’s thoughts or statements.

Phrases like ‘I think’ or ‘in my opinion’ or ‘in my view’ make it clear that you are putting your personal ideas not a facts

Ask for feedback not complement: Questions like “What do you think about ……?” also helps the others. They may feel like you’re open to a discussion and care about their feedback.

Expressions to Show Agreement

Absolutely… Of course… DefinitelyExactly… ...For sure… I suppose so… I guess so…and say something about things.

A: Do you think effective communication is important for doing any business?

B: of course!( you may add your points)

A: Do you thing green veg is essential for our health?

B: Absolutely! ( you may add your points)

A: Do you thing democracy is a better choice for India?

B: Definitely! ( you may add your points)

I agree with you entirely! I agree with you a hundred percent! I totally agree with you! I completely agree with you!

A: Nothing can replace the taste of my mom’s hand made food.

B: I agree with you a hundred percent. (informal)

A: Language is the core part of any culture?

B: I agree with you entirely.

I also thing soyou can say it again

A: We should worry about the poverty of our country, we can not eradicate it easily.

B: You can say that again!

A: Let’s focus on the positives instead of the negatives.

B: I also thing so.

That’s so true! you have point there! I was just going to say that!

A: Helping others always makes me feel better.

B: That’s so true! Helping others always makes me feel better too.

A: The wind is so cold today.

B: I was just going to say that!

A: I think recording the class lectures on my device is easier than trying to write down everything our professor delivers.

B: You have a point there. I’m going to try doing that too.

I have no objections

A:I think we should buy red bucket for our bathroom.

B: I have no objections to this. You can pick whatever color you want.

Expressions to show Disagreement

No way! (informal)

A: my sister can memorize everything for a test in just an hour!

B: No way!

I beg to differ! (informal)

A: Orange cake is the best.

A: I beg to differ. While the orange cake is good, coconut cake is the best, in my opinion.

I totally disagree, I disagree, I completely disagree (Formal and strong disagreement)

To be polite you may add ‘I am afraid / I am sorry‘….I disagree with you

I think there’s a better explanation, ( formal)

A: Our profits are down this month because our workers are taking too many breaks.

B: I think there’s a better explanation. Maybe profits are down because of our new location of the cafe.

You can’t be serious! (informal)

A: I think we should print less amount of books because people are preferring e-Books

B: You can’t be serious!

As a matter of fact, I don’t think that’s correct. ( Formal )

A: There’s no use in interapersonal development once you’re old.

B: As a matter of fact, I don’t think that’s correct.

A: All people work better in our group.

B: As a matter of fact, I don’t think that’s correct.

That’s not always true. / That’s not entirely true. (Semi formal)

A: Exercise is the best way to maintain your health.

B: That’s not entirely true. You also need to eat a healthy diet.

A: Smart people don’t need help from anyone to get their work done.

B: That’s not always true.

Expression to Show Partly Agreement

I understand your point of view but…., That’s a good suggestion but…that’s a good idea butI respect your opinion…I respect your point of view (and say what you want)

A: wastage and stagnation are core problem in Indian education system

B: I understand/see your point of view but we must find out the cause…

A: Online mode of education is really good and flexible.

B: That’s a good idea but in school education, a physical classroom is very important for the overall development of the child.

A: If tickets are not available, we can go by flight.

B: That’s a good suggestion, let me check Air India. from New Delhi.

Functions of language are finite but the form of the expressions may be a lot. so you are free to add more expression to show you agreement and disagreement.

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