Agreeing and disagreeing properly is very important in any language. One slight change of a word, and you can have a new meaning. It is important to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each phrase and its connotation, so we express ourselves clearly and accurately. Today, let’s take a look at a few ways we can agree and disagree.

That’s true.

This is a way to agree. To say “That’s true”, is usually a half-hearted agreement. Full-minded, yet half-hearted. It calm also be a calm way to agree with something without much emotion or excitement.

That’s so true!

This is a way to agree. This means you fully accept the statement.

Absolutely!

This is a way to agree. This is used to say, “That is completely correct.”

I can see where you’re coming from.

This does not mean to agree or to disagree. This means, “I understand why you’d feel that way.” It doesn’t say whether you agree or disagree. Only that you see why they said what they did.

I feel differently/I think differently.

This is a way to disagree. It is very direct and to the point. If we say this to disagree, it is usually followed by another sentence explaining why.

I disagree.

This is a way to disagree. It is direct, and doesn’t beat around the bush (A phrase meaning “to wait to say what you feel or think”).

In English we usually soften our phrases by adding, “but”.

If we agree, but don’t fully agree, we’ll continue with a following sentence beginning with the word “But,” or “However,”.

For example:

“Technology is great!”

“Absolutely! But, I think it has many downsides.”

It is the same if we don’t fully disagree. We can also use the word “but” and then explain why.

For example:

“Technology is great!”

“I think differently. But, people have tried to make the best of it and I think they’re doing pretty well.”

Keeping these things in mind can help us to have the right attitude for our speech.

Keep up the good work!

-You Are Learning English Team

A group of experienced and certified ESL and English as a Foreign Language teachers.