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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Submitted by Eman Samir on Mon, 02/01/2023 - 10:15

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The last time I disagreed with someone was a few days ago. It was with my father because of his way of thinking. He manages his business poorly. He treats his employees like slaves.

Profile picture for user Mohamed Abib

Submitted by Mohamed Abib on Thu, 24/11/2022 - 17:25

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Well, these expressions are awesome! I liked them a lot and now I'm capable of agreeing and disagreeing in a variety of ways. Many thanks to the British council.

Submitted by Fanny_Reinoso on Sun, 16/10/2022 - 18:18

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I think I was disagreed with a friend, because we are discussing about a regulation. I said her that the norm not include a couples, only married. She said me the norm include both case. I was not so convinced for that idea, but other friend said me the same thing, and I decided accept thath my friend was right.

Submitted by Ahmed Salah Fayez on Wed, 12/10/2022 - 07:22

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yesterday, i disagreed with my colleague in the office in our points of view.

Submitted by Moana624 on Mon, 26/09/2022 - 16:16

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This 's an efficient way to practice,I like it.

Submitted by maride on Sun, 25/09/2022 - 20:18

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I can't find the video. Can anyone help, please?

Hi maride,

Sorry to hear about the problem. I have just checked the video, and it is working for me at the moment. It may have been a temporary problem, or the video may be blocked in your area. 

Can you see other videos in the Speaking section?

Perhaps you can try using a different computer/device or web browser to see if it works. Good luck with it.

Jonathan

The LearnEnglish Team

Hello mr.jonathan
I've problem too , I tried to do all your instructions but the video still not working.
Thank you very much .