Discussion Strategies: Agreeing and Disagreeing

People often agree and disagree in conversation. In English, there are many ways to agree and disagree. Some phrases are casual, which means you use them with friends. Other phrases are more formal.

Agreeing

Phrases for casual agreeing

  • Yeah
  • Yep
  • Ditto
  • Totally
  • For sure

Phrases for formal agreeing

  • I agree
  • I'm with you on this one
  • That's a good point
  • I see
  • True

Body language for agreeing (you can do any or all of these):

  • Smile
  • Nod “yes”
  • Lean forward
  • Clap hands one time

Disagreeing

Phrases for casual disagreeing (can be a little rude)

  • I don’t think so.
  • No way.
  • Are you kidding me?
  • Are you sure about that?
  • Seriously?

Phrases for formal disagreeing

  • Well...
  • I see where you're coming from, but...
  • That's a good point, but...
  • I see things a little differently...
  • I'd like to share another point of view...

Body language for disagreeing (you can do any or all of these)

  • Nod “no”
  • Lean backward
  • Put hand(s) up like you’re saying “stop”

Example discussion: casual

Student 1: Have you heard about the new Taylor Swift album? It’s awesome.

Student 2: Are you kidding me? It’s the worst thing I’ve ever heard.

Student 1: No way! You don’t like Taylor Swift?

Student 2: No one in their right mind likes Taylor Swift. She’s awful.

Student 1: I don’t think so. I think you’re crazy.

Student 2: Whatever. Have you seen the new Spiderman movie?

Student 1: Yeah, I liked it.

Student 2: Ditto.


Example discussion: formal

Student 1: I think we should have more homework.

Student 2: More homework?

Student 1: If we have more homework, we’ll learn faster.

Student 2: I see where you’re coming from, but I don’t want more homework. I want to enjoy my free time.

Student 1: That’s a good point, but we are here to learn English.

Student 2: Well, true, but I am also young.  I want to relax sometimes.

Student 1: That’s a good point. Maybe we have enough homework.

Student 2: I agree.


Exercise

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Exercise

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