English for Beginners: Agreeing & Disagreeing
Dialogue
Alice: Hey Bob! Guess what? I just ordered a pineapple pizza!
Bob: Alice! You didn’t! Pineapple on pizza? That’s… a crime!
Alice: No way! It’s delicious! You should totally try it.
Bob: I completely disagree. Pizza should be savory, not sweet. It’s just wrong.
Alice: Well, I think it’s the perfect balance. Sweet and salty! A culinary masterpiece!
Bob: I can’t agree with you there. It just doesn’t work for me. My taste buds run screaming.
Alice: Oh, come on! It’s not *that* bad. You’re being dramatic.
Bob: It is for me! I’m pretty sure most sensible people agree with me.
Alice: I’m not so sure about that. Many people secretly love it! They’re just afraid to admit it.
Bob: Maybe, but I prefer classic pepperoni. Now *that* is a good pizza. No fruit involved.
Alice: Okay, I agree with you on pepperoni. Pepperoni is absolutely amazing.
Bob: See? We *can* agree on something! There’s hope for our friendship after all.
Alice: Haha, yes, on the *good* toppings. So, what are you doing later?
Bob: I was thinking of watching that new superhero movie everyone’s talking about.
Alice: Oh, I totally agree! Let’s watch it together. My treat! (But no pineapple pizza for you!)
Current Situation
In everyday conversations, we often need to express if we agree or disagree with someone’s opinion or statement. It’s a fundamental part of communication! For beginners, learning how to agree and disagree politely and clearly is very important. It helps you participate in discussions, share your thoughts, and understand others better. Sometimes, you might agree completely, and other times you might have a different opinion. Both are perfectly fine! This lesson will teach you simple and common ways to express agreement and disagreement in English.
Key Phrases
- I agree.
Example: “I think the movie was great.” – “I agree.” - I completely agree. / I totally agree.
Example: “We should help the environment.” – “I completely agree!” - You’re right.
Example: “It’s going to rain soon.” – “You’re right, I feel it too.” - That’s true.
Example: “Learning a new language is hard.” – “That’s true, but it’s rewarding.” - I think so too.
Example: “I think we should leave early.” – “I think so too.” - Exactly!
Example: “The weather is perfect for a picnic!” – “Exactly!” - I disagree.
Example: “Summer is the best season.” – “I disagree, I prefer winter.” - I don’t agree.
Example: “He said the book was boring.” – “I don’t agree, I found it very interesting.” - I don’t think so.
Example: “Is English difficult?” – “I don’t think so, it’s fun!” - I’m not sure about that. (A polite way to disagree)
Example: “This restaurant is the best in town.” – “I’m not sure about that, but it’s good.” - I can’t agree with you there. (Another polite way to disagree)
Example: “Blue is the best color.” – “I can’t agree with you there, I love green.” - Maybe, but… (Acknowledging a point but still disagreeing)
Example: “It’s faster to go by car.” – “Maybe, but the train is more relaxing.”
Grammar Points
When agreeing or disagreeing, we often use simple sentence structures and common verbs.
- Using “I agree” / “I disagree”:
This is the most direct way. “Agree” and “disagree” are verbs, so you use them with “I” (the subject) in the simple present tense.
- I agree. (Positive)
- I disagree. (Negative)
You can also say “I don’t agree” for disagreement, which is very common.
- I do not (don’t) agree.
- Using “I think”:
Many expressions use “I think” to introduce your opinion. This makes your statement sound a little softer.
- I think so too. (Agreement)
- I don’t think so. (Disagreement)
- Using “to be” verb (am, is, are):
Phrases like “You’re right” or “That’s true” use the verb “to be” to state a fact about what the other person said.
- You are (You’re) right. (Agreement)
- That is (That’s) true. (Agreement)
- I am (I’m) not sure about that. (Polite Disagreement)
- Adverbs for strength:
You can add words like “completely,” “totally,” or “absolutely” to make your agreement stronger. For disagreement, “not so sure” makes it softer.
- I completely agree.
- I totally agree.
- I’m not so sure about that.
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Choose the best phrase (Agree or Disagree)
Read the statement and choose an appropriate phrase from the list to agree or disagree. Use a different phrase for each one.
- A: The weather is beautiful today. B: _______! I love the sun.
- A: Eating too much fast food is good for your health. B: _______, it’s actually bad for you.
- A: This new song is amazing! B: _______! I listen to it every day.
- A: We should study together for the exam. B: _______, that’s a great idea.
- A: Dogs are smarter than cats. B: _______, but cats are more independent.
- B: Exactly! / You’re right! / I agree!
- B: I completely disagree / I don’t think so / I disagree
- B: I totally agree! / Exactly! / You’re right!
- B: I agree / That’s true / I think so too
- B: Maybe, but… / I’m not sure about that / I can’t agree with you there
(Note: There can be several correct answers for each!)
Exercise 2: Respond to the statements
Read the statements below and write your own response, either agreeing or disagreeing. Try to use different phrases from the “Key Phrases” section.
- Learning English is fun. (Agree or Disagree)
- Chocolate is the best dessert. (Agree or Disagree)
- It’s better to wake up early. (Agree or Disagree)
- If you agree: “I completely agree! It’s very interesting.” or “You’re right, it’s so much fun!”
If you disagree: “I don’t think so. Sometimes it’s very challenging.” or “I can’t agree with you there. It’s difficult for me.” - If you agree: “Exactly! I love chocolate.” or “I totally agree! Nothing is better than chocolate.”
If you disagree: “I disagree. I prefer ice cream.” or “I’m not sure about that. Cheesecake is my favorite.” - If you agree: “I agree. It helps me be more productive.” or “You’re right, the morning is so peaceful.”
If you disagree: “I don’t agree. I like sleeping late.” or “Maybe, but I’m much more active in the evening.”
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