Expressions Students Can Use to Agree and Disagree
Whether in free-talk lessons or when discussing a Daily News article, you'll have plenty of opportunities to exchange opinions with students. Naturally, we should encourage them to use a wide variety of expressions, to both increase their fluency and to make conversations less repetitive.
This time, we'll focus on different ways they can express agreement and disagreement. Learning them all won't just benefit students in lessons with you, it will improve their English-language exchanges no matter where they take place.
Expressing Agreement
“I agree.”
This straightforward expression may work in a lesson with you, but students should know that it can sound a bit too formal in casual situations.
John thinks we should accept the offer, and I agree.
“Me too. / I think so too.“
There's a good chance your students already know these. However, some may have trouble understanding the difference between "Me too" and "So do I," so be sure to set them straight if they get confused.
A
I think it's a bit cold for a picnic.
B
Me too.
A
It's a bit cold for a picnic.
B
I think so too.
“My thoughts exactly.”
This more formal phrase should be used when they completely agree with what someone else has said or suggested.
A
Evan says we should move to a less-crowded room.
B
Yes, my thoughts exactly.
“I concur.”
This one is best for more advanced students and those interested in learning English for business, as it’s unlikely to be heard in most casual conversations.
I concur with the director’s assessment of the situation.
It can also be used as a simple response.
A
We think this is the best course of action.
B
I concur.
“Absolutely.”
This option is more emphatic and is best used for casual situations.
A
This place has the best pizza in the city.
B
Absolutely! I’ve told everyone I know about it.
“You took the words right out of my mouth.”
Here's a casual phrase many students have probably never heard. Be sure to tell them that this is also best saved for informal situations or when talking with people they have a good relationship with.
A
That meeting was a disaster.
B
You took the words right out of my mouth.
“Thank you!”
This casual expression shows strong agreement. Let students know that it's often said with heavy emphasis and with a sense of exasperation, as if they've been waiting a long time to hear someone share their opinion.
A
I don’t understand why people love his books so much. They’re just OK to me.
B
Thank you!
Expressing Disagreement
“I disagree.”
The simplest way to disagree is also quite bold, so it should be reserved for when students want to make an emphatic statement.
A
I think Charles is the best candidate for the job.
B
I disagree. He only has half of the skills we're looking for.
"I don’t think so."
Here's another strong phrase. However, it can be softened if preceded with a simple “Well…”
Well, I don’t think so. There may be a better way to solve this problem.
"I’m not so sure (about that)."
“I’m not so sure” is a relatively safe way to express disagreement. Point out that the softness can be enhanced if the student follows this up with their own opinion.
I’m not so sure. We’d probably save more money traveling by bus than by train.
“Really?”
This short expression is best reserved for conversations with friends. Rather than simple disagreement, it also includes the nuance of shock, as if the speaker can’t believe what was just said.
A
I like New York-style pizza more than Chicago-style.
B
Really? You’re the only person I know who feels that way.
"That’s an interesting opinion."
While this phrase can imply that the speaker doesn't agree with something, it can also suggest that they're open to changing their own opinion.
Note that “opinion” can be exchanged with “thought,” “idea” or something similar.
That's an interesting opinion. I hadn't thought of it that way before.
Wrap-up
Getting students to open up and share their opinions is one of the best ways to make lessons go more smoothly. Help keep things fresh for both them and yourself by making sure they have a variety of ways to show they agree or disagree.
Also, it's a good idea to point out that some of these expressions may not even be appropriate in their lessons with you and would be best used among friends. Context is always important!
