Agreeing and Disagreeing in English

Sooner or later you will get the urge to agree or disagree with something that is being said in English. Offering an opinion can be difficult when it is not in your first language. You may know exactly what you want to say in your native tongue, but are unsure of how to express your views in English. You may also worry that your words will not come out properly or that you might hurt someone's feelings by being too forward. Although it is easier to sit back and say nothing at all, you will become bored or frustrated if all you can do is nod your head yes or shake your head no, especially if you have a strong opinion about something.

Expressions for Agreeing and Disagreeing

Stating an opinion	In my opinion... The way I see it... If you want my honest opinion.... According to Lisa... As far as I'm concerned... If you ask me...
Asking for an opinon	What's your idea? What are your thoughts on all of this? How do you feel about that? Do you have anything to say about this? What do you think? Do you agree? Wouldn't you say?
Expressing agreement	I agree with you 100 percent. I couldn't agree with you more. That's so true. That's for sure. (slang) Tell me about it! You're absolutely right. Absolutely. That's exactly how I feel. Exactly. I'm afraid I agree with James. I have to side with Dad on this one. No doubt about it. (agree with negative statement) Me neither. (weak) I suppose so./I guess so. You have a point there. I was just going to say that.
Expressing disagreement	I don't think so. (strong) No way. I'm afraid I disagree. (strong) I totally disagree. I beg to differ. (strong) I'd say the exact opposite. Not necessarily. That's not always true. That's not always the case. No, I'm not so sure about that.
Interruptions	Can I add something here? Is it okay if I jump in for a second? If I might add something... Can I throw my two cents in? Sorry to interrupt, but... (after accidentally interrupting someone) Sorry, go ahead. OR Sorry, you were saying... (after being interrupted) You didn't let me finish.
Settling an argument	Let's just move on, shall we? Let's drop it. I think we're going to have to agree to disagree. (sarcastic) Whatever you say./If you say so.

Topics for Debate

Here are 20 topics to discuss with a friend or group. Practise agreeing and disagreeing even if you have to argue against something you actually believe in. One way to have fun with this is to make up a bunch of cards that say agree or disagree. Each person has to pick up a card and then the topic is read out. It is more fun to have a debate this way because you don't have to play your true self. Try to continue each discussion for at least five minutes. Use the expressions that you learned, including agreeing, disagreeing, asking for opinions, interrupting, etc.

• Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
  
• Swimming in the ocean is better than swimming in a public pool.
  
• Alcohol should be illegal.
  
• Children should provide room and board for their aging parents.
  
• Studying grammar is more important than practising conversation skills.
  
• Television is the leading cause of violence in today's society.
  
• Dogs make better companions than cats.
  
• Smoking should be permitted in public places.
  
• Females are better students than males.
  
• A parent shouldn't pierce a baby's ears.
  
• Women should be allowed to go topless in public.
  
• Lawyers should make a higher salary than nurses.
  
• Everyone should plan their own funeral.
  
• Reading English is more difficult than writing English.
  
• Summer is the best season of the year.
  
• Children under 13 should not be allowed to babysit.
  
• High school students should wear uniforms.
  
• 21 should be the legal driving age around the world.
  
• Rock and Roll is the best kind of music.
  
• The government should pay for post secondary education.