DISAGREEING

Disagreeing Politely

When we are negotiating, expressing opinions or simply chatting with a

friend, we often have to agree or disagree with the other person. Also, we
don’t want to make a fight out of this, so we must know how to show
empathy with different opinions and also disagree without sounding
aggressive. It is very difficult to convince when they think you are attacking.
We need to express our opinions and, at the same time, show that we are
listening, understanding and appreciating the other opinions. If they feel
comfortable, they will be more open to our ideas, opinions or suggestions.
The art of disagreeing with others differs from one culture to
another and person-to-person. phrases you can use to
disagree in both formal and informal situations without
offending anyone. These expressions will also help you learn
how to share your opinion.

But one thing is important to remember: Always stay calm.

Keep your voice and your body movements calm – that will
help you and the other person feel good about the
disagreement. The goal is for everyone to walk away from the
disagreement happy (or at least not angry).
 The most polite way to disagree with someone is to use one
of these strategies when introducing your disagreement:

• show that you understand the other person’s opinion

• apologize before introducing your disagreement
• pretend to be in the middle or unsure about your position

Using these strategies helps to soften the disagreement and

make your position or argument more effective.
Use the following expression to show that you are disagree:
• I see what you’re saying but I think…
• I respect your point but from my perspective (or but in my opinion)…
• I take your point but that isn’t the way I see it; instead, I think that…
• True, that is a fair point, but I have to say I disagree…
• I understand where you are coming from but…
• There is some truth to what you’re saying but don’t you think that…
• I’m sorry but I have to disagree with you on…
• I’m not sure I agree with you on…
• I don’t think you and I have the same opinion on this issue.
• I’m afraid I disagree.
• I’m sorry but I don’t agree.
• I don’t see it that way.
• I’m sorry but I disagree with you on this.
• I respectfully disagree.
• I have a completely different opinion on that.
With close friends and family, we can use these more
informal (and often direct) expressions to say we disagree.
These would not be appropriate for the workplace unless you
know your colleagues very well.

• No way!
• You must be joking!
• You can’t be serious!
• I totally disagree.
• I don’t think so.
To effectively argue for your position or opinion, it is best to
finish your disagreement by offering an alternative or a
suggestion. This is a solution-focused argument and can also
soften the disagreement.

Here are some great expressions to use after expressing your

disagreement:

• Instead, I think we should/could…

• My suggestion would be to…
• An alternative solution might be…
• I would recommend that we…
• How about we…
• What do you think about ___ instead?
• If you ask me, I think we should…
 Expressing Opinion
Personal General CHECKING IF THEY EXPLAINING THINGS ASKING FOR AN OPINION AGREEING
UNDERSTAND BETTER

• In my opinion... • Some people say that... • Do you know what I • What I mean is... • What’s your idea (on...)? • Of course
mean? • You’re absolutely right
• In my experience... • What I’m trying to say is • What do you think Yes, I agree.
• Many/Most people • Does it make sense? that... about it? • I think so too.
• Speaking for myself... think /believe that... • Do you agree with that? • That’s a (very) good
• I don’t know if I’m point.
• Personally, I think... • Everybody knows that... explaining it correctly. • Is that what you think? • Oh yes, that’s right.
• Exactly.
• I (strongly) believe • Have you got an opinion • I don’t think so either.
that... • According to scientists... about it? • That’s true.
• How do you feel about • That’s just what I was
• I really feel that... it? thinking.
• The thing is that... • Do you have anything to • I couldn’t agree more.
• If you ask me... say about it? • That’s exactly what I
• The point is that... • And you? What do you think.
think? • I think you’re right.
• Is that right? • I hear you.
• Yes, me too / me
neither.
 Expressing Opinion
PROTESTING PROTESTING DISAGREEING POLITELY SHOWING EMPATHY BEFORE DISAGREEING IN A RUDE AGREEING STRONGLY
POLITELY RUDELY DISAGREEING WAY (colloquial) (colloquial)

• That’s not what I • You’re not • I see, but that’s different. • Yes, I agree with you but... • Are you crazy or what? • Oh yea, you said it.
mean/said. listening, are • Sorry, I don’t agree with you. • I can see your point, but... • You must be kidding, • But of course!
• No, what I’m you? • I don’t see it that way. • That’s very true, but... right? • Who can disagree with
trying to say is • Did you hear • That’s not entirely true. • Of course, you’re right, but... • I can’t believe you’re that?
that... a word I • That’s partly true but... saying that. • Now you’re talking.
• You got me wrong. said? • I see your point but... • I know what you mean but... • No way! • Yes, yes, that’s the
• Can you • I’m sorry to disagree with you • I can’t buy that. point!
• I’m probably not understand but... • I can understand that but... • You can’t be serious. • I totally agree with you
making myself what I say? • Yes, but don’t you think...? • Well, that sounds very good • How can you even say
very clear. • But who said • I think that’s not the same thing but... that? • You’re so very right!
• That’s not exactly that? at all. • I partly agree, but... • I think you’re totally • You’re reading my mind.
what I was trying • On the contrary... • Yeah, that’s true, but on the wrong.
to say. • Well, I’m not so sure about that. other hand... • Oh, come on, where’s your
• You could be right but I think logic?
• Sorry, I think that’s wrong. that... • That doesn’t make any
• Yeah, but the problem is that... • You are probably right but... sense.
• Well, I think it’s not as simple as • Absolutely wrong.
that. • That’s totally B.S.
(=bullshit)
 Another example

In English, this word is very important, and very common, when you want to
disagree politely or when you want to correct without offending.
Let's see a few examples:

A: They want to start using uniforms in my son's school. What a stupid thing!
B: Well, actually I think it's a good idea. Social differences won't be so obvious
then.
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A: They're going to build a motorway through New Forest, that's a disaster!
B: Actually, it's not through New Forest but around it.
A: Oh, that's quite different then.