Practice
English practice: agreeing and disagreeing
Sign in to saveMaya says the team should meet on Tuesday. Omar replies, I agree. Tuesday gives us time to prepare. His answer does more than say yes. It shows that he has understood the idea and gives a reason.
Use clear, polite English to agree, partly agree, or disagree while giving a short reason for your view.
Read and practice
Read the examples and try the written questions in this guide. Listening recordings are not available for this lesson yet.
Try the written questions
I see your point, but we still need a backup plan. /aɪ siː jɔː pɔɪnt bət wiː stɪl niːd ə ˈbækʌp plæn/
The short answer
Use I agree, That makes sense, or Exactly when you share an idea. Use I see your point, but or I am not sure I agree when you want to disagree politely. Add a reason when the conversation needs more than a short response.
I see your point, but an earlier train would give everyone more time at the station.
Why it works: The speaker recognises the other person's idea before offering a different practical reason.
5 more examples
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I agree that the report needs a clearer conclusion.
This is a direct, professional way to support an opinion.
Not this:
I agree, and I think the introduction could be shorter too. What changes: The speaker agrees and then adds another related suggestion. -
That makes sense because the later bus is usually less crowded.
This phrase says that the listener's reasoning seems sensible.
Not this:
I can see whyyou prefer the later bus. What changes: This recognises the other person's reason without fully stating agreement. -
I see your point, but the new deadline is too close for the whole team.
The opening acknowledges the idea before the speaker gives a reservation.
Not this:
I do not thinkthe new deadline is realistic. What changes: This is clear and polite, though it gives less recognition to the other view. -
I agree up to a point, but we still need a backup plan.
The speaker accepts part of the proposal while keeping an important concern.
Not this:
I completely agree. A backup plan is essential. What changes: Completely makes the agreement stronger. -
I have a different view: a short survey would tell us more than guessing.
This introduces disagreement without attacking the other person's suggestion.
Not this:
Perhaps we shouldask customers before we decide. What changes: A suggestion can express a different view indirectly.
Read the full guide
You do not need a complicated phrase to sound respectful. A direct phrase such as I agree is useful when the point is clear. If you have a different view, start by showing that you have listened, then state your reason. This makes a conversation easier to follow and keeps the focus on the idea.
Agree clearly when you share an idea
I agree is a useful all-purpose phrase. You can follow it with that plus the opinion, or add a reason. In a discussion, the reason shows what part of the idea you support and helps the group move forward.
I agree that the report needs a clearer conclusion.
The speaker supports a specific point in the discussion.
How can you agree with a plan to leave earlier and give a reason?
You could say: I agree that we should leave earlier because traffic is often heavy.
Use short phrases when the context is simple
Exactly, Definitely, and That makes sense are natural in many spoken conversations. They work best when both speakers already know the subject. Add a sentence if the listener needs to understand your reason or if the decision is important.
That makes sense. The later bus is usually less crowded.
The second sentence explains why the suggestion seems sensible.
Exactly. We need the figures before Friday.
Exactly shows strong agreement with the previous statement.
Recognise a point before you disagree
I see your point, I understand what you mean, and I take your point show that you have considered the other view. They often come before but, followed by your concern. This pattern is useful when you want to disagree without making the exchange personal.
I see your point, but the new deadline is too close for the whole team.
The word but signals that the speaker has a different conclusion after recognising the idea.
How can you politely question a plan to buy equipment immediately?
You could say: I understand what you mean, but should we compare prices first?
Partly agree when only one part works
Sometimes you agree with the main aim but not with every detail. Say I agree up to a point, I agree in principle, or That may be true, but. Then name the part that still needs attention. This is more accurate than pretending to agree completely.
I agree up to a point, but we still need a backup plan.
Up to a point means that the speaker accepts part of the proposal, not all of it.
That may be true, but the survey included only twelve people.
The speaker accepts a possible point, then gives a reason for caution.
State a different view without attacking the person
I do not think, I am not sure I agree, and I have a different view keep the focus on your opinion. Avoid language that judges the person, such as That is a stupid idea. Replace it with a clear alternative or a question about the evidence.
I have a different view: a short survey would tell us more than guessing.
The speaker offers an alternative method instead of dismissing the first suggestion.
How can you disagree with a plan to decide today while staying polite?
You could say: I am not sure I agree. Could we review the costs before we decide?
Match the phrase to the setting
With close friends, Me too and No way may fit a relaxed conversation. In class, at work, or with someone you do not know well, choose a full phrase and a reason. Written messages need the same care because the reader cannot hear your tone.
I agree with your suggestion. It would make the instructions easier to follow.
This complete response is suitable for an email or a meeting because it makes the reason visible.
I am not convinced that this is the best option yet.
Yet leaves room for more information and avoids sounding final or hostile.
Before you go
Remember this
For agreement, choose I agree, That makes sense, or a similar phrase. For a different view, show that you have listened and add your reason: I see your point, but... For partial agreement, say which part you accept and what still concerns you. Clear reasons make these phrases useful rather than automatic.
Practice with the written examples
You can practice with the written questions in the Learn tab. Each answer includes an explanation.
Try the written questionsListening test not available yet
This lesson does not have the recordings needed for a listening test. Use the written questions in the guide to check your understanding.
Try the written questionsQuestions about "English practice: agreeing and disagreeing"
What can I say when I agree with someone in English?
Use I agree, That makes sense, Exactly, or I agree that followed by the point you support. In a meeting or a longer discussion, add a short reason so the listener knows why you support the idea.
I agree that the report needs a clearer conclusion.
How can I disagree politely in English?
Start with a calm phrase such as I am not sure I agree, I see your point, but, or I have a different view. Then explain your reason or offer an alternative. Focus on the proposal or evidence rather than criticising the person.
I agree, and I think the introduction could be shorter too.
Does I see your point mean I agree?
Not always. I see your point can show that you understand another person's reasoning. It often comes before but when you want to acknowledge the idea and then explain why your conclusion is different.
That makes sense because the later bus is usually less crowded.
What does I agree up to a point mean?
I agree up to a point means that you accept part of an idea but have a reservation. Follow it with the issue you still see, such as a cost, deadline, or missing piece of information.
I can see why you prefer the later bus.
Should I give a reason when I disagree?
A reason usually makes disagreement clearer and more useful, especially at work or in class. A brief explanation lets the other person respond to your actual concern and can lead to a practical solution.
I see your point, but the new deadline is too close for the whole team.