Politely

Agreeing and disagreeing

English is a polite language. Even when you think someone is wrong about something, it is rude to directly contradict that person. This means that you have to do so indirectly. You also have to be careful to notice when an English person wants to disagree, since you might think he is just discussing the subject, or even that he is agreeing with you.

This section teaches how to agree politely and how to disagree politely and how to do it rudely if you want to. It also shows how to avoid agreeing or disagreeing.

Agree Disagree

Quiz

Positive Agreement

If you agree with someone about an opinion, you can simply say "I agree" or "You're right."

For example,

A: I think we need more time.

B: I agree. / You're right.

The words "so" and "too" are often used in expressions of positive agreement.

Note that "too" usually comes at the end of the sentence, and "so" at the beginning.

Remember to use "question order" with so.

For example,

A: I'm in a hurry.

B: So am I. / I am too. / Me too.

A: I need to go to the bathroom.

B: So do I. / I do too. / Me too.

"question order" = so + verb + subject

To agree with a positive statement:We use so + auxiliary modal verb + pronoun:

'I like tea without sugar.''So do I.'

To agree with a negative statement:We use nor/neither + auxiliary modal verb + pronoun:

'I don't like tea with sugar.''Nor do I.' or 'Neither do I.'

Negative Agreement

For negative agreement, use neither in place of "so," and either in place of "too."

For example,

A: I'm not hungry.B: Neither am I. / I'm not either.*

A: I don't have enough money anyway.B: Neither do I. / I don't either.*

These expressions can also be used in the second or third person:

a. They're from Luxembourg.b. So are we. / We are too.

a. Todd doesn't like spaghetti.b. Neither does Louise. / Louise doesn't either.*

*Note that neither is used with "positive" verbs and either is used with "negative" verbs.

When no verb is used in negative agreements, "neither" is more common:

Neither do I.

I don't either.

Me neither.

Sometimes you will have to agree or disagree with an opinion.

For example:

What a beautiful baby!

You may also have to accept or reject a suggestion

For example:

Would you like to finish reading this?

Orders as Suggestions

Sometimes orders are given as suggestions - the only difference is who gives them. If you refuse an order given as a suggestion, you must be very polite and give a good reason. Otherwise accept the suggestion politely.

For example:

Bus Conductor: Can you show me your ticket please?Traveller: I'm terribly sorry, I seem to have lost it.

or

Yes, of course. Here you are

SuggestionsFormalA formal suggestion is a complete question. Very formal suggestions are given in the third person.

For example:Butler : Would Sir like to partake of coffee?Lord Jones : I will, thank you. orNot at this time, thank you.

Normal formal suggestions use 'you'Waiter : Would you like some coffee?Harry Jones : Yes, thank you. That would be nice, thank you. I would indeed. orNot right now, thank you. No thanks. Do you have tea?

Disagreeing

To express disagreement, you may simply say "I disagree" or "I don't think so." For example,

A: I think John Doe would make a great President.

B: I disagree. / I don't think so.

You may also disagree by stating the opposite opinion, sometimes stressing a word for emphasis.

A: I don't like chocolate ice cream.

B: Well, I do. / Well, I do.

So / Neither ?

To disagree with a positive statement:We use pronoun + auxiliary modal verb + not (-n't):

'I like tea without sugar.'

'I don't.'

To disagree with a negative statement:We use pronoun + auxiliary modal verb:

'I don't like tea with sugar.'

'I do.'

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.

Sample phrases (from formal to informal)

- I disagree with what you're saying.

- I don't agree with you/think so/see it that way.

- I couldn't agree less.

- I couldn't disagree more.

- You've got to be joking/kidding!

- You can't really be serious!

- Come off it!

Polite disagreementSample phrases (from formal to informal)

- I respect your opinion/You have a right to your opinion, but I think...

- I'm not sure I can agree with what you say about...

- I understand what you're saying but...

- You could be right, but...

- But I thought...

- Yes, but...

Agreeing and disagreeing quiz

1. Maggie: I love rice. Normy: Yuk. _________ .

So do I.I doI don't I prefer hamburgers.

A. B. C. D.

2. Polly: My Mum can't stand techno music. Sally: ________ mine.

So canNeither canCoalSo are

A. B. C. D.

Click on the correct letter to see if your answer is right.

A. B. C. D.

A. B. C. D.

3. Teacher: I'm tired. Students: _________ .

So are weSo are you So am I Neither is we

So I haven't Neither had I Neither have I So have I

4. Johny: I've never been to Granada. Sally: ___________ .

A. B. C. D.

A. B. C. D.

5. Billy: I hate tomatoes. Lilly: ________ .

6. Elly: I'd like to visit The Greek Islands. Robby: ______________ .

I do them too. So do I Neither do II do

Me too So would I So do I So had I

#6 has 2 (two) possible answers.

A. B. C. D.

7. Polly: I went to the cinema on Saturday. Pammy: What a coincidence. ____________

A. B. C. D.

8. Mary: I'm not going out tonight. Shelly: ____________ .

So was I So did I So do I So went I

So am I So do I Neither am I. I'm not.

A. B. C. D.

A. B. C. D.

9. Tommy: I don't like pears. Sally: ________ .

10. Sally: I love chocolate. Polly: ____________ .

I don't. So do I I do Neither can I

I do So do I I love tooSo love me