AGREEMENT AND DISAGREEMENT
| | COMPLETE AGREEMENT | |||
| I agree completely… That’s just what I think, of course. In my opinion, you are correct. I couldn’t agree more. You’re right. Sure. | |||
| | TENTATIVE AGREEMENT | |||
| | I suppose you’re right. Well, may be… | |||
| | INDIRECT DISAGREEMENT | |||
| | I’m not sure I can agree. I wonder if there’s a mistake. In my opinion… Are you absolutely sure? I may be wrong, but… But I thought… Really? Oh, I don’t know. Yes, but… | |||
| | DIRECT DISAGREEMENT | |||
More formal
Less formal | I’m sorry, but I have to disagree. I couldn’t agree less. I couldn’t disagree more. I refuse to believe that…* No, that’s wrong.* You’re dead wrong.* Nope.* No way!* Uh-uh!* |
AGREEMENT AND DISAGREEMENT
Agreement
A : This summer has been a bad one, hasn’t it?
B : Yes, it has. /Yes, it has, hasn’t it?
Note that in the question the speaker often invites agreement:
A : I don’t think it’s necessary to wait for her, do you?
B : No, I don’t./ No, I don’t think it is.
Often words such as certainly and quiet are added:
A : They are a very good class, aren’t they?
B : Yes, they certainly are.
A : What we need is a strong government.
B : I quiet agree.
A : In my opinion, something should be done about it.
B : You’re quite right.
A : She’s got too much make up on, hasn’t she?
B : Yes, she sure has.
B : Yes, she sure has.
Disagreement
Patterns for polite disagreement are less easy to distinguish. One should avoid being abrupt when disagreeing in English: Some tact is required. Some of the expressions to “soften the blow” are:
Well oh (ou) personally as a matter of fact
For example:
A : These students are wonderful, aren’t they?
B : Oh, do you really think so?
A : What a charming city Jakarta is, isn’t it?
B : Well, as a matter of fact I prefer Bandung.
A : Don’t you think she looks awful in that dress?
B : Oh, I don’t know.
A : It’s very warm today, isn’t it?
B : Oh, not really.
A : Agatha Christie is such a wonderful writer, don’t you think?
B : Well, as a matter of fact I’m not very keen on her.
A : It looks a rather crowded in here.
B : Oh, it’s not too bad.
A : I think we ought to be leaving now, don’t you?
B : Oh, surely not. It’s only half past ten.
So ending
The word so is often used in answering questions and when either agreeing or disagreeing. It is used especially with such words as:
Think believe expect suppose hope be afraid
Note : Stress the verb, not the so.
A : Is Robin coming to the party?
B : No, I don’t think so.
A : But his wife’s coming, isn’t she?
B : Yes, I believe so.
A : They’ll be here soon, won’t they?
B : Yes, I expect so.
A : I don’t suppose we shall be there before Monday.
B : No, I don’t suppose so.
A : The boss will make a long speech, won’t she?
B : Yes, I suppose so.
A : It looks like rain, doesn’t it?
B : Yes, I’m afraid so.
A : I expect it will clear up later.
B : I hope so.
Note :
1. Doubt is followed by it. Again the verb is stressed. Not the it.
A : I don’t suppose they’ll come, do you?
B : I doubt it.
A : I don’t think they’ll reply, do you?
B : I doubt it.
2. Observe also the use of not, especially with afraid and hope.
A : Could you come at ten?
B : No, I’m afraid not.
A : I’m afraid the match will have to be cancelled.
B : Oh, I hope not.
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