Situations: Agreeing/Disagreeing
- Phrases for these situations
Postive 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.
Negative Agreeement
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:
They’re from Luxembourg.
So are we. / We are too.
Todd doesn’t like spaghetti.
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.
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.
Conversation practice
Make simple statements about the following and have a
partner agree or disagree with you. Then switch roles.
1. Talk about today’s weather.
2. Say what foods you like best.
3. Tell what you think about smoking.
4. Give an opinion about a current politician.
5. State your ideas about a controversial topic.
Textbook Recommendation: Touchy Situations, Chapter 2