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1 Formality in spoken and 3 Disagreeing
written English
2 Agreeing 3.1 in everyday English
3 Disagreeing
I don’t agree/I disagree
4 Apologizing
5 Opinions used when you do not agree with someone or something:
6 Requests ‘I think art should be about creating beautiful objects.’ ‘I don’t agree. That’s a very old-fashioned way
7 Suggestions of looking at art.’
I disagree with the idea that boys and girls should attend separate schools.
8 Hello
9 Goodbye no it isn’t/no she doesn’t etc
10 Thank you
used when saying that something is not true, in a very direct way:
‘The hotel’s right next to the airport.’ ‘No it isn’t! It’s miles away!’
‘You get much more money than I do.’ ‘No I don’t! Whatever gave you that idea?’

that’s not true/that is not the case

used when saying that something is not true, in a very direct way:
‘You were on the phone for hours.’ ‘That’s not true – it was only about 10 minutes!’
Although some people have tried to suggest that global warming is a myth, unfortunately that is not
the case.

3.2 in formal English

I/sb would dispute sth

used when saying that you disagree with something:

I would dispute the idea that violent images on television cause people to commit acts of violence.
He is regarded as the US’s finest ever golfer, although there are those who would dispute that.

I/sb would take issue with sb/sth

used when saying that you disagree with someone or something:

I would take issue with some of the report’s findings.
There are many people who would take issue with him on this.

I (would) beg to differ

used when saying that you have a different opinion about something, especially in formal
discussions:
That’s your opinion. I beg to differ. I think the situation is far more complicated than you suggest.
It has been said that rising oil prices will not really affect economic growth. Well, I would beg to differ
on this.

I don’t/can’t accept sth

used when saying firmly that you do not believe that something is true:
You’re implying that he was being deliberately dishonest, and I really can’t accept that.
I’m sorry, but I just do not accept that argument.
I simply cannot accept that it is justified to use torture.
ⓘ When disagreeing, people sometimes begin by saying I’m afraid or I’m sorry. This is not an
apology, but a way of making their disagreement sound more polite:
I’m afraid I don’t agree with you.
I’m sorry but that really isn’t the case.
3.3 politely disagreeing

I’m not so sure/Are you sure?

used when expressing doubt about what someone has just said:
‘I think the government’s doing a good job.’ ‘I’m not so sure – look what’s happened to the economy.’
‘The next meeting’s on July 26th.’ ‘Are you sure? I thought it was on the 25th.’
ⓘ Expressing doubt or uncertainty is a much more polite way of disagreeing than saying directly
that you think the other person is wrong.

I wouldn’t say that

used when disagreeing with someone in a polite way, especially when you think someone is
exaggerating:
‘She’s much better looking than I am.’ ‘I wouldn’t say that!’
‘It will cost a fortune to get another one.’ ‘I wouldn’t say that!’

I take/see your point, but .../you may have a point, but ...

used when saying that something else is more important:

‘I think that people who carry knives should be severely punished.’ ‘I take your point, but what if they
feel that they have to carry them for their own protection?’

Yes, but .../I know, but ...

used when adding a different opinion instead of directly disagreeing:

‘I think we should go by plane – it’s much quicker.’ ‘Yes, but it’s also more expensive.’
‘He’s always taking time off work.’ ‘I know, but there are reasons for that.’

sb is mistaken

used when saying that you think that someone has the wrong idea about something, without
saying directly that they are ‘wrong’:
He is mistaken if he believes that the United States can win the war on terror by military means.
I think you’re mistaken about her. She’s just doing her job.

sb is entitled to their opinion/everyone is entitled to their opinion

used when saying politely that you think that someone is wrong, especially when you think most
people would disagree with them:
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but the facts just don’t support what you’re saying.
Of course he’s entitled to his opinion, but I think he is in a minority on this issue.

with all (due) respect/with the greatest of respect

used when you are about to disagree with someone in a polite way in a formal discussion:
With all due respect to Mr Jessell, I doubt whether Einstein’s theories are relevant to this question.
With the greatest of respect, I disagree with your analysis.

3.4 strongly disagreeing

I completely/totally disagree also I don’t agree at all

used when disagreeing strongly with someone or something:

I completely disagree with Professor Leigh’s comments.
‘It’s one of her best books!’ ‘I don’t agree at all. I thought it was very dull.’

How can you say that?/I can’t believe that you’ve just said that

used when you are very surprised by what someone has just said, especially when you think they
are completely wrong:
‘I think they should all be taken out and shot.’ ‘I can’t believe you’ve just said that!’

Don’t be ridiculous!/You’ve got to be kidding!/Rubbish! BrE/No way! AmE

used in informal spoken English when disagreeing with someone very strongly, and saying that
you think they are completely wrong:
‘I’m too tired to do the washing up!’ ‘Rubbish! You haven’t done anything all day!’
 ‘I think she likes you.’ ‘Don’t be ridiculous!’
‘He’s the best player they’ve ever had.’ ‘No way! Johnson was.’

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