Agreeing and disagreeing B1
Backing someone up, or pushing back without falling out.
Showing you agree
completely agree — totally agreeA: I think we should start the meeting earlier.
B: I completely agree—mornings work better for everyone.
go along with — agree with someone or somethingA: Are you okay with meeting earlier tomorrow?
B: Sure, I can go along with that.
Pushing back politely
a valid point — reasonable or well-founded argumentA: I think online learning can be just as effective as traditional classes.
B: That's a valid point, especially considering how technology has improved.
go against — oppose or violateA: Are you really going to skip the meeting?
B: I know it goes against the rules, but I have something important to do.
by no means — emphatic negationA: Do you think learning a new language is simple?
B: By no means! It takes a lot of time and effort.
I see your point, but — concede then disagreeYeah, fair, but I still don't agree. (casual)
I see your point, but I have to disagree. (polite)
I'm not so sure about that — softly disagreeNah, I'm not so sure about that. (casual)
I'm not so sure about that, to be honest. (polite)
Planning the trip
Ana: I reckon we should book everything now before prices climb.
Lee: Yeah, I completely agree — leaving it later always costs more.
Ana: Great, so you'll go along with the early flight too?
Lee: For that price, absolutely.
Different read on it
Priya: Working from home full-time is obviously better for everyone.
Dan: Hmm, you make a valid point, but I'd push back a little.
Priya: Fair enough — what's the catch for you?
Dan: I just think it goes against how this team actually clicks in person.
The four-day week
Priya: A four-day week would obviously make everyone more productive.
Dan: I see your point, but I think it depends a lot on the kind of work.
Priya: You don't reckon it'd work for us, then?
Dan: I'm not so sure about that — we'd just end up cramming five days into four.