How to disagree politely in English

#1. 4 Ways to Slightly Disagree in English

 

If you don’t entirely agree with someone, there are ways to express this in English.
Get four ways to slightly disagree with someone in English today!

 

Four phrases of how to just very slightly, politely, and casually correct someone or disagree with someone. 

1) Not really. 

2) Not exactly.

3) Not quite.

4) Not so much.

 

“Not exactly”
Q: You must have a glamorous life, you live in New York!
A: Not exactly. My life is actually pretty average. I work hard and I go to the movies like normal people.

 

“Not really”
Q: It sounds cool to run your own business. Is it?
A: I mean, not really. It’s a lot more work than people think. I work a lot and when I am not working I am thinking about work.

 

“Not quite”
Q: So Michelle, I heard you went to Montreal this summer? You must have eaten a lot of maple syrup, right?
A: Oh man. Not quite. I mean I ate some, but it tends to be a little too sweet for me.

 

“Not so much”
Q: Your hair is super straight. It must be easy to take care of, so clean and so straight... 
A: Not so much. I use a hair straightener. It takes a lot of work.

 

-> Could be a little more direct than the other one. 

 

 

cf) Heavier, more serious ways to disagree with someone. More direct and stronger. 

1) No, not at all.

2) No way.

3) Never. 

4) Uh oh.

 

 

https://www.allearsenglish.com/aee-369-4-ways-to-slightly-disagree-in-english/

AEE 369: 4 Ways to Slightly Disagree in English

 

 

#2. [김재우의 영어회화 100] - I don't see it that way.

 

ex) She thinks we're in a serious relationship, but I don't see it that way.

ex) Many people believe real estate prices will keep falling, but I don't see it that way.

ex) Some news agencies claim that Elon Musk is ruining Twitter, but I don't see it that way.

 

ex) A: My parents always taught me that supporting the homeless just makes the problem worse. 

      B: I don't really see it that way. Supporting them could change their lives for the better.

 

ex) A: The birth rate in Korea is so low these days. I really think it's because people can't afford a proper house for a family. Without a good home, how could you raise kids?

      B: That's a good point, but I don't really see it that way. I think it's because the cost of educating kids is too expensive. 

 

* 좀 더 공손하게 반대의견 내는 방법?

- You've got a point there, but I actually....

- I see where you're coming from, but I had a different idea. 

- I'm not sure I agree with you on that.

- I don't really agree with you on that, but I see where you're coming from.

 

 

#3. How to Disagree Politely in English

 

Professional English for Disagreeing with Others
The most polite way to disagree with someone is to use one of these strategies when introducing your disagreement:
- show that you understand the other person’s opinion
- apologize before introducing your disagreement
- pretend to be in the middle or unsure about your position

 

Using these strategies helps to soften the disagreement and make your position or argument more effective. 

ex) I see what you’re saying but I think…
ex) I respect your point but from my perspective (or but in my opinion)…
ex) I take your point but that isn’t the way I see it; instead, I think that…
ex) True, that is a fair point, but I have to say I disagree…
ex) I understand where you are coming from but…

ex) I understand your point of view, but I'm sorry to say I have a different opinion. 

ex) I understand why you think that, but respectfully I have to disagree. 
ex) There is some truth to what you’re saying but don’t you think that…
ex) I see what you're saying. I’m sorry but I have to disagree with you.

ex) I’m not sure I agree with you on…
ex) I don’t think you and I have the same opinion on this issue.
ex) I’m afraid I disagree.
ex) I’m sorry but I don’t agree.
ex) I don’t see it that way.
ex) I’m sorry but I disagree with you on this.
ex) I respectfully disagree.
ex) I have a completely different opinion on that.

 

In a Polite Disagreement, Always Offer an Alternative Solution
To effectively argue for your position or opinion, it is best to finish your disagreement by offering an alternative or a suggestion. This is a solution-focused argument and can also soften the disagreement.

Here are some great expressions to use after expressing your disagreement:
ex) Instead, I think we should/could…
ex) My suggestion would be to…
ex) An alternative solution might be…
ex) I would recommend that we…
ex) How about we…
ex) What do you think about _______ instead?
ex) If you ask me, I think we should…

 

Informal English for Disagreeing with Others
With close friends and family, we can use these more informal (and often direct) expressions to say we disagree. These would not be appropriate for the workplace unless you know your colleagues very well.
ex) No way!
ex) You must be joking!
ex) You can’t be serious!
ex) I totally disagree.
ex) I don’t think so.

 

But what if…?
What if you talk and talk and talk but neither of you can agree with each other? This, of course, does happen at times. Perhaps you and your colleague or friend will never see eye-to-eye ( = agree on something).
We have the perfect expression for this situation. And it will help you end the disagreement in a polite, amicable way. If you cannot discuss it anymore or you cannot find an agreement, just say: Let’s just agree to disagree.

Yes, if you agree to disagree then at least you find something to agree on!

Everyone wins.

 

 

https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/disagree-in-english/

How to Disagree Politely in English - Speak Confident English