Agreement: three ways to say yes
When someone gives an opinion, you can support it. Simple responses are I agree (with you), That’s true and You’re right. Each expresses that you see the matter similarly.
I agree is the most direct of these. That’s true and You’re right affirm that the statement is true. Adding a reason after any of them helps the agreement sound engaged rather than mechanical.
Other common expressions include That’s right, Exactly and I totally agree. If the other person makes a strong argument, you can say That’s a good point: point means an argument here, rather than a punctuation mark.
I agree (with you) / That’s true / You’re right → agreement
I agree with you about the new schedule.
I agree with you about the new schedule.
Agree takes with before a person.
That's true. Trains are faster than buses here.
That's true. Trains are faster than buses here.
The second sentence adds a reason.
You're right. The shop closes at nine on Sundays.
You're right. The shop closes at nine on Sundays.
Be + right means having the correct view.
Disagreement: direct or softer
Disagreement can take different forms. I don’t agree clearly states that you have another opinion. I don’t think so is a short response to an opinion or question. I’m not sure about that expresses doubt and is the softest of these options.
You can add a reason to make your position easier to understand. It helps the conversation, but neither guarantees agreement nor forms a compulsory part of the reply.
I’m not so sure (about that) also expresses doubt. I totally disagree emphasises strong disagreement, while Absolutely not is a firm rejection. Strength and politeness depend on context and intonation; I’m not sure about that is a useful opening for softer disagreement.
I don’t agree / I don’t think so / I’m not sure about that → disagreement
I don't agree. The test was fair.
I don't agree. The test was fair.
Direct disagreement with a reason.
A: It's too hot to walk. B: I don't think so. It's only twenty degrees.
A: It's too hot to walk. B: I don't think so. It's only twenty degrees.
A short response followed by a reason.
I'm not sure about that. The museum may be closed today.
I'm not sure about that. The museum may be closed today.
Doubt sounds softer than direct disagreement.
The verb agree: no be, and with for a shared opinion
Agree is itself a verb: I agree, you agree, she agrees. Do not transfer an adjective pattern from another language into I am agree; no auxiliary be is needed before agree here.
Form negatives with do: I don’t agree, she doesn’t agree. I’m not agree is incorrect. To name the person or opinion, use agree with: I agree with Kate, I agree with her idea.
Agree to occurs with a different meaning: accepting a proposal or condition. This lesson concerns sharing an opinion, so with is needed.
I agree with + person / opinion; I don’t agree with + person / opinion
She agrees with her brother about the music.
She agrees with her brother about the music.
Add -s after she, but no be.
We don't agree with the new rules.
We don't agree with the new rules.
Don’t forms the negative.
I agree with Nina's idea.
I agree with Nina's idea.
With also precedes an opinion.
Polite disagreement: acknowledge first, then use but
Saying no directly can sometimes sound too abrupt. First acknowledge the other person’s point, then return to your own: I see your point, but... or That’s true, but....
The response has two steps: a concession and a contrasting response. But marks the turn; a reason or your opinion usually follows it.
I see what you mean, but... works similarly to I see your point, but....
A reason can make the response more persuasive. I see what you mean, but I don’t agree is polite but gives little explanation, so adding why is helpful.
I see your point, but ... / That’s true, but ... → acknowledgment + another view
I see your point, but the train is cheaper.
I see your point, but the train is cheaper.
Acknowledgment, then but and an argument.
That's true, but I prefer small shops.
That's true, but I prefer small shops.
That’s true acknowledges part of the point here, rather than expressing complete agreement.
Choosing your response
Before replying, ask whether you fully agree, partly agree, have doubts or disagree. Full agreement: I agree, That’s true, You’re right. Partial agreement: I see your point, but.... Doubt: I’m not sure about that. Direct disagreement: I don’t agree, I don’t think so.
You’re wrong is grammatical but can sound abrupt. For softer disagreement, choose I don’t agree or I’m not sure about that and add a reason if useful.
Tone also depends on the situation: a friend may need only a short reply, while a business chat often benefits from a reason and respectful wording.
I'm not sure about that. The shop may be closed on Mondays.
I'm not sure about that. The shop may be closed on Mondays.
Soft doubt with a reason.
I don't agree. The price is fair for the quality.
I don't agree. The price is fair for the quality.
Direct but polite disagreement.
You're right, but I still prefer the old plan.
You're right, but I still prefer the old plan.
Agreement with part of the point, followed by a personal preference.
The lesson’s scope: responding rather than starting a conversation
This lesson concerns responses to someone else’s opinion. Expressing your own view with I think or In my opinion, and asking What do you think?, are separate topics.
A response can also include I think, for example after but. The main purpose is then to show your reaction to what was said: support, doubt or disagreement.
A: Dogs are better pets than cats. B: I'm not sure about that. Cats are quieter.
A: Dogs are better pets than cats. B: I'm not sure about that. Cats are quieter.
A response to A’s opinion rather than a conversation opener.
A: The new park is lovely. B: That's true, but I think it's too small.
A: The new park is lovely. B: That's true, but I think it's too small.
I think belongs to the second step; the main response pattern is That’s true, but.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:I am agree with your idea.
Correct:I agree with your idea.
Agree is already a verb, so it needs no be, even if a first-language adjective pattern suggests it.
Incorrect:Mark has right about the date.
Correct:Mark is right about the date.
The expression for having the correct view is be right, not have right.
Incorrect:She is not agree with us.
Correct:She doesn't agree with us.
Negate agree with do/does + not, rather than be + not.
Incorrect:I agree to my sister about the film.
Correct:I agree with my sister about the film.
When sharing a person’s opinion, use with after agree.
Incorrect:I think no. It's too late.
Correct:I don't think so. It's too late.
The short disagreement pattern is don’t think so, not I think no.