How to disagree politely in English
Okay, I'll give you that, but the crust is way better in Naples.
“OK, you are right about that, but the pizza base is much better in Naples.”
When: Your friend makes a fair point you still want to answer
The moment
You're at a pizza place in Brooklyn with a friend who swears New York pizza is the best in the world. You think another city (or country) does it better, and you want to argue your case, admit what she gets right, and keep it fun.
B1 · Unit 4 · Culture & conversation
The lines
Conceding, then countering
A good debate move: agree with one small point, then push back. Say "Okay, I'll give you that, but..." and add your reason. "I'll give you that" means "you are right about this part."
Okay, I'll give you that, but the crust is way better in Naples.
“OK, you are right about that, but the pizza base is much better in Naples.”
When to use it: Your friend makes a fair point you still want to answer
What you’ll hear back: Ha! Fair enough, but have you actually been to Naples? (Okay, you have a point, but did you really go there?)
Asking for a chance to explain
When your opinion sounds surprising, say "Hear me out" first. It means "please listen to my full reason before you say no." It's playful and warm, not aggressive.
Hear me out: Chicago deep dish is actually really good.
“Please listen to my idea: Chicago deep-dish pizza is actually very good.”
When to use it: Before you share an unpopular or surprising opinion
What you’ll hear back: Oh no. Okay, go ahead, I'm listening. (Okay, tell me, I will listen.)
Words for this scene
| Word or phrase | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| For me, it comes down to... | fer MEE, it KUMZ DOWN tuh | For me, the most important thing is... |
For me, it comes down to the sauce. Everything else is extra. For me, the sauce is the most important part. The rest is not so important. Tip: Giving one clear reason sounds confident, not stubborn. | ||
| Come on, you can't be serious! | kuh-MAWN, yuh KANT bee SEER-ee-us | I can't believe you really think that! |
Pineapple on pizza? Come on, you can't be serious! You put pineapple on pizza? I can't believe you really like that! Tip: Say it smiling; tone makes it teasing, not rude. | ||
| Let's just agree to disagree. | lets JUST uh-GREE tuh dis-uh-GREE | We have different opinions, and that's okay. |
Okay, we're never settling this. Let's just agree to disagree. Okay, we will never decide this. We can keep different opinions. Tip: A classic friendly exit; New Yorkers enjoy arguing, then moving on. | ||
Your objective
Disagree with their claim and give a reason, admit one point where they’re right, and keep it friendly.
- your disagreement
- a reason for your side
- a point you concede
Lines that get it done
- Okay, I'll give you that, but the crust is way better in Naples.
- Hear me out: Chicago deep dish is actually really good.
In the live scene the objective stays on screen, and the Replay afterwards says whether you got it done.
Check yourself
1. Your friend makes a good point, but you still disagree. What do you say?
- Okay, I'll give you that, but the crust is better in Naples.
- Okay, I'll give that to you, so the crust is better in Naples.
- Okay, I give you it, but the crust is better in Naples.
- Okay, I'll take you that, but the crust is better in Naples.
Show the answer
Okay, I'll give you that, but the crust is better in Naples.
"I'll give you that" admits a point, and "but" brings in your counterargument.
2. You're about to share a surprising opinion and want your friend to listen first. What do you say?
- Hear me out.
- Hear me in.
- Listen me out.
- Hear to me out.
Show the answer
Hear me out.
"Hear me out" is a fixed phrase meaning "listen to my whole idea before you answer."
3. The debate isn't going anywhere, and you want to end it in a friendly way. What do you say?
- Let's just agree to disagree.
- Let's just disagree to agree.
- Let's just agree for disagree.
- Let's just agree that we disagreeing.
Show the answer
Let's just agree to disagree.
"Agree to disagree" means you both accept having different opinions and stop arguing.