Fish

Language Functions in English and Vocabulary

Agreeing in English
In English conversations, people often say that they agree or disagree with each other. There are many ways of agreeing or disagreeing and the one you use depends on how strongly you agree or disagree. Here's a list of some common expressions.

Agreeing in English
"I think you're right."
"I agree with you."
Strong agreement"I couldn't agree with you more."
"You're absolutely right."
"I agree entirely."
"I totally agree."
Partly agreeing
"I agree with you up to a point, but…"
"That's quite true, but…"
"I agree with you in principle, but…"
Disagreeing
"I'm not sure I agree with you."
"(I'm afraid) I don't agree."
"(I'm afraid) I disagree."
"(I'm afraid) I can't agree with you."
"(I'm afraid) I don'tshare your opinion."
Note
When you disagree with someone in English, you can often sound more polite by using a phrase such as "I'm afraid…"
Disagreeing strongly
"I don't agree at all."
"I totally disagree."
"I couldn't agree with you less."
Complaining in English
When complaining in English, it helps to be polite. This page will help you with this important English speaking skill.

In ashop
You're in a shop and the assistant gives you the wrong change.
"Excuse me, I think you've given me the wrong change", or "Sorry, I think this change is wrong. I gave you $20, not $10."
In a hotel
"Excuse me, but there's a problem with the heating in my room."
"Sorry to bother you, but I think there's something wrong with the air-conditioning."
"I'm afraid I have to make a complaint. Somemoney has gone missing from my hotel room."
"I'm afraid there's a slight problem with my room - the bed hasn't been made."
When people apologise, they normally say "sorry" and offer to put the situation right.
"Excuse me, but there's a problem with the heating."
"I'm sorry - I'll get someone to check it for you."
or "Sorry to hear that - I'll send someone up."
Speaking tip
Although you mayfind it strange to use the word sorry when you complain, English speakers consider it polite. It will help you get what you want!
English greetings
First impressions are important, so here's a guide to using the right expression.

Greetings

Two friends meeting
Friends often say "Hi" to each other. Then they often ask a general question, such as "How are you?" or "How are things?" or "How'slife?"
The reply to this question is normally positive.
"Fine thanks, and you?"
"Fine thanks, what about yourself?"
"Not bad." Or "Can't complain."
Greeting people you don't know
You can use "Hello" with people you don't know, but a more formal greeting is "Good morning / afternoon / evening."
The other person normally replies with the same greeting as you have used and then makes politeconversation, such as "How was your trip?" or "Did you find our office easily?"
Introducing yourself

At an informal party
"Hello, I'm Maria." Or "Hello, my name's Maria."
The reply could be:
"Hi, I'm Sarah." Or "Hello Maria, I'm Sarah." Or "Nice to meet you, I'm Sarah."
At work-related events
"I'd like to introduce myself. I'm Maria, from english@home."
Or, "Let me introduce myself. I'mMaria from english@home."
The reply could be:
"Nice to meet you. I'm Peter Mitchell, from Mitchell Creations."
"Pleased to meet you. I'm Peter Mitchell, from Mitchell Creations."
"How do you do? I'm Peter Mitchell from Mitchell Creations."
Introducing other people

Introducing a friend to a work colleague
"Sarah, have you met my colleague John?"
"Sarah, I'd like you to meet my colleagueJohn."
Sarah says:
"Pleased to meet you, John." Or "Nice to meet you, John."
John could say:
"Nice to meet you too, Sarah." Or "Hello, Sarah."
Introducing clients
"Mr Mitchell, I'd like to introduce you to my manager, Henry Lewis."
Mr Mitchell could then say:
"How do you do?" and Henry Lewis also says "How do you do?"
Or Mr Mitchell could say:
"Pleased to meet you." Or "Good to meet...