The Conversation

Jeff:This is the worst coffee in town.
Maria: You can say that again.
Cathy: And how!
Maria: We should sound out the boss about getting a new machine.
Jeff: You have got to be kidding. There's no way she'd agree.
Cathy: Somebody has to speak up.
Jeff: Let's talk about it at the next staff meeting.
Maria: OK. You say your piece, and then I'll put my two cents in.
Cathy: Excellent! We are definitely on the same wavelength!

Understanding these idioms

A large part of understanding idioms is knowing how they are used. Since idioms are mostly used in speaking, getting the tone right is very important. Even in tests like IELTS, PTE, OET, and DET, a good score in speaking depends on your ability to get the tone right. 

Some expressions are used in a formal setting while some other are used in a less-formal setting while others are strictly used when with friends or family. And in some cases using them in the wrong situation can cause offense or embarrassment. 

Here are some idioms that you could use in different situations.

Agreeing

• and how
• you bet
• you can say that again
• I agree
• on the same wavelength
• see eye to eye

These are expressions that you can more or less safely use everywhere. 

Disagreeing

• you must be kidding,
• you have got to be kidding
• you are not being serious
• I do not agree with you [formal]
• take issue with someone / something [slightly formal]
• to disagree
• at odds [be in disagreement]
• on the contrary [just the opposite of what has been said or believed]

Opinions

• put your two cents in
• say your piece
• speak up
• sound out someone [to find out what someone's opinion about something is]
• win someone over [to succeed in changing someone's opinion]
• where someone is coming from [what causes someone to have a particular opinion]

Using these idioms

With a partner, choose a topic from the list below. Decide whether you agree or disagree. Make notes about different points you can make. Then use some of the idioms from this unit as you discuss the topic with your partner.

• Cigarette smoking should be made a crime.
• Parents should not control their children's access to the Internet.
• Extreme sports are dangerous and should be banned.

The Quiz on Agreeing and Disagreeing

You will get the score right away!

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