ESL General English Grammar Questions

Re: Please help

beginnerbird — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:06:49 GMT

Thanks a lot, Clive!

Re: Please help

Clive — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:59:00 GMT

Hi guys,
I have a question:
Can I say "I don't agree with you"? Or it's a mistake and I always have to say "I can't agree with you!"?
There's often not a lot of difference. Much depends on the context, the tone of voice, the facial expression. Here are a couple of comments on subtleties.

"I don't agree with you" There's nothing wrong with saying this, and people often do. However, it's very direct, and quite a strong statement.

"I can't agree with you" This seems a bit less strong. It suggests that 'I would like to agree with you, but unfortunately it's not possible (ie I can't agree) for me to agree with you'.

Best wishes, Clive

Re: Please help

beginnerbird — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:55:29 GMT

thanks :)

Re: Please help

optilang — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:47:53 GMT

I don't agree with you

I can't agree with you

I don't/can't see anything wrong with either.

Re: Please help

Anonymous — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:54:59 GMT

Thank you. I told the same to my friend but he said sounds odd, that people usually say "I can't agree with you!"
Maybe there is some difference in written and spoken language?
Or maybe there is difference between British and American English?

Re: Please help

optilang — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:49:06 GMT

Can I say "I don't agree with you"? - Yes you can

Please help

Anonymous — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:32:20 GMT

Hi all!
I have a question:
Can I say "I don't agree with you"? Or it's a mistake and I always have to say "I can't agree with you!"?

Thank you.