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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.

Optilang · Accepted Answer

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

Anonymous · Answer

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?

Optilang · Answer

I don't agree with you

I can't agree with you

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

Beginnerbird · Answer

thanks <img class='emoticon' style='Width:19px;Height:19px;' data-delaysrc='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' src='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' alt='Emotion: smile'/>

Clive · Answer

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

Beginnerbird · Answer

Thanks a lot, Clive!

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