How to disagree politely in English (about a film)
A friend is excited about a film you found boring, and they've just asked you directly what you thought. In English, learners often go one of two ways: they hide their opinion completely, or they say "It's bad" and the mood drops. Disagreeing well means being specific about what didn't work for you, and showing you heard their side.
The situation
Sam loved a film you thought was overrated. Disagree honestly without making it awkward.
Your goals
- State your opinion clearly
- Give two reasons
- Acknowledge Sam's view
Words to use
Words you probably know but rarely say. In the app they tick off as you use them.
- overrated
- praised more than deserved
- compelling
- holding attention strongly
- to be fair
- being balanced
- predictable
- easy to guess
- I see your point
- I understand you
- fall flat
- fail to have effect
Phrases that work here
Honestly, it didn't really work for me.
A clear opinion that talks about your experience, not about the film being objectively bad.
I can see why people love it, but...
Acknowledges the other side before you disagree, which softens what comes next.
For me, the main problem was the ending.
Introduces your first reason and keeps it focused on one thing.
The other thing was...
A simple way to move to your second reason without sounding like a list.
To be fair, the soundtrack was great.
Gives credit where it's due. One honest compliment makes your criticism easier to hear.
I see your point, but I still think...
Shows you listened, while keeping your own opinion.
I guess we'll have to agree to disagree.
Ends the debate in a friendly way when neither of you is going to change your mind.
How the conversation can go
Sam opens the call. One way to answer:
- Sam
Okay, I have to ask. You didn't like the ending? How?
- You
Honestly, it didn't really work for me. I can see why people love it, but I found the ending pretty predictable. I guessed the twist about halfway through.
- Sam
Really? I didn't see it coming at all. But the ending is only one part. What about the rest?
- You
The other thing was the main character. Everyone said she was complex, but I never understood why she made her choices, so her big moment fell flat for me.
- Sam
Hmm, I think that was the point, though. She's not supposed to be easy to understand.
- You
I see your point. Maybe I just needed a bit more from her to care. That said, the visuals were stunning. I'd watch it again just for the opening scene.
- Sam
Okay, that's something. So you'd say it's overrated, not bad?
- You
Exactly. It's a good film, just not the classic everyone says it is. What made it so special for you?
Mistakes to avoid
The film is not good, it's boring.It didn't really work for me. I found the middle a bit slow.
Talking about your experience ("for me", "I found") sounds like an opinion. A flat verdict sounds like you're telling them they're wrong.
I'm not agree.I don't agree. / I'm not sure I agree.
"Agree" is a verb, so it needs "don't", not "am not". The mistake comes from "saya tidak setuju".
In my opinion, I think the film is overrated.I think it's a bit overrated.
"In my opinion" and "I think" mean the same thing. Use one. Adding "a bit" also makes it gentler.
Before you start
- Give reasons from specific moments (a scene, a character, the ending), not general words like "bad" or "boring".
- Say one thing you did like. It shows you're being fair and makes the rest easier to hear.
- Finish by asking what they loved about it. People relax when they get to explain.
Practise it out loud with Sam
In Lorivo, Sam answers you on a live voice call for about 7 minutes, then you get feedback on your own sentences.
Get it on Google Play