disagree

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'disagree' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing an opposing opinion or belief to an idea that was previously stated. Example sentence: I disagree with your opinion on global warming, I think it's an urgent problem that needs to be addressed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I often disagree, but I don't take delight in being disagreeable.

The Guardian

Others disagree.

The New York Times

(You may disagree).

The New York Times

It is hard to disagree.

The Economist

Few would disagree.

The New York Times

Jason Downs, an attorney for the Gray family, told the Post: "We disagree with any implication that Freddie Gray severed his own spinal cord".

The Guardian

I couldn't disagree more," Boehner told reporters.

The Guardian

If a report shows 40% of people agree with a statement, and 30% disagree, this seems to be a ten-point gap.

The Guardian

There is an argument that smacking breaches a child's human rights – I don't disagree, I think if we accept that adults deserve to live a life free from the threat of violence, children deserve the same thing.

The Guardian - Opinion

The idea that an individual editor, appointed by students to serve for a term of one year, believes they have the right to trawl through the paper's archives and delete articles they disagree with is anathema to the principles Tharunka has stood for".

The Guardian

A lot of the apathetic responses were rooted in frustrations with the electoral system - what's the point of voting, when you live in a seat safe for a party you disagree with?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using overly aggressive or accusatory language. Instead, frame your disagreement constructively, focusing on the merits of the issue rather than attacking the person holding the opposing view.

Common error

Avoid phrases like "I completely disagree" or "You're entirely wrong," which can sound dismissive. Instead, try softening your disagreement with phrases like "I see your point, but..." or "While I understand that, I have a different perspective."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "disagree" is as an intransitive verb, expressing a difference of opinion or a lack of agreement. Ludwig provides many examples demonstrating its use in expressing opposition, such as "I disagree with any implication that Freddie Gray severed his own spinal cord".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Opinion

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb "disagree" is a common and versatile term used to express opposition or a difference in opinion. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently found in news, opinion pieces, and formal communications. To ensure clarity and maintain a respectful tone, it's important to state the subject of your disagreement and provide supporting rationale. While "disagree" is generally neutral in register, choosing alternative phrases like ""hold a different view"" or "take issue with" can adjust the level of formality or intensity. Be mindful of overstating disagreement, and instead focus on constructive dialogue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

differ in opinion

Highlights the difference in viewpoint or stance.

hold a different view

Indicates a differing perspective, often used in formal contexts.

see things differently

Emphasizes the contrasting perspectives on a matter.

take issue with

Suggests a specific point of contention or argument.

not share the same view

Expresses a divergence in opinions or perspectives.

dissent from

Implies a formal or official disagreement.

beg to differ

A polite yet firm expression of disagreement.

not be in accordance with

A formal way of saying that something does not align with another thing.

be at odds with

Suggests a conflict or incompatibility in ideas.

contradict

Denotes a direct opposition or inconsistency.

FAQs

How can I use "disagree" in a sentence?

You can use "disagree" to express an opposing opinion or belief. For example, "I "disagree" with your assessment of the situation" or "We "disagree" on the best course of action".

What is a more formal way to say "disagree"?

More formal alternatives to "disagree" include phrases like "take issue with", "dissent from", or "not be in accordance with".

How do I express disagreement politely?

To express disagreement politely, you can use phrases such as "beg to differ", "I "see things differently"", or "While I respect your opinion, I "hold a different view"".

What's the difference between "disagree" and "contradict"?

"Disagree" means to have a different opinion, while "contradict" means to assert the opposite of what someone else has said. "Disagree" is generally more polite and less confrontational than "contradict".