disagree about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'disagree about' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when two or more people have different opinions on a subject. For example, "My parents disagree about whether I should go to college."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

What we disagree about is what more we can say.

The New York Times

What did you disagree about?

The New York Times

Scholars disagree about how to understand self-predication in Plato.

SEP

Muslims disagree about that.

The Economist

People disagree about exact borders.

The New York Times

We still disagree about things.

The New York Times

We disagree about literally everything.

The Guardian

What did they most commonly disagree about?

The Guardian

Do you still disagree about Woody Allen?

The New York Times

The two countries disagree about energy policy.

The Economist

They still find plenty to disagree about.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "disagree about", ensure that the subject of disagreement is clearly specified to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The scientists disagree about the cause of the phenomenon."

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions with "disagree". While "disagree about" is correct, other prepositions might not fit. For instance, "disagree on" is acceptable, but be cautious about alternatives like "disagree with", which usually refers to disagreeing with a person rather than a topic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disagree about" functions as a verb phrase indicating a divergence of opinions or perspectives regarding a specific topic. It highlights that there is no consensus among individuals or groups. As confirmed by Ludwig, the usage is grammatically sound and frequent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "disagree about" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to convey a lack of consensus on a particular subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as scientific discourse, its register remains largely neutral. For alternative expressions, consider "differ on" or "have differing opinions on", but be mindful of subtle contextual differences. When using "disagree about", it is vital to ensure clarity regarding the subject of the disagreement. Avoid misusing prepositions like "with" unless referring to a person.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

differ on

Focuses on the point of divergence rather than the act of disagreeing.

have differing opinions on

More formal and emphasizes the existence of multiple viewpoints.

hold contrary views on

Highlights the opposition between viewpoints.

are at odds over

Suggests conflict or tension related to the differing opinions.

see things differently regarding

Emphasizes the subjective nature of the disagreement.

dissent concerning

Formal and emphasizes a strong disagreement or objection.

take issue with

Indicates a specific point of contention.

clash over

Suggests a more confrontational disagreement.

contradict each other on

Highlights the direct opposition of statements or beliefs.

disagree with each other on

Emphasizes reciprocity and the individual nature of the disagreement.

FAQs

How do I use "disagree about" in a sentence?

Use "disagree about" to indicate a difference of opinion regarding a specific subject. For example, "They "disagree about" the best course of action" or "The experts "disagree about" the economic impact".

What are some alternatives to "disagree about"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "differ on", "have differing opinions on", or "are at odds over".

Is it correct to say "disagree on" instead of "disagree about"?

While "disagree about" and "disagree on" are often interchangeable, "disagree about" is generally preferred when referring to a broad topic, whereas "disagree on" can imply a more specific point. Both are acceptable in many contexts.

What is the difference between "disagree with" and "disagree about"?

"Disagree with" is typically used to express disagreement with a person or their statements, while "disagree about" refers to disagreeing about a subject or topic. For example, "I "disagree with" his politics", but "We "disagree about" the solution".