to disagree

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to disagree" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a difference of opinion or a lack of agreement with someone else's statement or viewpoint. Example: "I have to respectfully disagree with your assessment of the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have to disagree.

The New York Times

It's hard to disagree.

Independent

Others seem to disagree.

The New York Times

Difficult to disagree.

The Guardian - Travel

Orpheus appeared to disagree.

The New York Times - Arts

Other investors appear to disagree.

The New York Times

It was impossible to disagree.

The New York Times

But analysts tend to disagree.

The Economist

Readers aren't apt to disagree.

The New York Times - Books

We are inclined to disagree.

The New Yorker

This blogger begs to disagree.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider adding a qualifier to soften the disagreement, such as "I respectfully disagree" or "While I understand your point, I have to disagree."

Common error

Avoid simply stating "I disagree" without explaining why. Always provide a rationale or alternative perspective to make your disagreement constructive and valuable to the discussion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to disagree" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically used as a verb phrase to express disagreement or opposition. It's commonly used to introduce a differing viewpoint, as evidenced by the many examples Ludwig provides.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

4%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to disagree" is a common and grammatically correct infinitive phrase used to express a difference of opinion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, especially in news and media. While it is a versatile phrase, alternatives such as "to differ", "to object", or "to dissent" can offer more nuanced expressions of disagreement. When using "to disagree", it's best practice to provide context and rationale to make your disagreement constructive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to beg to differ

A polite and somewhat formal way of expressing disagreement.

to differ

Implies a milder form of disagreement, often focusing on a difference in opinion or perspective.

to dissent

Suggests a more formal or public disagreement, often with an established authority or prevailing opinion.

to object

Indicates a specific opposition to something, often with a stated reason or rationale.

to dispute

Implies a debate or argument about the validity or accuracy of something.

to challenge

Suggests questioning or contesting a statement or idea, often with the intention of proving it wrong.

to take issue

Highlights a specific point of disagreement or concern.

to contradict

Involves asserting the opposite of what someone else has said or implied.

to counter

Suggests offering an opposing argument or perspective.

to be at odds

Indicates a fundamental disagreement or conflict.

FAQs

What's the difference between "to disagree" and "to differ"?

"To disagree" implies a direct opposition in opinion or belief, while "to differ" suggests a more nuanced variance in perspective or understanding. "To disagree" can sometimes carry a stronger sense of opposition.

How can I use "to disagree" politely in a sentence?

You can soften the phrase "to disagree" by adding qualifiers such as "I respectfully disagree", "I have "to respectfully disagree"", or "While I understand your point, I must disagree".

What are some alternatives to using "to disagree" in formal writing?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "to dissent", "to object", or "to take issue with". These phrases often convey a more considered and reasoned disagreement.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "to disagree"?

While "to disagree" is generally acceptable, it may be inappropriate in situations where challenging authority is strongly discouraged, or in highly sensitive personal contexts where any disagreement could be perceived as disrespectful. In those scenarios it would be better to rephrase your dissent in a more subtle way.