How to Disagree Politely in British English

Disagreeing with someone isn’t easy, even in your first language. Add a second language, a professional setting, and maybe a sprinkle of British awkwardness... and it suddenly feels like a minefield.

In this post, I’ll show you how to disagree politely in British English. You’ll learn natural softening phrases, useful sentence starters, and tips to help you sound calm, confident, and respectful, even when you don’t see eye to eye.

You can also download the full transcript for the video below and all the phrases from this post as a free printable PDF

Why is disagreeing in English so tricky?

If you’re someone who wants to be liked, avoid conflict, or just doesn’t want to sound rude (welcome to the club), then speaking up when you don’t agree can be hard. And in British English, it’s especially subtle. We often avoid confrontation. We hedge. We understate.

But you can learn to express your opinion in a way that’s both clear and kind.

Let’s look at how.

6 Softening Phrases for Polite Disagreement

These are brilliant for making your point without sounding aggressive. You’re not just saying “you’re wrong” you’re creating space for both opinions.

1. I see what you mean, but...

This is one of my favourites. It shows you’re listening, but you still have a different view.

I see what you mean, but I’m not sure it would work in this case.

2. I see where you’re coming from...

This phrase acknowledges the other person’s feelings. It’s warm and empathic.

I see where you’re coming from. I just see it slightly differently.

3. That’s one way of looking at it, but...

This one keeps things light. It suggests other perspectives exist.

That’s one way of looking at it, but I think there might be another explanation.

4. I’m not sure I agree with that.

A little more direct, but still polite.

I’m not sure I agree with that — I’ve had a different experience.

5. Can I offer a different perspective?

Perfect for meetings and discussions. Respectful, assertive, though a little formal for friends.

Can I offer a different perspective on that point?

6. I think we might have slightly different opinions on that.

Soft and diplomatic. This one gently acknowledges the difference.

I think we might have slightly different opinions on that topic.

Real-life Example: Disagreeing at Work

Imagine this:

You’re in a meeting. A colleague says, “I don’t think people who work from home are as productive.” But you strongly disagree.

Here’s how you could respond politely:

1. “That’s interesting, but I’ve had a different experience. A lot of the remote teams I’ve worked with have been just as productive, if not more.”

2. “I see what you mean. It can be tricky without face-to-face time. But with the right systems, remote work can be really effective.”

3. “Yeah, I get that perspective. But I’d add that productivity depends more on the person than the location.”

Each of these responses is thoughtful, calm, and allows space for disagreement without sounding confrontational.

Soften Your View With a Bit of Uncertainty

Another great technique is expressing uncertainty, even when you’re quite sure you’re right. It softens your tone and shows you’re open-minded.

Try these:

• I might be wrong, but...
  I might be wrong, but I think the research says something different.

• I’m not really sure about that...
  I’m not really sure about that — I read something quite different.

• It could just be me, but...
  It could just be me, but I’ve usually found the opposite to be true.

These phrases help you express disagreement without sounding defensive or argumentative.

What Not to Say if You Want to Sound Polite

Don’t say “You’re wrong.”
It’s too blunt. There are softer ways to disagree.

Avoid saying “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Even if it’s tempting — it’s rude and shuts down conversation.

Be careful with words like actually and obviously.
“Actually, I think you’re wrong” can sound patronising.
“Obviously, that’s not true” can make someone feel stupid. Even if something seems obvious to you, it might not be to them.

A Quick Note on British English

In British English, we often hedge, meaning we use indirect language to sound less forceful. For example:

• I’m not sure that’s correct.

• I don’t think that’s quite right.

This helps avoid conflict and makes the conversation feel more balanced. If you’re speaking with British colleagues or friends, softening your language like this can help you fit the tone of the conversation more naturally.

3 Practice Phrases to Use Today

Try one of these next time you need to disagree politely:

1. That’s a good point, but have you thought about...

2. I wonder if there’s another way to look at this.

3. You might be right. I just see it slightly differently.