How to express "disagreement" professionally

        In the last issue, I taught you how to express "agreement” professionally. In this issue, let’s take a look that how to express "disagreement” professionally when there are different opinions.

        In business and social occasions, when you encounter disagreement, you must express it carefully. It is appropriate to master the formality and intensity of language and express disagreement skillfully and tactfully.

        Tactful disagreement

        1、 I’ m afraid(it is a very common British expression)

        I'm afraid I can't come today. She's on a business trip.)

        2、 Unfortunately

        Unfortunately, the flight has been cancelled

        3、 Sadly (sorry, sad, very)

        Sadly, I don’t agree. This idea is quite rough.

        He seems to be sadly lacking in a sense of direction (lack = shortage)

        4、 With all due respect (This is quite formal)

        With all due respect, we should not hold an event this month

        Scenario: Sabrina and Alan are talking

        Alan: Good morning, Sabrina. Have you seen the news lately?

        Sabrina: COVID-19 cases are increasing in the West. I don’t think they are handling it very well.

        Alan：I’m afraid I don’t quite agree. COVID-19 caught everyone by surprise, I believe they are doing all they can. (There are many usages of "quite". In informal conversation, "quite + agree / like / enjoy, understand" is often used to express one's own opinions or preferences, and the meaning can be determined by looking at the context. Quite = very, completely, very)

        Sabrina: I hope so. Thank goodness Taiwan learned because of SARS. We are very well - prepared.

        Alan: Don’t worry, the virus will disappear in the summer. Then we can all go back to normal.

        Sabrina: Unfortunately, that is not proven because they are still fighting the virus in Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines.

        Alan: Oh, I see. Then we should continue to wear masks, no matter what kind. It is better than not wearing any.

        Sabrina: With all due respect, I believe surgical and N95 masks are still the best. The masks at normal stores are usually only for dust.

        Alan: You’re right. We should also all do social distancing in order to prevent further spread. Also, the world should know that Taiwan can help.

        Sabrina: I’m in total agreement. We should all do our part to fight this.

        The above English teaching is provided by EIE American English.

        Please contact EIE Institute Belle Yin (Tel: (02) 8773-6828 ext. 368; Email: belle@eie.com.tw )

        More English course information: http://www.eie.com.tw/tw/

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