All phrases › beg to differ
What does “beg to differ” mean?
Meaning, example sentences and a quick practice question.
B2
To politely disagree with someone
“I beg to differ. I think it's a great idea.”
Say it smoothly: “be-gtoo-differ”
From the B2 lesson Agree to Disagree (disagreeing politely).
C1
To politely disagree with someone
“I beg to differ. I think the plan is risky.”
Say it smoothly: “be-gtoo-differ”
From the C1 lesson Agree to Disagree (disagreeing politely).
Quick check
What does “beg to differ” mean?
Teaching this phrase?“beg to differ” is part of a ready-to-teach lesson, with a reading, three exercises, speaking tasks and an answer key, in Everyday English Chunks B2 Pack 1 (Life, People and Places) and C1 Pack 1 (Life, People and Places).
See the B2 lesson pack See the C1 lesson pack
See the B2 lesson pack See the C1 lesson pack
Want to use phrases like this with confidence?Practice them in a one-to-one lesson with me, an experienced online English teacher.
Book a lesson
Book a lesson
Related phrases
- see your pointto understand why someone thinks the way they do, even if you disagree
- meet halfwayto compromise, with each side giving up something
- on the same pagehaving the same understanding or opinion as someone else
- play devil's advocateto argue the opposite side, often just to test an idea
- agree to disagreeto accept that you won't reach the same opinion, and stop arguing
- change your mindto decide something different from what you thought before
- stick to your gunsto refuse to change your opinion, despite pressure
- have a bone to pick (with sb)to want to talk to someone about something you're annoyed about
- get your point acrossto successfully make someone understand your opinion
- see where sb is coming fromto understand the reasons behind someone's opinion, even if you disagree
- split the differenceto compromise, often meeting exactly halfway
- stand your groundto refuse to change your opinion or position, despite pressure