Discussing Issues
Useful Phrases
Making Excuses
If there is a problem, it is often important to provide an excuse for something not going as planned. These phrases are used to make excuses for a problem.
I'm sorry but...
I'm very sorry about that...
You'll have to forgive me but..
The reason for that is...
Example:
I'm sorry but that inkjet printer is jammed.
I'm sorry but the interface is not functioning.
You'll have to forgive me but we cannot provide interlaced video feeds.
I'm very sorry but that control panel is corrupted.
Agreeing
Showing agreement with others during meetings and other negotiations is common. Here are some useful phrases used when agreeing with someone.
I see your point about ...
That's a great idea.
I see what you mean about ...
I completely agree with you about ...
I see your point about getting lost in cyberspace.
I see your point about data retrieval.
I see what you mean about launching products online.
I see your point about the problem of lag.
Disagreeing
At times it is necessary to disagree with others during meetings and other negotiations. Here are some useful phrases used when disagreeing with someone.
I'm afraid I don't agree with you.
I don't see how ...
Yes, but...
I doubt...
What I'm worried about is...
Possibly, but...
Are you sure that...
I'm not sure that...
Most of these phrases introduce the reason for disagreeing.
Example:
I doubt that redesigning the cursor will help sales.
What I'm worried about is how the internet will be controlled.
I don't see how smaller ISPs can compete.
I don't see how cracking the security system will help us.