In between

• That may/might be true
• That could work
• Maybe
• Perhaps
• Possibly
• Potentially

Partly Agreeing

• I see what you mean but/however
• I know what you mean
• I hear what you’re saying
• That’s a good / nice idea, but
• [positive agreement]+[question] e.g. That’s interesting now/but why don’t we consider …
• Right, but/however/and/now (ask your teacher)

Acknowledging

These expressions are useful when people are vague or not clear or you want to reassure someone who can’t speak English well!

• Yes, I see.
• I understand what you’re saying.
• I see what you’re getting at.
• I know what you mean.

You can also summarise / rephrase what they said to confirm.  It’s nicer than asking to repeat.

• So you mean that…
• So if I understand correctly, you want….

Question as an answer

This is an indirect way to partly agree or even disagree

• Why don’t we…
• Have we considered..
• How about…
• Can we…
• Could we…
• May I…
• Have you seen/heard/ …

Redirection

Can be seen as rude!  Better to add ‘part agreement’ first.

• Let’s look at ….
• Show us the…
• Take a look at this….