The best way to win an argument is to avoid it. But sometimes, that isn’t possible. Here’s some useful language so you can learn how to argue in English
Complaining about something!
- You never tidy up.
- You said that you’d do it.
- You told them that you’d help.
- You promised that you’d clean the living room.
- You’re always leaving your clothes lying around.
Reacting to a complaint
- What are you talking about?
- Are you serious?
- Excuse me?
- I beg your pardon? [formal]
- You’re joking! / You’ve got to be kidding! [informal]
- Don’t make me laugh! [informal]
Correcting information
- I didn’t do that.
- That wasn’t me.
- No, I didn’t take it.
- You didn’t have anything to do with it.
- I was the one who took it back to the shop.
Getting serious
- Right! That’s it!
- I’ve had enough of this!
- That does it!
- You’ve gone too far!
Ending the argument
- OK, if you say so!
- Just drop it!
- Whatever you say!
- You haven’t heard the last of this!
- Let’s just move on, shall we?
- I think we’re going to have to agree to disagree.
You’re going to listen to an argument between flatmates Jen and Mike. Listen once and answer these questions.
- What does Jen see in the kitchen?
- What does she notice on the kitchen table?
- When did Mike last do the washing up?
- What does Jen see on the floor?
Here are the answers:
- What does Jen see in the kitchen? - She sees some rubbish bags in the kitchen.
- What does she notice on the kitchen table? - She notices a dirty teacup on the kitchen table.
- When did Mike last do the washing up? - Mike did the washing up last night.
- What does Jen see on the floor? - Jen sees some shoes on the floor.
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