When we start a discussion at work, we usually expect it to go smoothly. But what if it doesn’t? What do you do when you encounter pushback (= experience resistance), disagreement, or when you’re the one who has to disagree?

In such cases, you need the right phrases and techniques to handle disagreement politely and professionally.

Here are 7 ways to do that.

1. Acknowledge the other perspective

Before you disagree, it’s essential to show that you understand the other person’s point of view. Acknowledging the other perspective helps you communicate in good faith (= with positive intentions) and makes it easier to reach a consensus.

Try some of these useful phrases:

I can see why you’d think that.

I understand your point.

That makes sense.

I see where you’re coming from.

I understand the reasoning behind this.

2. Frame it as a personal opinion

“No, this won’t work.”

Presenting your disagreement in strong terms like that is likely to put people on the defensive (= make people feel they need to defend themselves). What’s more, it can sound a bit rude.

Instead, it’s better to frame disagreement as a personal opinion. This keeps the discussion polite and helps move the conversation toward a collaborative solution.

Here are some great phrases to use:

I don’t think this will work.

I think we might need more data.

I feel that this approach could create extra work later on.

The way I see it, we’re taking on too many priorities at once.

My concern is that this could affect performance in the long run.

3. Suggest an alternative

Rather than shutting down (= rejecting) someone’s point of view, try suggesting an alternative idea. This is an underrated but much-appreciated soft skill that makes you much easier to work with.

Useful phrases:

What if we tried… instead?

Maybe we could try…

Another option might be…

Have we thought about…?

Would it make sense to…?

4. Don’t overuse “ok, but…”

Starting an objection with “ok, but…” can make it seem like you’re not really listening.

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Try some of these phrases instead:

I understand. It’s just that…

That makes sense. I’m just wondering if…

I see what you mean. The challenge I see is…

I’m with you on that. I just think…

I can see why you’d say that. I’m just worried that…

5. Use “softening” grammar

Remember that modal verbs like might, could, and may can help you soften your tone and express disagreement more politely.

This might not work as expected.

This could create some issues later.

This may be difficult to implement within the timeline.

6. Invite collaboration

Instead of presenting disagreement as a final answer, invite the other person to think through the solution. Once you start problem-solving together, you’re more likely to find middle ground (= compromise).

Useful phrases:

What’s your perspective on this?

How do you see it?

How would you like to go about it?

How can we make this work for everyone?

What would be the best way to move forward?

7. Know when to put your foot down

While it’s important to stay polite and collaborative, there are moments when you need to be firm. If a decision goes against your values, risks the project, or crosses a clear boundary, it’s okay to stand your ground (= defend your opinion).

Good phrases to use in such situations:

This doesn’t sit right with me.

I appreciate the suggestion, but I have to push back on this.

I’m afraid I can’t support this decision.

I strongly believe we need to reconsider.

I’m not comfortable moving forward with this as it stands.

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