Understanding ‘Agree With’: Definition and Explanation

The phrasal verb ‘agree with’ is a crucial linguistic tool for IELTS candidates, particularly in the Speaking section. It means to have the same opinion as someone else or to concur with a statement or idea. This versatile phrasal verb can also be used to express that something is suitable or beneficial for someone, especially in health contexts.

Synonyms for ‘agree with’ include:

• Concur with
• Be in accord with
• See eye to eye with
• Be on the same page as

Contextual Usage of ‘Agree with’

‘Agree with’ can be used in various contexts, both formal and informal:

1. Expressing shared opinions:
   “I completely agree with the speaker’s views on climate change.”
2. In academic discussions:
   “Many experts agree with the theory that exercise boosts mental health.”
3. Informal conversations:
   “I don’t agree with my parents about my career choice.”
4. Health-related contexts:
   “Spicy food doesn’t agree with me; it gives me indigestion.”

Grammar Analysis of ‘Agree with’

‘Agree with’ is an inseparable phrasal verb, meaning that ‘agree’ and ‘with’ must always stay together. The object follows ‘with’:

• Correct: “I agree with you.”
• Incorrect: “I agree you with.”

When using pronouns, they come after ‘with’:

• “She agrees with him.”
• “We don’t agree with them on this issue.”

Application in IELTS

In IELTS Speaking

‘Agree with’ can be effectively used to express opinions and demonstrate agreement or disagreement:

Question: “Do you think social media has a positive impact on society?”
Sample answer: “While I agree with the notion that social media has improved connectivity, I don’t entirely agree with the idea that its impact is wholly positive. There are certainly drawbacks to consider.”

In IELTS Writing

In essay writing, ‘agree with’ can help articulate your stance on a topic:

“Many experts agree with the view that renewable energy sources are crucial for combating climate change. However, I only partially agree with this assertion, as I believe a multi-faceted approach is necessary.”

People agreeing in a discussion

Related Phrasal Verbs

1. Go along with (/ɡəʊ əˈlɒŋ wɪð/): To agree or comply with
   Example: “I’ll go along with your decision on this matter.”
2. See eye to eye (/siː aɪ tuː aɪ/): To agree completely
   Example: “We see eye to eye on most political issues.”
3. Stand by (/stænd baɪ/): To support or agree with someone or something
   Example: “I stand by my original statement.”
4. Side with (/saɪd wɪð/): To agree with and support one person or group in an argument
   Example: “In this debate, I side with the environmentalists.”
5. Fall in line (/fɔːl ɪn laɪn/): To agree to do what others are doing or what someone wants you to do
   Example: “Eventually, all committee members fell in line with the chairperson’s proposal.”

Practice Exercises

Fill in the Blanks

1. I don’t __ __ the idea of working overtime without compensation.
2. The committee members all __ __ the new policy changes.
3. Spicy food doesn’t __ __ my stomach.
4. Do you __ __ me that climate change is a pressing issue?
5. She couldn’t __ __ her colleagues on the best approach to the project.
6. The opposition party rarely __ __ the government’s decisions.
7. I __ __ you that education should be a top priority.
8. The cold weather doesn’t seem to __ __ my health.
9. Scientists generally __ __ the theory of evolution.
10. It’s rare for all board members to __ __ on every decision.

Sentence Transformation

1. Original: John and I have the same opinion about the new law.
   Rewrite: John and I __ __ each other about the new law.
2. Original: The committee supports the chairperson’s proposal.
   Rewrite: The committee __ __ the chairperson’s proposal.
3. Original: I don’t share your view on this matter.
   Rewrite: I don’t __ __ you on this matter.
4. Original: The expert concurs with the study’s findings.
   Rewrite: The expert __ __ the study’s findings.
5. Original: We have a consensus on the budget allocation.
   Rewrite: We all __ __ each other on the budget allocation.
6. Original: The new diet suits my body well.
   Rewrite: The new diet __ __ me.
7. Original: The opposition party rarely supports government policies.
   Rewrite: The opposition party rarely __ __ government policies.
8. Original: Tom and Sarah share the same perspective on environmental issues.
   Rewrite: Tom and Sarah __ __ each other on environmental issues.
9. Original: The board members couldn’t reach a consensus on the proposal.
   Rewrite: The board members couldn’t __ __ each other on the proposal.
10. Original: Most economists support the new fiscal policy.
    Rewrite: Most economists __ __ the new fiscal policy.

Puzzle pieces fitting together perfectly

Answers and Explanations

Fill in the Blanks:

1. agree with
2. agreed with
3. agree with
4. agree with
5. agree with
6. agrees with
7. agree with
8. agree with
9. agree with
10. agree with

Sentence Transformation:

1. agree with
2. agrees with
3. agree with
4. agrees with
5. agree with
6. agrees with
7. agrees with
8. agree with
9. agree with
10. agree with

Explanation: In all these exercises, ‘agree with’ is used to express agreement or compatibility. Remember that ‘agree with’ is inseparable, and the object always follows ‘with’. The verb form changes (agree/agrees/agreed) depending on the subject and tense of the sentence.

Memorization Tips

To remember ‘agree with’ effectively:

1. Visualization: Imagine two people nodding their heads together, symbolizing agreement.
2. Mnemonic device: “A GREE WITH” – “A Good Relationship Exists Even When Intensity Tests Harmony”
3. Practice in daily conversations: Make a conscious effort to use ‘agree with’ in your everyday English interactions.
4. Association: Link ‘agree with’ to the image of two puzzle pieces fitting together perfectly.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Mistake: Using ‘agree to’ instead of ‘agree with’ for opinions.
   Correct: “I agree with your opinion.” (Not: “I agree to your opinion.”)
2. Mistake: Separating the phrasal verb.
   Correct: “I agree with the proposal.” (Not: “I agree the proposal with.”)
3. Mistake: Omitting ‘with’ altogether.
   Correct: “Do you agree with me?” (Not: “Do you agree me?”)
4. Mistake: Using the wrong preposition.
   Correct: “I agree with you on this matter.” (Not: “I agree to you on this matter.”)
5. Mistake: Incorrect subject-verb agreement.
   Correct: “She agrees with the policy.” (Not: “She agree with the policy.”)

To avoid these mistakes, practice using ‘agree with’ in various contexts and always remember that it’s an inseparable phrasal verb followed by the object.

Conclusion

Mastering the phrasal verb ‘agree with’ is essential for IELTS success, particularly in the Speaking and Writing sections. It allows you to express agreement, share opinions, and discuss compatibility effectively. By understanding its usage, practicing with the provided exercises, and avoiding common mistakes, you can incorporate ‘agree with’ naturally in your IELTS responses, enhancing your language proficiency and potentially boosting your score.

Remember, the key to mastering any phrasal verb is consistent practice. Incorporate ‘agree with’ into your daily English usage, and you’ll find it becomes second nature in your IELTS preparation and beyond. For more insights on expressing agreement and disagreement in IELTS, you might find it helpful to explore related topics such as how international trade agreements affect developing countries or the effects of trade agreements on local jobs. These resources can provide valuable context for using ‘agree with’ in discussions about global issues, a common theme in IELTS tasks.