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Complete English transcript
Martin, I think we should move our Saturday picnic indoors.
Why?
The weather app says there is only a small chance of rain.
Look again.
Oh.
Heavy rain from midday.
Exactly.
That sounded more natural than a lonely “yes”.
A lonely yes?
It agrees, but it does not show how I am connecting with your idea.
Then today, let us give “yes” some company.
Welcome to Your English Toolbox.
I am Martin.
And I am Julia.
This is the second episode of Everyday Useful Expressions.
Our series gives you ready-made English for real conversations.
Today, we are learning four natural ways to agree without simply repeating “yes”.
“Yes” is correct, but using it for every response can sound flat or less engaged than you really are.
Each expression shows a slightly different kind of agreement.
Our first expression is: Exactly.
Exactly.
Use it when another person expresses the same idea that you were thinking.
It means, “That is precisely what I mean.”
Imagine we are planning a meeting.
“We should send the agenda early, so everyone can prepare.”
“Exactly.
Then we can use the meeting to make decisions.”
You strongly agree, and your next sentence develops the shared idea.
Is “exactly” formal?
It is neutral.
You can use it with friends, colleagues and in professional conversations.
A warm “Exactly” sounds engaged.
A sharp one can sound impatient.
Our second expression is: That makes sense.
That makes sense.
We use it when we understand the reason behind someone’s choice.
“I am leaving home early because the roads get busy after eight.”
“That makes sense.
You will have a calmer journey.”
Understanding a decision is not always the same as fully agreeing with it.
So I can say it even if I might choose differently.
Correct.
And remember: “That makes sense”.
Not “That has sense”.
Exactly.
Expression number three is: I see your point.
I see your point.
This tells the other person that you recognise their perspective.
It is useful when a conversation has two reasonable sides.
Suppose I say, “Our emails are too long.
We should make them shorter.”
“I see your point.
People might read a shorter message more carefully.”
That sounds like agreement.
It is.
But the expression can also introduce a respectful difference.
“I see your point, but some details are still necessary.”
So it means, “I understand your argument,” not always, “I agree with every part.”
That makes it very useful in discussions.
Our fourth expression is: You have a point.
You have a point.
We use this when someone gives us a good reason we had not fully considered.
Imagine I want to drive into the city centre.
“The train might be easier because parking will be expensive.”
“You have a point.
Let us take the train.”
The argument has influenced your decision.
With a friendly tone, it shows openness rather than defeat.
Can I add “there”?
Yes.
“You have a point there” is also natural.
Let us compare the four.
“Exactly” shows strong agreement with the precise idea.
“That makes sense” shows that you understand the logic.
“I see your point” recognises another perspective and can introduce a qualification.
And “You have a point” admits that someone has offered a valid reason.
Time for a quick challenge.
Choose the most natural expression before we answer.
Situation one.
A colleague says the exact thing you were about to say.
Exactly.
Situation two.
A friend explains why they need to change a plan, and you understand the reason.
That makes sense.
Situation three.
You recognise someone’s opinion, but want to add a different concern.
I see your point.
Situation four.
You were doubtful, but the other person gives you a convincing reason.
You have a point.
Now it is your turn.
Respond to this idea: Practising English for ten minutes every day is more useful than studying once a month.
Choose one expression, then add one sentence of your own.
A short response plus one reason helps you sound involved, not automatic.
On the episode page at yourenglishtoolbox.com, you will find five additional ways to agree that are not taught in this audio.
You can compare their tone and use them in a short active-practice exercise.
The direct link is in the episode description.
Now, Julia, about our Saturday picnic.
Indoors, with hot drinks and a few board games.
That makes sense.
Only “that makes sense”?
Exactly.
And I will bring the cake.
Then we agree completely.
See you next time, friends.
Goodbye.
