English grammar
Rebutting politely: with respect, that's not entirely true / may I remind you that / if I could just finish / you're mistaken
Contradict someone in public, politely but firmly.
From the scene With respect, you're mistaken
In short
Disagree politely: with respect, that's not entirely true. Keep the floor: if I could just finish.
Your turn
Which one goes with reminding your opponent of a fact?
Options: with respect, that's not entirely true · if I could just finish · may I remind you that three shops have closed
Show answer
reminding your opponent of a fact → may I remind you that three shops have closed
How it works
With respect… warns that disagreement is coming. That's not entirely true softens a contradiction.
Your turn
Pick the word that fits the line.
May I (blank) you that on my street three shops have closed.
Options: remind · remember · recall
Show answer
May I remind you that on my street three shops have closed.
Le recuerdo que en mi calle han cerrado tres tiendas.
Good to know
May I remind you that + clause states a fact your opponent forgot (remind someone, never remember someone).
Good to know
If I could just finish politely keeps the floor. You're mistaken is a firm, formal "you're wrong".
softening a contradiction with respect, that's not entirely true
Elena
Mr Spokesman, you say the area has improved. With respect, that's not entirely true.
Señor portavoz, dice que el barrio ha mejorado. Con todo respeto, eso no es del todo cierto.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Mr Spokesman, you say the area has improved. (blank).
Options: If I could just finish · With respect, that's not entirely true · May I remind you that three shops have closed
Show answer
Elena
Mr Spokesman, you say the area has improved. With respect, that's not entirely true.
Señor portavoz, dice que el barrio ha mejorado. Con todo respeto, eso no es del todo cierto.
reminding your opponent of a fact may I remind you that three shops have closed
Your turn
What goes with may I remind you that three shops have closed?
Options: reminding your opponent of a fact · softening a contradiction · keeping the floor politely
Show answer
may I remind you that three shops have closed → reminding your opponent of a fact
keeping the floor politely if I could just finish
Elena
If I could just finish, please. I listened to you.
Permítame que termine, por favor. Yo le he escuchado a usted.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank), please. I listened to you.
Options: With respect, that's not entirely true · May I remind you that three shops have closed · If I could just finish
Show answer
Elena
If I could just finish, please. I listened to you.
Permítame que termine, por favor. Yo le he escuchado a usted.
a firm, formal "you are wrong" you're mistaken
Elena
Residents leave because they want to? With respect, you're mistaken.
¿Que los vecinos se van porque quieren? Con todo respeto, se equivoca usted.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Residents leave because they want to? With respect, (blank).
Options: if I could just finish · you're mistaken · may I remind you that three shops have closed
Show answer
Elena
Residents leave because they want to? With respect, you're mistaken.
¿Que los vecinos se van porque quieren? Con todo respeto, se equivoca usted.
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| softening a contradiction | with respect, that's not entirely true |
|---|---|
| reminding your opponent of a fact | may I remind you that three shops have closed |
| keeping the floor politely | if I could just finish |
| a firm, formal "you are wrong" | you're mistaken |
More lines from the story
- ElenaMay I remind you that on my street three shops have closed.Le recuerdo que en mi calle han cerrado tres tiendas.
- JaviThe audience is clapping! And the spokesman is lost for words.¡El público aplaude! Y el portavoz se ha quedado sin palabras.
- ElenaThey leave because they can no longer pay the rent.Se van porque ya no pueden pagar el alquiler.