The word “agree” might seem simple, but it’s one of the most commonly misused words in English—especially by learners. While most students understand its basic meaning, they often use it incorrectly in sentences. In this post, we’ll explore the many ways “agree” is misused, explain why the mistakes happen, and show you how to fix them.
✅ First, What Does “Agree” Mean?
To agree means to have the same opinion as someone else. It can also mean to approve of something or come to a decision together.
Example:
“I agree with you.” (We have the same opinion.)
❌ Common Mistakes with “Agree”
1. ❌ “I agree your idea.”
✅ Correct: “I agree WITH your idea.”
Why it’s wrong:
“Agree” is an intransitive verb, which means it doesn’t take a direct object without a preposition. You must say “agree with” a person or idea.
Other correct examples:
- “I agree with John.”
- “I agree with what you said.”
2. ❌ “I am agree.”
✅ Correct: “I agree.”
Why it’s wrong:
“Agree” is a verb, not an adjective. You don’t need “am” (or any form of “be”) in front of it.
Compare:
- “I am happy.” ✅ (Happy = adjective)
- “I agree.” ✅ (Agree = verb)
3. ❌ “He doesn’t agrees.”
✅ Correct: “He doesn’t agree.”
Why it’s wrong:
When using “doesn’t,” the base form of the verb must follow. The -s is already included in “doesn’t.”
4. ❌ “We agree to your opinion.”
✅ Correct: “We agree with your opinion.”
Why it’s wrong:
You agree to a proposal, plan, or condition, but you agree with an opinion or person.
Examples:
- “I agree with your opinion.” ✅
- “They agreed to the terms of the contract.” ✅
5. ❌ “She agree with me?”
✅ Correct: “Does she agree with me?”
Why it’s wrong:
When forming a question in the present simple tense, use “does” + base form of the verb.
6. ❌ “I agree about that.”
✅ Usually: “I agree with you about that.”
Why it’s wrong (or awkward):
“Agree about” is technically not wrong, but it’s often used in very specific situations, usually when talking about a shared opinion on a topic. But it almost always sounds better when followed by “with someone about something.”
Examples:
- “I agree with her about the budget.” ✅
- “They agree with us about the new rules.” ✅
💡 Bonus Tip: Using “Agree” in the Passive Voice
Sometimes learners try to say:
❌ “It is agreed with.”
That’s usually not natural. Instead, try:
- “It is agreed upon by both sides.” ✅
- “It was agreed that the meeting would be canceled.” ✅
🧠 Review: Prepositions After “Agree”
| Phrase | Usage |
|---|---|
| agree with (someone/idea) | “I agree with her.” |
| agree to (plan/rules) | “I agreed to the conditions.” |
| agree on/about (a topic) | “They agreed on a price.” |
📌 Final Thoughts
Even advanced students make mistakes with “agree,” but now that you know the most common problems, you can avoid them. Pay attention to the prepositions, verb forms, and sentence structures that follow. It might seem small, but these little grammar points can make a big difference in how natural and correct you sound.