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10 Expressions to Connect with Your Conversation Partner

10 Expressions to Connect with Your Conversation Partner

If you want to agree with someone in English, you probably use expressions like "Me too," "I think so too," or maybe even the very casual "Same here."

But what if you want to do more than just agree? Sometimes you want to let the listener know that you've had a similar experience or that you understand their feelings. 

This time, we'll take a look at ten common expressions you can use to make a stronger connection with your conversation partner.

I feel the same way.

Two men connecting with each other while having an English conversation in a cafe

This expression is a simple and direct way to express agreement and make a connection.

Nina
I love Mexico! The people are so friendly! It's like my second home now.
Arisa
Yes, I feel the same way.

Arisa has also had positive experiences in Mexico, so her feelings are very similar to Nina's.

This expression is quite similar to "I think so too," but the particular expression you use can make a difference in its effect on the other person. Research at Stanford's Graduate School of Business suggests that using "I feel" has a bigger impact on people with more emotional personalities. In other words, the simple change from "think" to "feel" can help you make a stronger connection with certain kinds of people.

I know how you feel.

This expression is commonly used to offer emotional support to someone who is sad or angry. It implies that you have experienced similar feelings, as in the exchange below:

James
I don't know why my son doesn't talk to me.
Jim
I know how you feel. My daughter also didn't like talking to me when she was a teenager.

With this expression, there is one important thing to keep in mind. It's nice to let others know that they aren't alone in their feelings. However, for difficult or unpleasant situations, if you want to keep the focus of the conversation on your friend, it may be better to reply by asking what you can do to help, or simply by asking "Do you want to talk about it?" In this way, you offer support without making yourself the focus of the discussion.

I know what you mean.

This is not a literal expression; instead of meaning that you simply understand what someone is saying, it means you understand why the other person is feeling a certain way.

Eric
There is something magical about watching a sunset.
Ally
I know what you mean. It's so peaceful.

I can relate to that.

"Relate" is a verb that means "to be connected or linked." However, it can also mean "to identify with or feel sympathy for."

With this expression, you are saying that you understand the other person's experience or situation even though you may have not been through something exactly like it yourself.

Jenny
Taking care of my two little boys is so tiring. They have so much energy!
Max
I can relate to that. I teach young children and it's hard to get them to calm down.

Agreed!

This is a strong way to agree with someone. It's often a response to positive statements.

Lauren
A great cup of coffee in the morning is the best way to start the day.
José
Agreed!

Tell me about it!

Similar to the "relate" expression, this does not mean exactly what it looks like; you are not actually asking the other person to tell you about something. Instead, it is a very casual way to say that you agree or completely understand what your conversation partner is saying.

Liam
I really hate mosquitoes. 
Nigella
Tell me about it! I've got bites all over my legs. Ugh!

Keiji
That presentation was really boring.
Ken
Tell me about it. I almost fell asleep a few times.

This expression was originally only used in a sarcastic way. If someone told you something that you already knew, replying with "Tell me about it" was a sarcastic way to tell the other person that they don't need to tell you about it.

These days, however, it has lost its sarcastic quality and is just a way to express agreement.

I know, right?

Two people in strong agreement about a something while talking in a cafe

This is a very strong and casual way of agreeing. "I know" shows agreement, while "right?" is used just like "isn't it?"

Barry
Gio's has the best pizza in the city.
Jill
I know, right? They're always my first choice.

This expression is often used when the speaker is surprised to hear something. For example, in the dialogue above, perhaps Jill is used to hearing people talk about a different restaurant. When Barry mention Gio's instead, she is surprised and happy that someone else feels the same way she does.

On the internet and in text messages, you'll see people write "IKR" or "ikr" as a shortened form of this expression.

I get you.

"I get you" is a casual way to show that you understand someone's feelings.

Sam
I hate when people use their phones in movie theaters.
Sean
I get you. It's so distracting.

You can make this expression stronger by adding adverbs such as "completely" or "totally."

Sean
I totally get you. It's so distracting.

I hear you.

This is another common slang expression. Instead of only meaning "I'm listening to you," this expression means "I hear what you're saying and I completely understand." It's often used by companies and brands to respond to customer suggestions or complaints.

Thank you for all of your tweets. We want you to know that we hear you and we'll be making changes to our product based on your feedback.

I’m with you (on that).

This expression is also a casual way to agree.

Charles
I love watching horror movies around Halloween.
Macy
I'm with you on that! Which are your favorites?

"I'm with you on that" mostly expresses agreement. However, simply "I'm with you" can have a deeper meaning and be used to offer emotional support when a friend feels alone or frustrated. Instead of simply saying you understand them, saying you are "with" them suggests that you are there to help.

Charles
I really don't know what to do about this situation...
Macy
I'm with you. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help.

Your turn

To review, here are all ten expressions again:

  1. I feel the same way.
  2. I know how you feel.
  3. I know what you mean.
  4. I can relate (to that).
  5. Agreed!
  6. Tell me about it!
  7. I know, right?
  8. I hear you.
  9. I get you.
  10. I'm with you (on that).

Expressions 1-4 are quite standard, while expressions 5-7 are informal, and expressions 8-10 are slang. Try them out in your next conversation and you'll definitely form a deeper connection with whomever you're talking to!