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.

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

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:

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.

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.

Agreed!

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

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.

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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?

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

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.

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

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.

I’m with you (on that).

This expression is also a casual way to agree.

"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.

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!