10 Expressions to Connect With Your Conversation Partner [Updated]

If you want to agree with someone in English, you can use expressions like "Me too," "I think so, too" and the casual "Same here."

But what if you want to do more than 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 10 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 also had positive experiences in Mexico, so her feelings are very similar to Nina's.

Nathan agrees with Donnie that the movie deserves an award.

“I know how you feel.”

This phrase is often used to offer emotional support to someone who's sad or angry. It implies that you've had similar feelings before, as in the example below:

Many parents probably experience something similar to this, so it's easy for Jim to tell James that he knows how he feels.

Related article: How to Tell Someone You Support Them in English

“I know what you mean.”

This phrase isn't literal; instead of simply saying that you understand what someone is saying, it means you understand why they feel 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 phrase, you're saying that you understand the other person's experience or situation even though you may not have been through something exactly like it yourself.

“Agreed!”

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

“Tell me about it!”

With this phrase, you aren't actually asking the other person to tell you about something. Instead, it's a very casual way to say that you agree with or completely understand what your conversation partner is saying.

However, this is mostly used when agreeing about something bad or unpleasant, like in the following examples:

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This phrase was originally used sarcastically; if someone told you something you already knew, replying with "Tell me about it" was a way to say that they didn't need to tell you about it.

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

“I know, right?”

This is a strong and casual way to agree with someone. "I know" shows agreement, while "right?" is used just like "Isn't it?"

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

However, it can also be used to agree with something unpleasant.

On the internet and in text messages, you may see people write "IKR" or "ikr" as a shortened version of this phrase.

“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 like "completely" or "totally."

“I hear you.”

This is another common, casual phrase. Instead of just "I'm listening to you," it means "I hear what you're saying and I completely understand."

This is often used by companies and brands to respond to customer complaints.

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

“I’m with you (on that).”

This is one more casual way to show that you share your conversation partner's feelings.

Wrap-up

To review, here are all 10 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 standard, while expressions 5-10 can be quite informal. Try them out in your next English conversation and you'll definitely form a deeper connection with whomever you're talking to!

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• other ways to say