Ever been in a conversation where someone talks endlessly, not giving you a chance to speak? Or perhaps you needed to break into a conversation for some reason? Knowing how to interrupt politely in English is a vital skill for smooth, effective communication. But how can you do it without coming across as rude? Don’t worry, the answers are coming your way!
Let’s dive into 29 common phrases that can be used to interrupt someone in a conversation:
1. Excuse me – This is a polite way to interrupt someone.
Example: Excuse me, can I add something here?
2. Sorry for interrupting, but – This phrase is commonly used to interject respectfully.
Example: Sorry for interrupting, but can we discuss this later?
3. May I interject? – Formal way to ask for permission to interrupt.
Example: May I interject? There’s something you might have overlooked.
4. Just a moment – Quick interruption, usually followed by an explanation.
Example: Just a moment, I think there’s an error in the report.
5. Can I jump in here? – A casual way to interrupt during discussions.
Example: Can I jump in here? I have a relevant point.
6. If I might add – A polite way to give additional information.
Example: If I might add, this strategy also has another benefit.
7. I hate to interrupt, but – A gentle way of interrupting someone.
Example: I hate to interrupt, but we need to wrap up the meeting soon.
8. Pardon me, but – Polite interruption, often followed by a disagreement.
Example: Pardon me, but I see things differently.
9. Could I stop you there? – A direct but polite interruption.
Example: Could I stop you there? I need to clarify something.
10. Sorry to butt in, but – A casual phrase for interrupting.
Example: Sorry to butt in, but this just came to my mind.
11. Hold on a second – Informal way to interrupt someone.
Example: Hold on a second, we’ve already covered this point.
12. Before you go on – Useful phrase when you need to clarify something before the conversation proceeds.
Example: Before you go on, could you explain that last point?
13. If I could just say something – A polite way to express your point. E
xample: If I could just say something, I think we’re overlooking an important factor.
14. Wait a minute – Useful for interrupting without sounding too abrupt.
Example: Wait a minute, I think we’re going off-topic.
15. May I have a word? – Polite, often used in formal settings.
Example: May I have a word? I think we’re missing a crucial detail.
16. I’m sorry to break in, but – This indicates a polite interruption.
Example: I’m sorry to break in, but I need to correct a mistake.
17. Allow me to interrupt for a moment – A polite and formal way to break into a conversation.
Example: Allow me to interrupt for a moment, there’s an important update.
18. Can I have your attention, please? – Good for capturing attention during group discussions.
Example: Can I have your attention, please? I have an announcement.
19. Bear with me – Used when you need to interrupt the conversation briefly.
Example: Bear with me, I need to take this call.
20. If you don’t mind, I’d like to – Polite way to express your intention to interrupt.
Example: If you don’t mind, I’d like to revisit our previous point.
21. Sorry, but I just want to say – Effective in steering the conversation in a different direction.
Example: Sorry, but I just want to say that I think we should consider a different approach.
22. Can I throw in my two cents? – An informal way of giving your opinion.
Example: Can I throw in my two cents? I think there’s a better solution.
23. If I could chime in here – This suggests a desire to add to the conversation.
Example: If I could chime in here, I agree with the last point.
24. I don’t mean to interrupt – Signals that you need to say something.
Example: I don’t mean to interrupt, but we’re running out of time.
25. If I might say so – A formal way to add your opinion or correct someone.
Example: If I might say so, I think there’s a misunderstanding.
26. Can I interpose? – Formal and less common, but it signals a polite interruption.
Example: Can I interpose? I’d like to make a suggestion.
27. Do you mind if I come in here? – Used when you want to break into a conversation without sounding impolite.
Example: Do you mind if I come in here? I have a related idea.
28. I didn’t mean to break your train of thought, but – Shows respect for the speaker’s ideas while still interrupting.
Example: I didn’t mean to break your train of thought, but I believe this is relevant.
29. May I cut in? – Another formal, polite way of interrupting.
Example: May I cut in? I’ve just thought of a potential issue.
The ability to interrupt politely is an essential communication skill. Remember, it’s not just about the phrases you use, but also about the tone of voice and body language that go along with it. Use these phrases wisely to enhance your conversation skills!