How to say it · Out and about

Interrupting politely

Someone is talking and you need to get a word in. Cut in too bluntly and you sound rude; wait for perfect silence and you never speak at all.

6 ways to say it

In a meeting room, Mia raises a hand as her own speech bubble slots into the gap between her colleagues' bubbles.

How firmGentleFirm

Sorry, can I just add something?best default Sorry to interruptwalking up Before we move oncatch the gap Sorry to jump inquick and friendly Wait, sorrywait, what?Can I just stop you there?polite brake

Way 1 · best default

Sorry, can I just add something?

You ask for a short turn. "Just" makes it sound small, so people happily let you in.

How firmGentle

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

Sorry, can I just add something? The client wants it by Friday, not Monday.

Sorry, can I just add something before you book it? I've got the order number here.

In a conversation

A: ...so I think we should keep the smaller room for the client.
B: Sorry, can I just add something? There are eight of them, so it'll be a bit tight.

Common mistake

Not: I ~~want to say something.~~

Say: Sorry, can I just add something?

"I want to..." sounds like a demand in English. "Can I just" asks for a small turn, and it's just as clear.

Practice saying this

Next: Sorry to interrupt

Way 2 · walking up

Sorry to interrupt

For breaking into a conversation you're not part of, like two colleagues chatting or someone on the phone.

How firmGentle

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

Sorry to interrupt, but your taxi's outside.

Sorry to interrupt, do you know if this room's free at two?

In a conversation

A: ...and then he said the whole system was down.
B: Sorry to interrupt. Could one of you sign this before you go?

Practice saying this

Next: Before we move on

Way 3 · catch the gap

Before we move on

The softest way in. You wait until a topic ends, then bring up your point before the next one starts.

How firmVery gentle

ToneNeutral

Use itAt work

Examples

Before we move on, can we quickly check the room booking?

Before we move on, I just had one question about the budget.

Practice saying this

Next: Sorry to jump in

Way 4 · quick and friendly

Sorry to jump in

You don't wait for a yes. You say sorry and go straight into your point, usually because it's useful right now.

How firmMiddle

ToneCasual

Use itAnywhere

Examples

Sorry to jump in, but I think that shop closes at six.

Sorry to jump in. I've got the address if you need it.

In a conversation

A: We could get the train at seven and still...
B: Sorry to jump in, but there's no seven o'clock train on Sundays.

Practice saying this

Next: Wait, sorry

Way 5 · wait, what?

Wait, sorry

You stop a friend mid-story because something doesn't sound right or you've lost track.

How firmFirm

ToneCasual

Use itWith friends

Examples

Wait, sorry, did you say Saturday or Sunday?

Wait, sorry. I thought you'd already paid for it.

In a conversation

A: ...and you were there when Leo fell in the pool.
B: Wait, sorry, me? I've never even been to Leo's.

Common mistake

Not: ~~Wait me a second.~~

Say: Wait, sorry, did you say Saturday?

"Wait" needs "for" before a person: "wait for me". To stop someone mid-story, just say "Wait, sorry" and ask.

Practice saying this

Next: Can I just stop you there?

Way 6 · polite brake

Can I just stop you there?

The firmest polite option. For when someone has a fact wrong, goes off track or won't let you speak.

How firmVery firm

ToneNeutral

Use itAt work

Examples

Can I just stop you there? Those numbers are from last year.

Sorry, can I just stop you there? I'm not interested in a new contract.

In a conversation

A: ...and with our premium package you'll also get...
B: Can I just stop you there? I'm only calling about a late delivery.

Common mistake

Not: ~~Stop,~~ you ~~are~~ wrong.

Say: Can I just stop you there? I think that's wrong.

A bare "Stop" sounds angry. The question form stops them just as well and keeps things calm.

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which would you say?

Pick the right one

Which would you say?

Read the moment, then choose the way that fits it best.

Now say it out loud

Pick one and practise it in a real conversation. Save the ones you want to remember.

Sorry, can I just add something?Sorry to interrupt Before we move on Sorry to jump in

Which would you say?

Now say it out loud

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