Phrases for Changing the Subject in English

Phrases for Changing the Subject in English

Hello English learners! Welcome to a new lesson! Ever been in a conversation where the topic is going nowhere, or you simply need to steer it in a different direction? Well, being able to change the subject successfully is certainly a helpful communication skill. It helps you sound natural, polite, and in control of the conversation—whether you are chatting with friends, taking part in a Cambridge speaking exam, or navigating a tricky meeting at work. Phrases for Changing the Subject in English

In this lesson, we’ll explore a range of useful phrases for shifting topics, along with real dialogues and examples that show you how to use them in everyday English.

Polite Transitions

• “Speaking of …”
• “By the way …”
• “That reminds me …”
• “Before I forget …”
• “As a matter of fact, while we’re on the subject …”

Dialogue:

A: I loved that Italian restaurant last night.

B: Speaking of Italy, did you hear Sarah has relocated to Rome?

Neutral shifts

• “Anyway …”
• “So, what about …”
• “Let’s move on to …”
• “We were talking about …”
• “Right, changing the subject …”

Dialogue:

A: The traffic was horrible this morning.

B: Anyway, have you finished the report for tomorrow’s meeting?

Phrases for Changing the Subject in English

Formal or professional

• “If I could just bring up another point …”
• “Perhaps we should turn to …”
• “Let’s focus now on …”
• “I’d like to draw your attention to …”
• “Could we move on to …”

Dialogue:

Manager: We’ve covered the budget figures.

Employee: Perhaps we should turn to the marketing strategy for next quarter.

Avoiding awkward topics

• “Well, let’s not get into that now …”
• “Anyway, changing the subject …”
• “That’s another matter altogether …”
• “We’ll come back to that later, but …”
• “In other news …”

Dialogue:

A: Why did you and Tom break up?

B: Well, let’s not get into that now. By the way, have you seen the new Marvel film?

Extended Dialogue Example

At a family dinner:

Mum: Chicken is tasting really good tonight.

Dad: Speaking of food, has anyone booked the restaurant for Grandma’s birthday?

Daughter: Oh, that reminds me—I saw a very nice place in town yesterday.

Son: Anyway, can we forget about it? I have some wonderful news about my new job!

Mum: Okay, before I forget, we need to decide who is going to collect Grandma from her house tomorrow.

Practice Task for Learners

Insert a phrase in the following sentences to shift the subject.

It has been terrible weather. (Ask about the football game)

We must deliver the project by next Friday. (Bring up holiday plans)

He was talking about politics. (Mention dinner)

Phrases for Changing the Subject in English

Answer Key:

The weather has been terrible. By the way, did you watch the football game?

The project deadline is next Friday. Speaking of dates, what are your holiday plans?

He was talking about politics. Anyway, what’s for dinner?

Changing the subject is a subtle art. Use these phrases to guide your conversations politely and naturally, whether you want to sound fluent with friends, confident in exams, or professional at work.

Phrases for Changing the Subject in English

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