Phrases for Changing the Subject in English: 40+ Examples

Knowing useful phrases for changing the subject in English is an important conversation skill. Sometimes a discussion has reached its natural conclusion. At other times, the topic may be uncomfortable, irrelevant or simply rather dull.

In this lesson, you will learn useful phrases for changing the subject in English, from informal expressions for everyday conversations to professional language for meetings, presentations and Cambridge exams.

Table of Contents

Why Do We Change the Subject?

We may change the subject because:

the previous topic has finished
we have remembered something important
we want to introduce a related idea
the conversation has gone off track
a topic is too personal or uncomfortable
we need to discuss the next point in a meeting
we want to include another person in the conversation

The best expression depends on how closely the new topic is connected to the old one and how direct or polite you need to be.

1. Changing to a Related Subject

When the new topic is connected to something that has already been mentioned, we can make a smooth and natural transition.

Speaking of Italy, have you heard that Sarah has moved to Rome?
Talking of exams, when do you receive your results?
That reminds me, I need to call the dentist.
On the subject of travel, have we decided where to stay?
While we’re on the subject of holidays, have you renewed your passport?
Since you mentioned the conference, have you booked your hotel?
We need to reduce unnecessary spending, which brings me to the question of the budget.

2. Introducing a New or Unrelated Subject

Sometimes we want to introduce something that is not closely connected to the current conversation.

By the way, have you spoken to Sophie recently?
Before I forget, can you send me the address?
Incidentally, have you received the revised schedule?
On another subject, have you finished the monthly report?
To change the subject, have you made any plans for the weekend?

3. Returning to the Main Subject

Conversations often move away from their original purpose. When this happens, we may need to return to the earlier topic.

Anyway, as I was saying, we need to make a decision today.
As I was saying, the project should be completed by Friday.
Where were we? Ah yes, we were discussing the budget.
Getting back to the meeting, who will write the report?
To return to my point, the current system is too expensive.
We seem to have gone off topic. Let’s get back on track.

4. Moving to the Next Point

In meetings, lessons, presentations and organised discussions, we often need to signal that one topic has finished and another is beginning.

Moving on, let’s discuss next month’s targets.
Turning now to the results, we can see a clear improvement.
The next point I’d like to discuss is staff training.
Perhaps we should now consider the cost of the proposal.
Perhaps we could move on to the next item.

5. Changing an Uncomfortable Subject Politely

Sometimes a topic is too personal, upsetting or inappropriate. In these situations, it is better to set a polite boundary before introducing a new subject.

I’d rather not talk about that, if you don’t mind.
I’d prefer not to get into that right now.
Let’s leave that for another time.
That’s a little personal, don’t you think?

6. Redirecting a Discussion Politely

Sometimes you do not want to abandon the subject completely. Instead, you want to redirect the conversation towards a more useful aspect.

That’s an interesting point, but perhaps we should consider the cost.
Could we focus on the main problem for a moment?
Before we go any further, we need to agree on a budget.
Before we move on, could I ask one more question?
Before we continue, there is something we need to clarify.
Before we leave this subject, I’d like to add one final point.

Phrases for Changing the Subject in Meetings

The most appropriate phrases for changing the subject in English depend on the situation. Expressions such as by the way and speaking of are natural in conversation, while turning now to and the next issue to consider is are more suitable for meetings and presentations.

Useful formal phrases include:

Perhaps we should turn to the next item on the agenda.
Could we move on to the question of funding?
I’d like to draw your attention to another issue.
The next matter we need to consider is the deadline.
Before we move on, does anyone have any questions?
Returning to the main issue, what action should we take?
Could we leave that point for now and return to it later?
Let’s focus now on the proposed changes.

Phrases for Changing the Subject in English

Changing the Subject in Cambridge Speaking Exams

In Cambridge B2 First and C1 Advanced speaking tasks, you should not change the subject simply because you do not know what to say. You need to respond to your partner’s point and keep the discussion relevant.

However, some phrases for redirecting the conversation can be very useful:

That’s a good point. What about …?
I agree to some extent, but perhaps we should also consider …
Shall we move on to the next option?
We haven’t talked about … yet.
Perhaps we should consider … as well.
Before we decide, what do you think about …?
Going back to what you said earlier …
So, which option do you think would be best?

B2 First Speaking Example

Candidate A: I think organising sports activities would be a good way to help new students make friends.

Candidate B: I agree. They could meet people in a relaxed environment. We haven’t talked about school clubs yet. Do you think they would be useful too?

C1 Advanced Speaking Example

Candidate A: Working from home may improve employees’ work–life balance.

Candidate B: That’s true to some extent. However, perhaps we should also consider the effect on teamwork and communication.

These expressions show that you can listen, respond and guide a discussion naturally.

Final Thoughts

Learning phrases for changing the subject in English can help you guide conversations without sounding abrupt or impolite.

Use speaking of, talking of and that reminds me when the new topic is connected to the previous one. Use by the way or before I forget to introduce a new thought. When returning to an earlier topic, choose anyway, as I was saying or getting back to the point.

In meetings and presentations, expressions such as moving on to, turning now to and the next issue to consider is will help you organise your ideas clearly. If a subject is uncomfortable, phrases such as I’d rather not discuss that and can we talk about something else? allow you to set a polite but firm boundary.

The key is not simply knowing how to change the subject, but knowing how to do it smoothly, politely and at the right moment.

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Ways to Say Congratulations! in English - My Lingua Academy · 17 Mar 2026 at 8:15 am

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