How to Continue after Being Interrupted

How to Continue after Being Interrupted

How to Continue after Being Interrupted

Hello English learners! Have you ever been speaking when suddenly someone cuts you off? It can feel frustrating or even embarrassing. But don’t worry—there are polite, natural, and confident ways to continue speaking after an interruption. In this lesson, we will explore useful phrases, strategies, and example sentences that will help you regain the floor and keep the conversation flowing smoothly. How to Continue after Being Interrupted

Simple phrases to regain the floor

Sometimes an interruption can throw you off balance. But with just a short, polite expression, you can gently remind others that you were still talking. These phrases don’t sound rude—they simply bring the conversation back to your point.

As I was saying…

This phrase is a classic way to smoothly return to your idea. It’s friendly and not confrontational, which makes it perfect for both professional and casual conversations.

• As I was saying, the main point is that we need to prepare earlier next time.
• As I was saying, vocabulary practice is more effective when you use new words in sentences.

Use this when you want to pick up exactly where you left off.

If I could just finish…

This is a little firmer. It’s useful in group discussions or meetings where people are eager to jump in. By saying this, you show confidence and politely ask for the chance to complete your thought.

• If I could just finish my thought, I think we should try a different approach.
• If I could just finish explaining the rules, you’ll see why it’s important to follow them.

Use this when you want to hold the floor politely but clearly.

Let me get back to what I was saying…

This phrase works well if the conversation has drifted away from your original point. It helps you steer things back on track without sounding aggressive.

• Let me get back to what I was saying about the project deadline—it’s earlier than we expected.
• Let me get back to what I was saying about essay structure, because it’s essential for the exam.

Use this when you want to re-focus the discussion and remind others of the original topic.

How to Continue after Being Interrupted

Other variations you can try

Here are a few more short, natural expressions learners can add to their toolkit:

Where was I? Ah yes…

• Where was I? Ah yes, we were talking about the advantages of group study.

Anyway, to continue…

• Anyway, to continue, the second reason reading is so useful is vocabulary growth.

As I mentioned earlier…

• As I mentioned earlier, time management is crucial for success in the CAE exam.

Polite but firm phrases

Sometimes interruptions happen in serious situations—like business meetings, classrooms, or academic discussions—where it’s important to show confidence but also remain respectful. These phrases are slightly stronger than the simple ones. They politely assert that you haven’t finished, while making it clear that you value the other person’s input.

I’d like to continue my point…

This phrase is professional and firm, but still very polite. It works well in meetings, presentations, or debates where you want to signal that your thought is not complete yet.

• I’d like to continue my point about exam preparation before we move on.
• I’d like to continue my point regarding the marketing plan before we discuss the budget.

Use this when you want to reclaim attention in a formal setting without sounding confrontational.

Sorry, I hadn’t quite finished…

This is a gentle way to remind others that you were still speaking. Adding “sorry” softens the phrase, making it very natural in British English, where politeness is highly valued.

• Sorry, I hadn’t quite finished my explanation about the grammar exercise.
• Sorry, I hadn’t quite finished describing the research results.

Use this when you want to stay polite but make it clear that you need to finish.

Could I just finish my sentence?

This phrase is clear and firm, and it sets a boundary in conversation. It shows confidence and signals that you will hand the floor back after you finish.

• Could I just finish my sentence, and then I’ll hear your opinion?
• Could I just finish my example, and then we can discuss your question?

Use this when you want to assert yourself but still show that you respect the other person’s turn.

How to Continue after Being Interrupted

Other useful variations

To add more flexibility, here are additional phrases learners can use:

Let me just finish my point…

• Let me just finish my point about essay structure, then I’ll take your questions.

I’ll come to that, but let me finish this first…

• I’ll come to that, but let me finish this first—it will make more sense in context.

One moment, please, I’m not quite done yet…

• One moment, please, I’m not quite done yet with the explanation of the rules.

Tip: In formal situations (like exams, presentations, or workplace discussions), it’s important to keep your tone calm and professional. If you raise your voice, it may sound defensive; if you stay measured, you’ll come across as confident and in control.

How to Continue after Being Interrupted

Strategies for smooth continuation

Not every interruption needs a special phrase. Sometimes, the easiest and most natural way to continue is to link back to your idea smoothly. These strategies are subtle and keep the conversation flowing without drawing too much attention to the interruption.

Repeat your last word or idea

When someone cuts in, you can repeat the key word or idea you were talking about. This gently reminds listeners of your main point and helps you pick up right where you left off.

• …and that’s why I believe regular practice is key. As I was saying, practice builds confidence.
• The results showed a clear improvement in vocabulary. Vocabulary, as I mentioned, is the foundation of fluency.

Use this when you want to return to your point without sounding defensive.

Use a linking phrase to refocus

If the conversation drifts away from your point, a short linking phrase can bring it back. These phrases are light, conversational, and often used in both casual and formal English.

• Anyway, back to the main point: regular reading improves writing skills.
• Where was I? Ah yes, we were talking about vocabulary building.
• Right, let’s return to what I was saying about managing exam time effectively.

Use this when you want to guide everyone back on track after a side discussion.

Summarise briefly, then continue

Sometimes an interruption means people lose the thread of your argument. A quick recap of your point makes it easier for everyone to follow, and it strengthens your message before you move forward.

• So, just to repeat: regular revision is essential. Now, moving on to how you can do it…
• Let me quickly summarise: the first problem is lack of practice. Now, the second issue is motivation.
• To recap, vocabulary learning works best when active. Now let’s see how you can apply it daily.

Use this when you want to make your point stronger and ensure clarity before progressing.

How to Continue after Being Interrupted

Other smooth continuation techniques

Ask yourself a guiding question:

• What was I saying? Oh yes, the importance of speaking practice.

Reframe with “the point is…”

• The point is, without regular listening practice, fluency doesn’t improve.

Shift naturally with “moving forward…”

• Moving forward, let’s think about how to apply these strategies in real life.

Tip: These strategies are especially useful in exams like FCE or CAE, where speaking tests sometimes involve interruptions or follow-up questions from the examiner. Staying calm and continuing naturally shows fluency and confidence.

Cultural Notes

In British English, we often soften interruptions with phrases like “Sorry” or “Excuse me.”

In formal situations (meetings, exams), keeping calm and polite shows confidence.

In casual settings (friends, family), a light phrase like “Anyway…” works perfectly.

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