11 Phrases for Managing an Interruption
Interruptions happen—in meetings, conversations, or presentations. How you handle them shows your communication skills and emotional control. These 11 phrases for managing an interruption help you stay polite, keep the conversation on track, and respond with confidence—whether you’re the one being interrupted or need to pause someone else.
Common Ways to Say ‘Let Me Finish’ or ‘Hold On a Moment’
Polite Ways to Pause Someone
- Sorry to interrupt, but… A respectful opener when you must cut in. Sorry to interrupt, but your phone is ringing.
- Can I just jump in here for a second? Friendly and collaborative—common in team talks. Can I just jump in here for a second? I think that date might be wrong.
- Before we move on, I’d like to add something. Gentle way to re-enter the conversation. Before we move on, I’d like to add something about the budget.
- Hold that thought—I’ll be right back. Used when you must step away briefly. Hold that thought—I’ll be right back. I need to take this call.
Gracefully Handling Being Interrupted
- Let me just finish this point. Calm and confident—asserts your space without rudeness. Let me just finish this point, and then I’d love your input.
- I wasn’t quite done—can I wrap up my thought? Polite and clear—invites respect. I wasn’t quite done—can I wrap up my thought? It’s important for context.
- One more sentence, and then I’ll hand it over. Collaborative and time-bound—eases tension. One more sentence, and then I’ll hand it over.
Resuming After an Interruption
- Where were we? Casual and natural—common in relaxed settings. Where were we? Oh, right—the timeline!
- Getting back to what I was saying… Smoothly reconnects after a distraction. Getting back to what I was saying, the client approved the design.
- As I was about to mention… Reclaims your point with grace. As I was about to mention, we’ve already solved that issue.
Real-Life Dialogues
Colleague: So I think we should launch in June—
You: Sorry to interrupt, but the market research isn’t ready until July.
Colleague: Oh, right. Getting back to what I was saying, maybe we push to August?
Friend: And then she said—
You: Hold that thought—I’ll be right back. [Returns] Okay, go on!
Friend: Where were we? Oh yeah—she totally apologized!
Quick Tips: Choosing the Right Phrase
| Situation | Recommended Expression | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Gently interrupting in a meeting | Can I just jump in here for a second? | Non-threatening and team-oriented. |
| Being cut off while presenting | Let me just finish this point. | Assertive yet respectful—keeps control. |
| Returning after a phone call | Where were we? | Casual and effective for informal chats. |
| Resuming a serious discussion | Getting back to what I was saying… | Professional and smoothly reconnects ideas. |
Practice Tip
Next time you’re in a group chat or meeting, try using one phrase like “Let me just finish this point” or “Can I jump in?”—it builds confidence and keeps conversations respectful!
Why This Matters
- Using these 11 phrases for managing an interruption shows emotional intelligence and conversational control.
- It helps you stay calm under pressure and maintain respect in professional and social settings.
- Native speakers use these expressions daily—mastering them makes your English sound fluent and natural.
Interruptions don’t have to derail your message. With these 11 phrases for managing an interruption, you’ll navigate pauses, cut-ins, and comebacks with ease—and keep the conversation flowing smoothly. Happy learning! 😊