13 Phrases to Change the Subject
Sometimes a conversation goes in an awkward direction—maybe someone asks a personal question, or you are running late for another meeting. You need to steer the discussion quickly, but you don’t want to be rude. Knowing these 13 phrases to change the subject is an essential conversational skill in English. It shows fluency, politeness, and control.
In this lesson, we will give you phrases for different situations: when you want a smooth, subtle transition, and when you need a clear, direct change.
Key Expressions for Shifting the Conversation
Here is a breakdown of 13 phrases to change the subject, organized so you can use the right tone, whether you are with friends or colleagues.
Smooth and Polite Transitions
Use these phrases when you want to subtly move away from the current topic without drawing too much attention to the change.
1. That reminds me… This is one of the smoothest ways to change the subject because it uses the previous topic as a bridge to the new one, making the shift feel natural.
- Example: “You mentioned going to the park this weekend. That reminds me, did you book the tickets for the concert next month?”
2. Speaking of [Topic A], what about [Topic B]? This phrase is perfect when the current topic is vaguely related to the new one. You mention the old topic to validate it, then introduce the new one quickly.
- Example: “We were just talking about the project budget. Speaking of the budget, what about the deadline for Phase Two?”
3. By the way… This is a very common, casual, and neutral phrase. It signals that you have remembered something completely different and are introducing it now.
- Example: “I liked your new hairstyle. By the way, are you still planning on moving to Canada next year?”
4. On a completely different note… This phrase is polite because it clearly signals to the listener that you acknowledge the topic is changing entirely, offering a heads-up before the switch.
- Example: “Thank you for answering my questions about your resume. On a completely different note, what kind of company culture are you looking for?”
Necessary and Time-Saving Shifts
Use these phrases in professional settings, interviews, or when you are pressed for time and need to move the conversation along quickly.
5. We need to get back to… This is a direct phrase used when the conversation has strayed off-topic (gone down a ‘rabbit hole’) and needs to refocus on the main goal.
- Example: “That story is hilarious, but we need to get back to the presentation outline, as time is short.”
6. Let’s circle back to that later. This polite phrase is perfect for ‘parking’ a tangent topic. It promises to return to the subject, making the other person feel heard while allowing the meeting to continue.
- Example: “The idea of opening a new office in Lisbon is interesting, but let’s circle back to that later. We first need to discuss the immediate hiring goals.”
7. I don’t want to get sidetracked, so… This is a clear, self-managing phrase. You are admitting the risk of distraction and taking control. This is excellent for leading group discussions.
- Example: “We could debate the color scheme all afternoon, but I don’t want to get sidetracked, so let’s confirm the core features first.”
8. We’re running out of time for this. This emphasizes the time pressure, justifying your need to change the subject. It is slightly more urgent than the other time-saving phrases.
- Example: “That’s an important detail, but we’re running out of time for this. We need to finalize the first section.”
Casual and Direct Subject Swaps
These phrases are straightforward and friendly, best used with friends, family, or people you know well.
9. Before I forget… This implies the new topic is an urgent thought you might lose. It’s an easy and accepted way to switch topics quickly.
- Example: “Your vacation photos look great. Before I forget, did you remember to buy tickets for the baseball game?”
10. Anyway, moving on… This is a very common, slightly abrupt, but widely accepted way to close the previous topic and introduce a new one.
- Example: “The weather has been terrible today. Anyway, moving on, how was your lunch break?”
11. Changing the subject entirely… This phrase is clear and honest. It shows you know you are making a big shift, and it’s often used to avoid an uncomfortable topic.
- Example: “I really don’t want to talk about the final exam results. Changing the subject entirely, what movie are we going to see tonight?”
12. Oh, did you hear about…? This is a quick, conversational hook, often used to introduce news or gossip. It is very casual and effective.
- Example: “I know your cousin is doing well. Oh, did you hear about the new coffee shop that just opened downtown?”
13. How about we discuss [New Topic] instead? This is a very polite way to introduce a new topic because you are asking for permission rather than just telling the group where the conversation is going.
- Example: “I’m exhausted from thinking about work. How about we discuss our travel plans for next year instead?”
Real-Life Dialogues
See how these 13 phrases to change the subject work in real conversations.
Scenario 1: Awkward Conversation (Casual) Friend A: So, when do you think you’ll finally start making some real money? Friend B: Well, that’s a tough question! Changing the subject entirely, did you hear about the huge sale happening at the mall today? Friend A: No! Tell me more! Friend B: That reminds me, do you need a ride there later?
Scenario 2: Professional Discussion (Urgent) Manager: The team is debating the details of the logo colors. Project Lead: I don’t want to get sidetracked, so let’s confirm the client approved the website structure first. We can discuss colors later. Manager: That’s right. We need to get back to the structural components. Project Lead: Thank you. I was worried we’re running out of time for this meeting.
Quick Tips for Changing the Subject
- Avoid Awkwardness: If someone is asking sensitive questions (about salary, marriage, etc.), use the more direct phrases like “Changing the subject entirely” to signal that the topic is off-limits.
- Use Linking Words: Phrases like “That reminds me” are fantastic because they create a smooth connection, even when one doesn’t exist.
- The Power of “By the way”: In quick chats, “By the way” is the easiest way to insert a new piece of information without fuss.
Mastering these 13 phrases to change the subject will make you feel confident in any English conversation, ensuring you can guide the discussion exactly where you need it to go.
What situation would you use the phrase “Let’s circle back to that later” in?
