13 Phrases to Say “That Reminds Me”

Have you ever been in a conversation where someone says something that triggers a new thought or memory? The phrase “That reminds me” is the perfect bridge to introduce your new idea. Learning different ways to say “that reminds me” will make your conversation flow more smoothly and help you connect your thoughts like a native speaker.

Common Ways to Say ‘That Reminds Me’

Polite & Neutral

  1. Speaking of which…
    Use this when the new topic is directly related to what was just being discussed. It’s a very smooth transition.
    “I love Italian food.” “Speaking of which, have you tried the new restaurant downtown?”
  2. That reminds me…
    The classic and most common phrase. It’s perfect for almost any situation where a thought is triggered.
    “I need to buy a new phone.” “That reminds me, my phone bill is due today.”
  3. On that note…
    A slightly more formal transition, great for meetings. It links your new point to the theme of the conversation.
    “We need to improve our customer service.” “On that note, I have some feedback from last week.”
  4. While we’re on the subject…
    Use this to introduce a point that is closely related to the current topic of conversation.
    “The marketing campaign starts next week.” “While we’re on the subject, the designs are finally ready.”

Casual & Common

  1. Oh, that reminds me!
    Adding “Oh” makes it sound more natural and spontaneous, as if you just remembered something important.
    “I saw Maria yesterday.” “Oh, that reminds me! I need to call her.”
  2. By the way…
    A very common phrase to introduce a new, often slightly related or unrelated topic casually.
    “The weather is so nice today.” “By the way, are we still having a picnic this weekend?”
  3. Funny you should say that…
    Use this when what the person said is a funny or interesting coincidence related to your thought.
    “I was just thinking about going to Japan.” “Funny you should say that, I was looking at flights this morning!”
  4. This is off-topic, but…
    A polite way to acknowledge that you are changing the subject completely.
    “…so the quarterly numbers look good.” “This is off-topic, but did you see the email about the party?”

Playful & Expressive

  1. You know, that just sparked a thought.
    A more expressive way to say that the conversation inspired a new idea in your mind.
    “We need a new way to organize the files.” “You know, that just sparked a thought. What if we use a shared digital drive?”
  2. Wait, before I forget…
    This creates a sense of urgency and is perfect for interrupting yourself to share an important, sudden thought.
    “So, as I was saying about the project…” “Wait, before I forget, the meeting time changed to 3 PM.”
  3. It just hit me!
    An energetic phrase for when a thought or memory comes to you suddenly and forcefully.
    “We need a gift for Mom.” “It just hit me! She said she wanted a new coffee maker.”

Formal & Professional

  1. In relation to that…
    A formal and precise transition, excellent for reports, presentations, and professional emails.
    “The budget has been approved.” “In relation to that, I have prepared the spending breakdown.”
  2. Your point brings something to mind.
    A very polite and respectful way to introduce a connected thought in a meeting or discussion.
    “We should focus on customer retention.” “Your point brings something to mind. I have data on why customers leave.”

Real-Life Dialogues

Luis: I’m so tired. I was up late watching a movie.
Priya: Speaking of which, have you seen the new superhero movie? It’s amazing!

Manager: We need to finalize the agenda for the conference.
Team Member: Your point brings something to mind. We still need to confirm the keynote speaker.

Ana: I can’t find my keys anywhere.
Ben: Oh, that reminds me! I think I saw them on the kitchen counter this morning.

Quick Tips: Choosing the Right Phrase

Situation Recommended Expression Why?
Casually changing the subject with a friend By the way… It’s the most common and versatile phrase for informal topic shifts.
Adding a related point in a meeting On that note… / Speaking of which… These phrases are professional and keep the conversation flowing logically.
When you have a sudden, urgent thought Wait, before I forget… It politely interrupts and ensures an important point isn’t lost.

Practice Tip

Listen for these phrases in English movies and podcasts. Notice how speakers use them to smoothly change topics. Try to use one new phrase from this list in your next English conversation.

Why This Matters

  • It helps you transition between thoughts smoothly, making your speech sound more fluent and connected.
  • You can participate more effectively in group conversations by knowing how to politely introduce new ideas.
  • Using a variety of phrases prevents you from sounding repetitive and makes your English more dynamic.

Mastering these transition phrases is a key step to sounding more natural in English. They are the glue that holds conversations together. Don’t be afraid to use them; they will make your communication much clearer and more engaging. Keep up the great work and happy learning! 😊

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