11 Easy Ways to Interrupt Someone Politely in English
Recently, I received a question about how to interrupt someone politely in English. Here was the exact problem: “How to interrupt politely? Because I was on call with Americans yesterday. I wanted to say that I was only able to stay for 40 minutes on this call. I didn’t know how to interrupt in a polite way. Any ideas?”
Yes! I definitely have some ideas and I’m so glad I received this question because interrupting someone is certainly a delicate matter.
Generally speaking, it’s rude to interrupt someone, right?
But this question is a perfect example of when it’s necessary to interrupt: you’re on a phone call or in a meeting and you need to share an important message, like the need to leave early.
There are three common reasons why it may be necessary to interrupt someone. You need or want to:
- Share an important message
- Ask a question or clarify something
- Join a conversation or express your opinion on the topic
The key is knowing how to interrupt someone politely. To help you do that, I want to share essential tips and common phrases we use in English.
Essential tips and common sentences for interrupting.
Lesson by Annemarie
11 Ways to Interrupt Someone Politely in English
When you need to deliver a message:
- I hate to interrupt but I wanted to let you know I have to leave the meeting early.
- I’m so sorry to interrupt but…
- I don’t mean to be rude but may I interrupt quickly?
When you need to end a conversation
- I’m terribly sorry to interrupt you but I have to be at work for a meeting shortly and must *get going*. It was wonderful to see you. Have a nice day. (Note: In this context, to get going means to depart or leave.)
- Oh! Sorry to interrupt but I just noticed the time and I need to get to work. I’m very sorry. But it was great chatting with you.
When you need to ask a question or would like to clarify something:
- Sorry to interrupt but may I ask a quick question?
- I’m so sorry for interrupting but I’d like to make sure I understood you correctly.
- I don’t mean to be rude but I’d like to ask a question.
When you want to join a conversation or express your opinion:
- So sorry to interrupt but before we *move on*, I’d like to add my thoughts on this topic. (Note: to move on means to start doing or discussing something new.)
- Excuse me but may I jump in here?
- May I add something quickly?
Today my challenge question for you is a bit different than normal. In fact, it’s really more of a quiz.
This lesson is focused on what to say when you need to interrupt a conversation. But what should you say if someone interrupts you? How do you continue the conversation after the interruption?
Here are two specific questions:
- What can you say to someone to indicate that it is okay for them to interrupt?
- What can you say after the interruption to continue your comments?
Share your ideas and examples in the comments section below. I’ll be sure to add some feedback and examples of my own.
Have a great week!
~ Annemarie
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Very helpful article! However, the lightbox/subscription was slightly frightening – it jumped out at me and took me by surprise.
Thank you so much for sharing. It really helpful
Hi I join your group today really it’s very helpful
Hi Annmarie, thank you for this post. It is very helpful. I wanted to ask – How do you politely interrupt your customers on a cold calls? What can you say before you begin the sales conversation?
1. Feel free…go ahead
2. let’s go back to the topic….Can I move on? If you don’t mind I’d like to continue
If I want to interrupt my partner with the view to devote myself to another job, I would say following:
I highly appreciate your story it’s remarkably fascinating for me but as lamentably as this is, gigantic problem occured out of the blue, and I urgently must tackle it. We will have unforgettable and unimaginable conversation next time.
Hey…
How can we deal with s.o who interrupts and we still need time to ask few more questions?
emm… no answer?
Hi Zizi,
Great question. I actually have a new lesson coming on this topic very soon. The focus is what to say when someone interrupts you but you’re not finished speaking. I hope it will be helpful to you.
Of course everything depends on circumstances, but most likely I would say something like “Feel free, go ahead…”
Hi Annemarie. Thanks for sharing this helpful lesson as always.
If somebody interrupts me, I’d say, please go ahead, your opinion (question) is very welcome. And to go back to the conversation, I’d say, that’s interesting and we can talk about that later on.
Great additional examples, Jenny!! Thanks for adding those. 🙂
That’s very important lesson. Thank you for sharing your ideas.
My vocabulary is pretty short, so when someone interrupt me or I figure that someone wants to say something, I just say “go ahead “
Probably that’s not enough.
This is very helpful lesson.
Here are my answers:
1. Please feel free to interrupt me, if you have any questions or ideas to share.
2. It’s very interesting what you just said, we can discuss this later, now let’s get back to the main topic.
Sorry for my late answer.
Monika
Thanks a lot for sharing the useful ideas,
If someone interrupts me e.g. in a meeting or doing a presentation I’ll say: For sure, I’ll be happier if you sharing your idea.
And I loved your idea that ” I don’t mean to be rude but may I interrupt quickly” to interrupt a call or meeting.
Hi Annemarie
Many thanks for shairing a wonderful ideas,
If someone interrupts me, l would listen to her/him maybe I miss, make or say something wrong wants interrupt me for that.
I don’t know this is my answer.
Fatima
That is certainly a good strategy, Fatima. It’s always appropriate to listen to see if there is something that can be clarified or whether a topic needs further discussion.
Hi Annemarie,
This is what i would like to reply when someone interrupts me.
1. Thanks for sharing your opinion/point/whatever.
2. I’ll certainly talk about the points that someone has just said and continue my discussion later.
I’m more excited to see your input.
Great examples and strategies for dealing with interruptions, Prasanna. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Hi Annemarie,
Thanks a lot for sharing a very useful lesson! Hare are my simple answers.
1. What can you say to someone to indicate that it is okay for them to interrupt?
–> “That’s okay. Please share your thoughts.”
2. What can you say after the interruption to continue your comments?
–> “Let’s go back and continue the discussion on XXX”
Actually, I am not sure about my answers. I would like to listen to your better ideas.
Have a wonderful week!
Erin
Great answers, Erin! “Let’s go back and continue the discussion…” is a perfect way to return to the main topic after an interruption. Thanks for sharing this example. 🙂
1. If someone interrupts me in a professional and polite way I would be happy listen to and respond a question/feedback/comment the person may have.
I would rather prefer to make it very clear at the beginning of my speech or whatever it might be saying that questions/comments/feedback are welcomed at any point.
2. I would first clarify or respond uncertainty or query respectively and will then carry on my discussion.
Wonderful ways to deal with an interruption, Dulat! Thank you for sharing. 🙂