How to interrupt politely (and not so politely) in English.

Interrupting a discussion can seem impolite, but is often necessary for a number of reasons. For example, you might interrupt a conversation to:

• Give a message to someone
• Ask a quick question that has nothing to do with the conversation
• Give your opinion about something that has been said
• Interrupt to join the conversation

Here are forms and phrases used to interrupt conversations and meetings arranged by purpose.

Use these short forms to quickly and efficiently interrupt a conversation to deliver a message.

• I’m sorry to interrupt but you’re needed (on the phone / in the office / in the classroom / etc.)
• Sorry for the interruption. It’s Jim / Peter / Mary on the phone.
• Pardon me, but I have John on the phone.
• Excuse me, could I get a signature / an answer / a cup of coffee quickly?

At times we need to interrupt to ask an unrelated question. These short phrases quickly interrupt to ask for something else.

• I’m sorry to interrupt, but this will only take a minute.
• Sorry for the interruption, but could you (answer a quick question / help me for a moment / give me an opinion on …)?
• I’m so sorry. This will just take a minute.
• I apologize for the interruption, but I have an important question.

Using questions are a polite way of interrupting. Here are some of the most common questions we ask in order to be allowed to join the conversation.

• Could I jump in?
• Could I add something?
• Can I say something?
• May I interject?

During a conversation we might need to interrupt the conversation if we are not asked for our opinion. In this case, these phrases will help.

• Would you mind if I joined the conversation?
• I couldn’t help overhearing. (Use when listening to a conversation that you are not a part of)
• Sorry to butt in, but I think / feel …
• If I may, I think / feel …

Sometimes we don’t want to allow an interruption. In this case, use the following phrases to bring the conversation back to your point of view.

• Please let me finish.
• Let me complete my thought.
• Would you please let me finish?
• Can I continue, please?

If you want to allow an interruption, use one of these short phrases to allow the person to ask a question, express an opinion, etc.

• No problem. Go ahead.
• Sure, what do you think?
• That’s OK. What do you need / want?

Once you’ve been interrupted you can continue your point after the interruption by using one of these phrases.

• As I was saying, I think / feel …
• To get back to what I was saying, I think / feel …
• I’d like to return to my argument.
• Continuing where I left off…

Example 1: Interrupting for Something Else

Helen: … it’s really amazing how beautiful Hawaii is. I mean, you couldn’t think of anywhere more beautiful.

Anna: Excuse me, but Tom is on the phone.

Helen: Thanks Anna. This will only take a moment.

Anna: Can I bring you some coffee while she takes the call?

George: No thanks. I’m fine.

Anna: She’ll be just a moment.

Example 2: Interrupting to Join the Conversation

Marko: If we continue to improve our sales in Europe we should be able to open new branches.

Stan: Could I add something?

Marko: Of course, go ahead.

Stan: Thanks Marko. I think we should open new branches in any case. If we improve sales great, but if we don’t we still need to open stores.

Marko: Thank you Stan. As I was saying, if we improve sales we can afford to open new branches.