Practice
Turn-taking in English conversations
Sign in to saveIn a busy meeting or friendly chat, knowing the words is not always enough. You also need a way to enter the conversation without speaking over someone. A short phrase such as "Can I add something?" can make that move clear and polite.
Join an English conversation politely by choosing phrases that start, hold, pass, or recover a speaking turn.
Read and practice
Read the examples and try the written questions in this guide. Listening recordings are not available for this lesson yet.
Try the written questions
Can I add something? /kən aɪ æd ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
The short answer
Wait for a natural pause, then use a short phrase that matches your purpose. Say "Can I add something?" to join in, "Just one more point" to hold your turn briefly, and "What do you think?" to pass the turn to someone else.
Can I add something about the travel plan?
Why it works: The question signals that the speaker wants a turn without assuming control of the conversation.
4 more examples
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Just one more point: the delivery date has changed.
The phrase tells listeners that the speaker is nearly finished and has one final detail.
Not this:Wait. I have
many more thingsto say. What changes: This can make listeners feel that they will not get a turn soon. -
Sorry to interrupt, but the call starts in two minutes.
The apology recognizes the interruption before the speaker gives urgent information.
Not this:
Stop talking. The call starts in two minutes. What changes: The information is clear, but the command is likely to sound rude in an ordinary workplace conversation. -
I see your point. Could I offer a different idea?
The speaker first shows that they have listened, then asks to present another view.
Not this:
You are wrong. My idea is better. What changes: This reply attacks the other speaker instead of moving the discussion forward. -
What do you think, Priya?
This passes the turn clearly to Priya and invites her to share her view.
Not this:Priya
has not said anything. What changes: This may make Priya feel noticed for being quiet instead of warmly invited to speak.
Read the full guide
First, listen for a pause or the end of an idea. Decide what you need to do next: join the discussion, finish your point, interrupt for a good reason, or invite another speaker. Then choose a brief phrase and keep your voice calm. The aim is to make the conversation easier for everyone to follow.
Notice a natural place to speak
Listen for the end of a sentence, a short pause, or a falling voice. These moments often show that a speaker may be ready to give someone else a turn. You do not need to wait for a long silence. A small pause is often enough.
That sounds useful. Can I ask a question?
The first sentence connects with the previous speaker. The question then asks for space to speak.
A colleague has finished explaining a plan. Which short question could help you enter the conversation?
You could say, "Can I ask a question?" or "Can I add something?"
Start your turn with a clear signal
A short opening phrase tells other people what you are doing. Can I add something? is useful for an extra idea. May I come in here? can work in a more formal discussion. I would like to respond is helpful when you are replying to a point that another person made.
May I come in here? I have a question about the budget.
The opening question prepares the group for a new speaker and gives the topic straight away.
Choose a polite opening when you want to respond to an idea in a meeting.
Say, "I would like to respond to that point."
Hold the turn briefly and finish your point
Sometimes another person starts to speak while you are still explaining an idea. You can ask for a few more seconds with Just one more point or Let me finish this thought. Use these phrases briefly, then complete your idea. Long turns can make a discussion feel one-sided.
Just one more point, then I would like to hear your view.
The speaker holds the turn for one detail and also promises to pass it on.
You need to finish one sentence before your partner replies. What can you say?
Try, "Let me finish this thought, please."
Interrupt only when there is a reason
Interruptions are sometimes necessary. You may need to correct a serious misunderstanding, share urgent information, or ask someone to repeat an unclear point. Begin with an apology, then give the reason. Sorry to interrupt, but ... is a useful pattern because it recognizes the other person's turn.
Sorry to interrupt, but did you say Thursday or Tuesday?
The apology is followed by a clear question, so the interruption has a practical purpose.
You did not hear a date clearly. How can you interrupt politely?
Say, "Sorry to interrupt, but could you repeat the date?"
Pass the turn and make room for others
Good turn-taking includes giving the floor to another person. Ask a named person for their view when you want to include them. An open question can also invite anyone in the group to respond. After you ask, leave enough quiet space for the person to begin.
I have shared my view. What do you think, Omar?
The first sentence closes the speaker's turn. The question then makes Omar's next turn clear.
How can you invite a quieter classmate to give an opinion?
You can ask, "What do you think, Ana?" and wait for her response.
Before you go
Remember this
Use a short signal when you want a turn, and wait for a pause when possible. Say when you need one final point, apologize for a necessary interruption, and invite others to speak. These moves make your meaning clear while showing respect for the other people in the conversation.
Practice with the written examples
You can practice with the written questions in the Learn tab. Each answer includes an explanation.
Try the written questionsListening test not available yet
This lesson does not have the recordings needed for a listening test. Use the written questions in the guide to check your understanding.
Try the written questionsQuestions about "Turn-taking in English conversations"
What does turn-taking mean in a conversation?
Turn-taking means sharing speaking time with other people. One person speaks, another listens, and the roles change as the conversation continues. Clear turn-taking helps people avoid talking at the same time and gives everyone a chance to contribute.
Can I add something about the travel plan?
How can I join an English conversation politely?
Wait for a short pause when you can, then use a phrase that asks for space to speak. Can I add something? and May I come in here? are polite choices. In a formal setting, say what your point is about after the opening phrase.
I need to talk about the travel plan now.
What can I say when I need a little more time to finish?
Use a short phrase such as Just one more point or Let me finish this thought. These phrases show that you are close to the end of your idea. Finish soon after using one, then give the other person a chance to reply.
Just one more point: the delivery date has changed.
Is it rude to interrupt in English?
Interrupting can sound rude when it happens often or has no clear reason. It can be appropriate when information is urgent, a detail needs checking, or a misunderstanding could cause a problem. Begin with Sorry to interrupt and explain your reason briefly.
Wait. I have many more things to say.
How do I invite another person to speak?
Ask for the person's opinion with a direct, friendly question. You can name the person if that helps them know the question is for them. After asking, pause and listen instead of answering the question yourself.
Sorry to interrupt, but the call starts in two minutes.