WorkIntermediate
Interrupting politely in English
Everyday English for interrupting politely. Key line: “Sorry to cut in, but can I ask something?”
Full script
Lin
Hey, Mia, sorry to cut in, but can I ask something?
Them
Sure, what's up? I was definitely rambling there.
Lin
Could you say that last part again a little slower?
Them
Of course. I said the meeting starts at three, not thirty.
Lin
Thanks—I heard thirty and nearly brought dinner.
Them
Honestly, that would've made this meeting way more popular.
Lin
Next time I'll jump in sooner instead of planning dinner.
Them
Please do—if you show up with noodles, I'm changing the time.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Interrupt
✓ Sorry to cut in.Polite way to interrupt.
Common in polite interruptions
Question
✓ Can I ask something?Use before your question.
Natural after an interruption
Repeat
✓ Say that last part again.Ask them to repeat the last part.
More natural than repeat
Slower
✓ A little slower.Ask someone to slow down.
'a little' sounds more polite
Quick answers
Interrupt: what to say in English
Say “Sorry to cut in.” — polite way to interrupt. Common in polite interruptions.
Question: what to say in English
Say “Can I ask something?” — use before your question. Natural after an interruption.
Repeat: what to say in English
Say “Say that last part again.” — ask them to repeat the last part. More natural than repeat.
Slower: what to say in English
Say “A little slower.” — ask someone to slow down. 'a little' sounds more polite.