ENGLISH CONVERSATION · A2–B2 · PRACTICAL LANGUAGE TOOLKIT · 15–25 MINUTES

You are asked a question in English and know you need a moment to think. You don’t want to stay silent, but you also don’t want to repeat “umm” until the other person looks away. The good news is that natural conversation includes pauses, clarification and self-correction. Learning a few phrases to buy time when speaking English can help you use those moments confidently.

This lesson gives you twelve useful expressions, grouped by what they actually do. You’ll learn how to pause before answering, check what someone means and repair your own explanation. There are workplace examples, casual dialogues, a clickable self-check quiz and speaking tasks. Use one or two new expressions at a time. The purpose is to communicate naturally, not to squeeze every phrase into the same conversation.

Three different reasons to pause in English

Sometimes you have understood the question but need time to decide your opinion. Sometimes you have not understood what was said and must ask for an explanation. At other times, you have begun answering but want to improve the wording. These are three different situations, and they need different language. Treating all hesitation as a problem to hide can actually make an answer harder to follow.

Four phrases that give you a moment to think

1. Let me think for a second.

Use this when you understand a question but need a brief pause. It works in ordinary conversation and many professional situations. Example: “Which city would you recommend for a weekend break?” “Let me think for a second. I really enjoyed York because it was easy to explore on foot.” The phrase is short and gives the listener confidence that an answer is coming.

2. That’s a good question.

This acknowledges a question while you consider it. Example: “What would you improve about our current process?” “That’s a good question. I think we could make the instructions clearer.” It sounds positive, but it is not appropriate before every answer. If you repeat it automatically after very simple questions, it may sound rehearsed rather than genuine.

3. I’d say…

This is an especially useful transition into an opinion or estimate. Example: “What is the most important part of your role?” “I’d say communication, because small misunderstandings can lead to bigger problems.” It helps you start with a reasonably confident position while allowing space for nuance. “I’d say” is less absolute than “It is definitely…”.

4. Off the top of my head…

This means you are speaking from memory without checking exact details. Example: “How many people attended the event?” “Off the top of my head, I think there were about thirty.” Use it in casual discussion or when an approximation is acceptable. Do not rely on this phrase when a client needs a verified figure, a safety instruction or a formal commitment. Check the information instead.

Practise these four expressions aloud. Ask yourself, “What’s a good restaurant near me?” then try a relaxed opening. Repeat with, “What would you change about your daily routine?” Notice which phrase fits best. If a question requires no thought, answer it directly; you do not need a filler phrase just because you’re speaking English.

Four phrases to clarify what someone has asked

5. Do you mean…?

Use this when a word or situation could have two meanings. Example: “Have you reviewed the launch?” “Do you mean the website launch or the product launch?” This avoids making a wrong assumption. In everyday life you could ask, “Do you mean this Saturday or next Saturday?” when arranging plans. Asking for a specific detail is usually more useful than saying “I don’t understand.”

6. Could you say that again, please?

Use this when you genuinely did not hear something. A person may speak quietly or quickly, or the connection may break. It is polite and clear in British English. If you understood most of the sentence, make the request more precise: “Could you repeat the last number, please?” That is easier for the listener than asking them to repeat a whole conversation.

7. Are you asking about…?

This checks the scope of a question. Example: “How could we reduce costs?” “Are you asking about this particular project or our whole department?” You are showing that you want to answer accurately. In an interview, it may help to establish whether the interviewer wants a specific example or a general explanation. Use it briefly, then move into your answer.

8. Could you give me an example?

If somebody uses an unfamiliar term or a broad instruction, a concrete example often makes the meaning clearer. Example: “We need a more agile workflow.” “Could you give me an example of what that would look like day to day?” Avoid using this when the person has just given you a perfectly clear example; listen to what they have already said.

A clarification request should not be an excuse to avoid answering. After the other person explains, acknowledge the answer and respond: “Thanks, that helps. In that case…” This closes the loop and shows you understood their explanation.

Four phrases to repair or develop an answer

9. What I mean is…

This helps when your first sentence did not express the idea accurately. Example: “The meeting was impossible. What I mean is, it was difficult to arrange because everyone was travelling.” The second sentence is more precise without requiring you to start again. You can use it gently: “Sorry, what I mean is…” if you accidentally said something misleading.

10. Another way to put it is…

Use this when your first explanation was too technical, long or abstract. Example: “The changes will improve operational efficiency. Another way to put it is, we should spend less time repeating the same tasks.” It works particularly well when speaking to someone outside your own profession. Do not use it merely to repeat the same complicated words.

11. The main point is…

This is a useful way to recover after a long explanation or a side discussion. Example: “There are several small issues, but the main point is that we need clearer instructions.” It helps the listener know what matters. In a friendly conversation, use it sparingly; it can sound more formal than “What I mean is…”.

12. For example…

You can use this when the listener understands your opinion but wants something concrete. Example: “I think the new system is easier to use. For example, I can now find an order in a few seconds.” This phrase may sound basic, but it is one of the most useful ways to develop a clear response. An example should support the original point, not introduce a new unrelated subject.

Which expressions are natural at work?

At work, clarity is usually more important than sounding clever. “Could you repeat the final date, please?” shows care with an important detail. “Are you asking about the new design?” keeps the discussion on track. “The main point is…” can help summarise a complex issue when a meeting is running out of time. These expressions work because they have a clear communication purpose.

In more casual situations, shorter language may feel better. With a friend, “Let me think…” or “What I mean is…” is natural. “The main point is…” could sound a little formal during a conversation about films, but tone and context matter. Listen to the kind of language the other person uses, and choose words that feel appropriate for your relationship.

You can also use silence. A small pause between an answer and the supporting reason often gives your speech a calm rhythm. Do not fill every second. If you need significantly more time in a high-stakes professional situation, it is acceptable to say you would like to check the information and come back with an accurate answer.

Six short dialogues to practise

1. At a café: “What would you recommend?” “Let me think. The vegetable soup is usually very good.” Say the reply as though you know the place, then ask whether the other person prefers something light or substantial.

2. In a meeting: “Can we finish the work by Friday?” “Are you asking about the draft or the final version?” After clarification, say what is realistic.

3. Travelling: “Your platform has changed to nine.” “Could you say that again, please? Was it platform nine?” Repeat the key number clearly.

4. In a job interview: “What is one challenge you overcame?” “That’s a good question. I’d say learning a new system quickly.” Continue with one specific example.

5. With a friend: “Do you think the film was boring?” “Not exactly. What I mean is, I liked the story, but it felt a little slow.” Ask the friend what they thought.

6. Explaining a design: “Why is this option better?” “The layout is more intuitive. Another way to put it is, people will need fewer steps to find what they want.”

Interactive quiz: which phrase fits best?

Choose A, B or C before opening the explanation. Some situations allow more than one natural answer. Your job is to choose the expression that most directly solves the communication problem.

1. You didn’t hear an important number on a telephone call.
A. I’d say…
B. Could you repeat the number, please?
C. For example…

Reveal the best answer and explanation

B. You need repetition, not an opinion. Repeating the exact number back afterwards can prevent mistakes.

2. Someone asks which city you would visit, and you need a moment to decide.
A. Let me think for a second.
B. What I mean is…
C. Are you asking about the budget?

Reveal the best answer and explanation

A. It politely gives you a short pause. After the phrase, say a city and one reason.

3. Your colleague uses a technical expression you don’t understand.
A. The main point is…
B. Actually, no.
C. Could you give me an example?

Reveal the best answer and explanation

C. A concrete example may clarify the term. You could also ask the colleague to explain it in simpler language.

4. You said a report was late, but you meant that only one part was delayed.
A. What I mean is, the final section is delayed; the rest is ready.
B. Off the top of my head…
C. Yes, the report is always late.

Reveal the best answer and explanation

A. It repairs the meaning immediately and avoids repeating an inaccurate statement.

5. You are asked for an approximate, non-critical figure from memory.
A. Do you mean…?
B. Off the top of my head, it was around twenty.
C. Another way to put it is…

Reveal the best answer and explanation

B. It signals that the number is an estimate. If accuracy matters, say you will check before answering.

6. An explanation was too technical for a new colleague.
A. For example, perhaps.
B. That is too difficult for you.
C. Another way to put it is, the system takes fewer steps to complete the task.

Reveal the best answer and explanation

C. It reframes the explanation without blaming the listener or repeating the same difficult terminology.

7. An interviewer asks about a skill, and you are ready to offer an opinion.
A. I’d say my main strength is solving problems with other people.
B. Could you say that again, even though I understood?
C. Off the top of my head…

Reveal the best answer and explanation

A. I’d say is a natural way into an opinion. Continue with a specific example showing that strength.

8. A meeting is drifting away from the decision you need to make.
A. It is what it is.
B. The main point is that we need to choose a supplier by Friday.
C. I am sorry to have ideas.

Reveal the best answer and explanation

B. It refocuses the group on the key decision and deadline. Use a measured tone so it sounds collaborative.

A ten-minute speaking routine

• Minutes 1–2: Read the twelve phrases. Select one pause phrase, one clarification phrase and one repair phrase you would genuinely use.
• Minutes 3–4: Imagine two unexpected questions. Begin each answer with your chosen pause phrase and a short opinion.
• Minutes 5–6: Imagine somebody asks an unclear question about a meeting, journey or appointment. Ask for the missing information.
• Minutes 7–8: Explain a simple idea badly on purpose, then repair it with “What I mean is…”.
• Minutes 9–10: Speak spontaneously on a new topic. Use only the expression you really need. Finish your answer with a reason or example.

If you find your mind goes completely blank before you can begin, practise the speaking-confidence toolkit. Once you can start answering, our guide to giving longer answers will help you develop your ideas naturally.

Frequently asked questions

Are words such as “well”, “so” and “actually” useful?

Yes, depending on context. “Well…” can introduce a considered answer, “So…” often introduces an explanation, and “Actually…” can signal a correction or a different perspective. But repeating fillers without moving to your answer can be distracting. Learn the communicative purpose first; then use the expression in a natural sentence.

Is it rude to ask someone to repeat a question?

Not if you ask politely and the request is genuine. It is usually preferable to guessing. You can be specific: “Could you repeat the last part?” or “Did you say Tuesday or Thursday?” Thank the person and continue once you understand.

How do I stop sounding like I memorised phrases?

Vary what you use, leave a short silence when that feels natural, and focus on the message after the opening. A memorised phrase is valuable only if it helps you express a real idea. Practise with different questions, not the same full script.

Do I need to use every expression to sound fluent?

No. Using two or three correctly is better than forcing a long list into every conversation. A clear listener understands your message, not your vocabulary inventory. Begin with the expressions that match the conversations you actually have.

This lesson focuses on everyday English communication. Use phrases naturally rather than trying to fill every pause with a memorised expression.