Steering a conversation B1
Bringing things up, holding off, and moving a chat along without treading on toes.
Bringing a topic up
bring up — mention a topicA: Did you talk to your boss about your schedule?
B: Not yet. I’m planning to bring it up tomorrow.
touch on B2 — mention brieflyA: Did the manager talk about the new project?
B: She just touched on it and said more details would come later.
move on to — start discussing or doing something newA: Are we done talking about the schedule?
B: Yes, let's move on to the next topic.
Hold off, let's talk it through
hold on — wait brieflyA: Can you give me the address?
B: Hold on, let me find it.
talk over — discuss carefullyA: I'm not sure if I should accept the job offer.
B: Let's talk it over tonight and see what you think.
go ahead — proceedA: Is it okay if I ask a question now?
B: Sure, go ahead.
More everyday phrasesB1 · everyday
raise a question — ask a question (especially in a formal or group setting)A: I think we should raise a question about the budget before we finish.
B: Good idea—someone needs to mention it.
For nuanceC1 · for nuance
cut off C1 — interrupt abruptlyA: I think we should—
B: Sorry to cut you off, but we need to move on to the next agenda item.
as things stand C1 — at present / in the current situationA: Do you think you'll move abroad next year?
B: As things stand, probably not. But you never know what might happen.
At the team catch-up
Maya: Before we move on to the budget, can I bring up the rota? It's a mess.
Greg: Hold on, let's not get into that now — we'll talk it over after.
Maya: Fair enough. I'll only touch on it briefly, I promise.
Greg: Go ahead then, but keep it quick.
Deciding what to raise
Sam: Should I bring up the pay thing with the boss today?
Nina: Hold on — maybe talk it over with the others first?
Sam: Yeah, true. I'll just touch on it for now and see how she takes it.
Nina: Sensible. Then move on to it properly next week.