Changing The Subject Expressions


Changing The Subject Expressions

In conversations, there are occasions when you might find it necessary or advantageous to shift to a different topic. This page will delve into effective techniques for smoothly changing the subject and redirecting the focus of your conversation partners to a new topic.

Why You May Want To Change The Topic In A Conversation?

To change the subject of a conversation means to deliberately talk about another topic because:

  • You think the conversation is boring.
  • The topic of the current conversation has reached its natural conclusion.
  • Everyone is silent and there is no interest in the current topic of the conversation.
  • Someone asked you an embarrassing question.

Is It Rude To Change The Subject?

It is not considered rude to redirect a conversation and avoid the subject that you don’t want to discuss. You have just to go about it politely. Here are some useful expressions to do so.

12 Expressions To Change The Topic

It is sometimes crucial to be equipped with expressions to change the subject or topic in a conversation.

Expressions to change the subject in a conversationchanging the subject expressions

The following expressions – discourse markers or transitions – are used to change the subject in a conversation.

1. Speaking Of…, …

Alan: We need to save money for the next vacation.
Sara: Speaking of money, have we paid our credit card bills yet?

2. To Get Back To What I Was Saying, …

To get back to what I was saying before, I feel so sorry for Jane. Her heroin addiction has gotten completely out of control.

3. By The Way…

By the way, I like your new haircut.

4. That Reminds Me Of…

That reminds me a bit of what we heard from our neighbors.

5. That Brings To Mind…

That brings to mind a wonderful novel by Hemingway.

6. Changing The Subject…

“Changing the subject, I see, Mr. President, that I must take this opportunity to thank the Luxembourg Presidency because we have completed the first stage in establishing the Eurovignette.” European parliament

7. Before I Forget…

Before I forget, I’m leaving tomorrow morning.

8. Oh, I Nearly Forgot…

Oh, I nearly forgot, I’m having a party at my house on Friday and you are invited!

9. Oh, While I Remember…

Oh, while I remember, I lost my purse today.

10. I’ve Just Thought Of Something…

I’ve just thought of something! Why don’t we go to the movies?

11. Oh, There’s Something Else I Wanted To Say…

Oh, there’s something else I wanted to say. I couldn’t find the car’s keys.

12. On A Happier/Sad Note…

“On a happier note, the weekend was not so busy so it gave me the chance to tour downtown and the shopping mall areas by means of public transit.”

On a sad note, I have to report the death of John’s mother.

More Expressions For Shifting Attention In A Conversation

Changing the subject expressions can be valuable, especially when you find yourself in a conversation you wish to conclude or redirect.

The examples provided above offer a starting point, but there are many more expressions you can explore to gracefully shift the topic.

Here are more expressions:

  • Let’s shift gears and talk about…
  • Can we move on to discussing…
  • On a different note, have you heard about…
  • Speaking of which, have you seen…
  • That reminds me, did you know…
  • Actually, there’s something else I wanted to mention…
  • Can we circle back to…
  • Changing topics slightly, what do you think about…
  • I’m curious, have you ever considered…
  • Oh, before I forget, have you heard about…

Conclusion

In conclusion, being able to change the subject can be a valuable skill in your communications. Whether you’re seeking to gracefully exit a discussion or simply shift its focus, these expressions serve as invaluable tools. While the examples provided offer a solid foundation, there exists a vast array of expressions to explore, tailored to various conversational contexts and preferences.

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