Cheat sheet · Stuck for words?
7 phrases that buy you time.
A few seconds to think, without silence. Say one of these, then answer.
That's an interesting question.
= gives you a moment before you answer
Also try That's a good question. · Interesting.
Umm… I don't know.
That's an interesting question. Let me see…
Let me think for a moment.
= says honestly that you need a second
Also try Let me see… · Give me a second.
(silence)
Let me think for a moment. I'd say yes.
I've never thought about it, but
= for a question you didn't expect
Also try I'm not sure, but I'd guess
I don't know.
I've never thought about it, but I'd say yes.
It depends on
= lets you start with the conditions
Also try It depends what you mean by · That depends on
Yes. No. Maybe.
It depends on the person, really.
Do you mean …?
= checks the question and buys time
Also try Sorry, could you say that again?
What?
Do you mean at school or at home?
What I'm trying to say is
= restarts a sentence that went wrong
Also try What I mean is · Let me put it another way.
No, no, sorry, I mean, no…
What I'm trying to say is that it saves time.
Anyway, as I was saying,
= brings you back to your point
Also try So, going back to · Where was I?
Hmm. So… yes.
Anyway, as I was saying, the train is cheaper.
