AEE 275: How to Naturally Interrupt Someone in English

Do you know how to interrupt others in English?

Today, learn how interruption is a part of American speaking culture, and how you can participate!

Americans often interrupt each other. It can appear rude, and can cause frustration, but it happens. Don’t take it personally. Instead, learn how it works so you can take part in this aspect of spoken American English culture.

There are many phrases you can use when being interrupted, or when interrupting others. Some of them include:

Sorry or Oops: These might be said not only by the person doing the interrupting, but also by the person who is interrupted.

Go ‘head (ahead) and No, you go: These phrases permit the other person to interrupt you.

No problem: This indicates that you are okay with the interruption that just occurred.

Other common interruption phrases include:

What was that?

Uh huh.

Oh?

What other ways have you heard Lindsay and Michelle interrupt each other on past episodes of All Ears English?

Tell us in the comments section below!