Meaning
returns to a previous topic after an interruption or digression
Primary Function
topic‑resumption marker
Communicative Purpose
to pick up the thread of a narrative or explanation
Pattern
As I was saying
Core Structure
As I was saying
Função primária
topic‑resumption marker
Propósito comunicativo
to pick up the thread of a narrative or explanation
Situações de gatilho
meetings, phone calls, storytelling after an interruption
Contextos
spoken English, semi‑formal to informal
Padrão
As I was saying
Estrutura central
As I was saying
Slots de substituição
the variable part can be replaced with phrases like 'as I mentioned earlier' or 'to continue'
Colocados típicos
- Anyway
- by the way
Substituições comuns
- to continue
- back to what I was saying
Erros comuns
using it when there was no interruption, just a natural pause
Similar / contraste
where was I?, getting back to the point
Interferências
learners might use it unnecessarily
Família do chunk
- discourse maintenance markers
Nuance
signals that the speaker acknowledges the interruption but wishes to return to the main point
Efeito pragmático
politely reasserts control of the conversation
Dica de memória
Sorry, the phone rang. As I was saying, we need a new strategy
Nota
This chunk is used to return to a previous topic after an interruption or digression, signaling that the speaker acknowledges the interruption but wishes to return to the main point. It is common in spoken English, ranging from semi-formal to informal contexts.
Upgrade path
anyway → as I was saying → to return to the point
Log in to save chunks.