Business English: How to Politely Interrupt in Meetings

In meetings at multinational companies, interrupting at the right moment is often seen as a sign of active participation. However, saying something like “I disagree” directly can sound too blunt.

Here are some polite expressions you can use:

• When adding information: “Sorry to interrupt, but may I add something here?”

• When clarifying or asking a question: “Just to clarify, are you saying that...?”

• When expressing a different opinion: “I see your point, but have we considered...?”

The key principle is this: acknowledge the other person’s opinion first, then add your own thoughts. Think of it as connecting ideas with “and” rather than “but.”

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