Excusing Yourself from a Conversation
You've been talking to someone for a while and want to politely end the conversation to mingle with other guests or get more food/drinks.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
catching up
This phrase means talking with someone about what has happened in your lives since you last saw each other. It's useful in social settings like parties to show you enjoyed reconnecting.
grab
To grab something means to quickly take or get it, like food or a drink. In casual conversations, it's a relaxed way to say you're going to fetch something without being formal.
runs out
This means something becomes unavailable or is used up completely, like food at a party. It's a common expression for situations where supplies are limited.
say hi
To say hi means to greet someone briefly. It's an informal way to explain why you're leaving a conversation to talk to others.
absolutely
This word means completely or without any doubt, often used to strongly agree or encourage someone. It's polite and positive in responses.
pleasure
This means enjoyment or satisfaction from doing something, like talking. Saying 'it was a pleasure' is a polite way to end a conversation positively.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
It was so great catching up with you!
This sentence politely wraps up a conversation by expressing enjoyment. It's useful at the end of small talk to show appreciation. The structure uses 'it was' for past enjoyment, making it natural for social exits.
I should probably go grab another drink before the food runs out.
This gives a polite reason to leave, like needing a drink or food. 'Should probably' softens the statement to sound less abrupt. It's practical for parties when you want to mingle without offending.
And I wanted to say hi to Sarah too.
This adds another reason for leaving, focusing on greeting others. 'Wanted to' expresses intention politely. Use it to explain moving on to other guests in a friendly way.
Oh, absolutely! Go for it.
This agrees enthusiastically and encourages the other person. 'Go for it' means proceed without hesitation. It's a supportive response when someone wants to leave, keeping the interaction positive.
It was a pleasure talking with you.
A formal yet warm way to end a chat, meaning you enjoyed it. The gerund 'talking' after 'pleasure' is a common pattern. Use this in social situations to leave a good impression.
Hope you have a great rest of the evening.
This wishes well for the remaining time, a kind farewell. 'Hope you have' is a simple future wish structure. It's useful to end positively and keep doors open for future talks.