Learning goal
Leave clearly, kindly, and naturally.
Learn different ways to excuse yourself when you need to step away or leave. Choose a phrase based on urgency, politeness, and how much detail you want to give.
Useful phrases
Keep the reason short and natural.
Step away briefly
- Excuse me, I'll be right back.
- Can you give me a minute?
- I just need to step away for a moment.
Use these for the bathroom, getting something, taking a call, or speaking privately.
Leave
- I need to get going.
- I have to head out.
- I should probably get going.
- I have to run.casual
Give a reason
- Something came up.
- I need to take care of something.
- I have an appointment.
- Something urgent came up at home.
Keep the reason private
- I have something I need to take care of.
- I have a personal matter to deal with.
- I'm sorry, but I can't stay.
Language notes
Small words change the feeling.
Useful starters
Excuse me = a polite way to interrupt or get attention.
Sorry = common when interrupting or leaving.
I need to... = expresses a need.
I have to... = a stronger sense of necessity.
Useful meanings
I should... = softer.
Something came up = an unexpected situation happened.
I have to run = a casual way to say “I need to leave.”
Politeness levels
Match your words to the relationship.
Casual
“I have to run.”
“Give me a second.”
Neutral
“I need to get going.”
“Excuse me, I'll be right back.”
Polite
“Could you give me a minute?”
“I'm afraid I have to leave early.”
Real-life dialogues
See the phrases in context.
B: “Sure, no problem.”
B: “Of course. We'll wait for you.”
B: “I'm sorry to hear that. Take care.”
B: “I hope everything is all right.”
B: “It was great talking with you too. See you later!”
Interactive practice
Choose the phrase that fits.
Complete all six activities. Each one has a different focus.
1. Match phrases to meanings
Match all four pairs.
2. Choose the best phrase
You are talking to a friend, but you suddenly need to leave. Which answer sounds natural and soft?
3. Choose the politeness level
You are speaking to someone you do not know well. Which phrase is the best choice?
4. Fill in “Something came up”
Complete: “Something ______ ______, so I need to leave.”
5. Rearrange the goodbye
Build a warm way to end a conversation.
6. Speaking practice
Say these aloud: “It was great talking with you, but I need to get going.” Then try: “Something came up, so I need to leave.”
Keep your voice warm and your reason short.
Quick reference
Useful phrases at a glance.
Step away
“Excuse me, I'll be right back.”
“Can you give me a minute?”
Leave
“I need to get going.”
“I have to head out.”
Give a reason
“Something came up.”
“I have an appointment.”
Keep it private
“I have something I need to take care of.”
“I'm sorry, but I can't stay.”
Your next conversation
Leave on a friendly note.
A short reason, a polite phrase, and a warm goodbye are usually enough.
“It was great talking with you, but I need to get going.”