Imagine someone asks you a simple question, but for some reason, you can’t answer—even though you’re sure you’ve answered it before. Or maybe you’re mid-conversation and suddenly forget what you were saying, needing your listeners to help you get back on track. Sound familiar? We’ve all been there.
In this post, we’ll explore some handy vocabulary for navigating these awkward moments.

Below, you’ll find expressions to use when you forget something or make a minor mistake. Remember, these situations aren’t the end of the world. With the right words, you can explain what happened and move on with confidence.

“So, as I was saying, teamwork is absolutely essential for the success of any project. When everyone… uh… hmm, sorry, I just lost my train of thought (1). Where was I? (2) Oh, right—when everyone contributes their strengths, the team becomes much stronger. That’s what I wanted to highlight…”

1. I just lost my train of thought = I forgot what I was saying = I can’t remember where I was going with that. (It’s often used to acknowledge a moment of mental distraction or forgetfulness during a conversation.)
2. Where was I? = What was I saying? = Where did I leave off? = What point was I making? (The phrase is used when someone is trying to return to what they were saying or doing after being interrupted or distracted.)

When You’re Stuck & Can’t Answer a Simple Question

These phrases can buy you time or help you express that it’s a temporary lapse in memory.

1. I know this—I just can’t think of it right now / it’s escaping me right now.
2. It’s on the tip of my tongue.
3. I’ve answered this before, but I’m drawing a blank.
4. Let me think for a moment.
5. I know the answer, but it’s slipping my mind.
6. Sorry, my mind just went blank.
7. Give me a second—it’ll come to me.
8. I’m sure I know this, but I can’t recall it at the moment.
9. It’s frustrating—I know I’ve said this before.
10. I’m having a brain freeze right now.

When You Need Help to Get Back on Track

These phrases will help you acknowledge the lapse while involving your listeners to get back on track smoothly.

1. Sorry, I lost my train of thought. Can you remind me where I was?
2. I just got distracted—what was I talking about?
3. Wait, what was I saying again?
4. I lost my place—can you help me out?
5. Sorry, I’m all over the place. Can you pick up where I left off?
6. I got sidetracked—what was I saying just before?
7. Give me a second, I’ll get back on track.
8. I was heading somewhere with that, but I’ve lost it. Can you help?
9. I completely lost my flow. Where was I going with that?
10. I totally forgot what I was saying. Can you jog my memory?

When You Make a Minor Mistake

Here are some more phrases and expressions you can use when you forget something or make a small error:

1. My mistake! / My bad! (an informal way of admitting a mistake or taking responsibility for something you did wrong)
2. I misspoke. (It’s often used in formal or polite contexts.)
3. That wasn’t quite right. (= That’s a bit off. / That’s not exactly right.)
4. I got that wrong. Sorry! (= I misremembered that. My apologies!)
5. That came out wrong. (It’s often an acknowledgment that the speaker’s words may have sounded awkward, offensive, or confusing, and they want to clarify or rephrase their statement.)
6. I got ahead of myself. (It’s used when the speaker acted, spoke, or made assumptions prematurely, before fully thinking things through or before the right time.)
7. That’s a bit off, isn’t it? (=That’s not entirely correct, is it?)
8. I made a little slip-up. (=I made a minor mistake. / I had a small lapse. / I messed up a little. / I had a little mishap.)
9. I mixed that up. (It’s used when the speaker confused two or more things or got something wrong due to misunderstanding or misremembering.)
10. Oops! I got that backwards. (= I mixed that up. / I reversed that. / I got it the wrong way around.)

We hope these phrases will help you navigate somewhat awkward but still very natural and common situations, such as forgetting something, losing your train of thought, and reaching out to listeners for help. 😊