5 Phrases to Help End a Conversation

So you're at a party and you've been talking to someone for awhile. You don't know them that well, and they seem interested in what you have to say. However, it's getting late and you really need to go soon. How do you end the conversation without sounding rude? Well, I'm happy to say there are several options! Use these phrases to get out of a conversation:

IT WAS NICE

"It was nice speaking with you. I really should go now, though - my friends are waiting for me."

This phrase mixes politeness with action, and provides a clear reason for why you need to go. You can also say "It was great talking with you" or "It was nice meeting you" if this is the first time you have met this person.

HEAD OUT

"I need to head out soon. I've got another engagement."

The phrase "head out" simply means "go out." You can also use the common phrase "I need to head home" if you're going home after the party or conversation.

GET GOING

"Well, it's getting late. I should probably get going."

Time is always a valid reason for ending a conversation, and the phrase "I should probably get going" is useful in many scenarios. It just means "I should probably leave." "Get going" is also commonly used in the sentences "I need to get going," "I've got to get going," and "I have to get going."

GOTTA RUN

"I'm sorry, but I've got to run. Have a nice evening!"

In casual conversation, "I've got to run" is often said as "I gotta run." It just means "I have to leave." It can sound urgent or casual depending on the speaker. You can also say "I gotta go," as in "Well, I gotta go. I promised my wife I'd be home by midnight."

CUT SHORT

"I hate to cut this short, but I've got to go."

This means you regret to end the conversation. It's usually followed by a reason or one of the phrases above, such as "I gotta go," "I gotta run," "It's getting late," "I should probably leave," "I gotta head out," etc.

I hope these phrases have helped you understand what is appropriate in this situation and that my blog post has given you some new information that you can use in your conversations in the future.

Well, it's been nice talking with you, but I really need to get going. Let's talk again soon! Until then, I wish you luck and success!