student asking question

In what situation do you use the phrase "like I was saying..."?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

Great question. "Like I was saying" has two uses. It can be used when you are saying something again that you have already said or, it can be said when you wants to return to a previous topic of discussion. The first form is appropriate in any conversation. However the used of "like" is casual, informal, and familiar. In a more formal situation you may hear people, this use "as I was saying" instead. Ex: Like I was saying before the waiter came over, I'm going to visit my mom next month! Ex: Thank you, James. Now, like I was saying, you'll need to call payroll to get those reports. Ex: It’s unfortunate but, like I said, it’s a decision we have to make.

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