B2 Expression ニュートラル 2分で読める

To go back to what I said

Presentation and public speaking expression

Use this phrase to refocus your listener's attention on your main point after a brief detour.

15秒でわかる

  • A verbal bridge to return to an earlier topic.
  • Used to refocus the audience after a distraction or tangent.
  • Makes your speech sound organized, logical, and professional.

意味

This is a way to link your current point back to something you mentioned earlier. It helps you keep the conversation organized and reminds people of your main idea.

主な例文

3 / 6
1

In a business meeting

To go back to what I said earlier, our budget is the main priority.

To go back to what I said earlier, our budget is the main priority.

💼
2

Telling a story to friends

Anyway, to go back to what I said, the cat was actually in the oven!

Anyway, to go back to what I said, the cat was actually in the oven!

😊
3

A formal presentation

To go back to what I said at the start, innovation is our goal.

To go back to what I said at the start, innovation is our goal.

👔
🌍

文化的背景

In Western business culture, 'circling back' is a major theme. This phrase reflects the cultural priority of efficiency and clarity in speech. It became a staple of public speaking to ensure audiences don't lose the 'thread' of a complex argument.

💡

The 'Hand Gesture' Trick

When you say this, try a small circular motion with your hand. It visually reinforces the idea of 'circling back' to your point.

⚠️

Don't Overuse It

If you say this five times in one meeting, you'll sound like you're stuck in a loop. Use it once or twice for maximum impact.

15秒でわかる

  • A verbal bridge to return to an earlier topic.
  • Used to refocus the audience after a distraction or tangent.
  • Makes your speech sound organized, logical, and professional.

What It Means

Think of this phrase as a mental 'undo' button for a tangent. You use it when you want to return to your main point. It acts like a bridge between two ideas. It tells your listeners, 'Hey, remember that important thing I said before?' It keeps everyone on the same page during a talk.

How To Use It

Use it when you have finished a side story. Start your sentence with To go back to what I said. Follow it with a quick summary of your original point. You can also say Going back to my earlier point. It works best when you need to emphasize a key takeaway. It makes you sound organized and thoughtful.

When To Use It

This is perfect for business presentations or team meetings. Use it when someone asks a distracting question. It helps you regain control of the room. You can also use it in deep conversations with friends. It shows you are actually paying attention to the logic of the chat. It is great for summarizing a long story at dinner.

When NOT To Use It

Don't use it if you only spoke ten seconds ago. It will make you sound repetitive and a bit robotic. Avoid it in very short text messages. In a quick 'Yes/No' conversation, it feels way too heavy. Also, don't use it to ignore someone else's input. That can come across as a bit dismissive or rude.

Cultural Background

English speakers value a 'linear' style of communication. We like things to follow a logical path. If a conversation wanders, we feel a bit lost. This phrase is a verbal signpost to help people navigate. It shows you respect the listener's time and mental energy. It is a hallmark of a 'good communicator' in Western culture.

Common Variations

  • As I mentioned earlier (More formal)
  • Like I was saying (Very casual)
  • Circling back to... (Corporate office speak)
  • Returning to my point (Direct and clear)
  • To pick up where I left off (After an interruption)

使い方のコツ

This phrase is highly versatile. It sits right in the middle of the formality scale, making it safe for almost any situation from a job interview to a pub chat.

💡

The 'Hand Gesture' Trick

When you say this, try a small circular motion with your hand. It visually reinforces the idea of 'circling back' to your point.

⚠️

Don't Overuse It

If you say this five times in one meeting, you'll sound like you're stuck in a loop. Use it once or twice for maximum impact.

💬

The 'Corporate Circle'

In US offices, people love saying 'Let's circle back to that.' It's a polite way of saying 'Stop talking about this new thing and get back to work!'

例文

6
#1 In a business meeting
💼

To go back to what I said earlier, our budget is the main priority.

To go back to what I said earlier, our budget is the main priority.

Used to refocus the team on the most important constraint.

#2 Telling a story to friends
😊

Anyway, to go back to what I said, the cat was actually in the oven!

Anyway, to go back to what I said, the cat was actually in the oven!

Used after a funny interruption to finish the story.

#3 A formal presentation
👔

To go back to what I said at the start, innovation is our goal.

To go back to what I said at the start, innovation is our goal.

Creates a 'full circle' feeling for the audience.

#4 Texting a friend about plans
🤝

To go back to what I said, are we still meeting at 8?

To go back to what I said, are we still meeting at 8?

Clarifies a specific detail after a long text chain.

#5 A humorous debate
😄

To go back to what I said, pineapple definitely belongs on pizza.

To go back to what I said, pineapple definitely belongs on pizza.

Reasserting a funny or controversial opinion.

#6 An emotional heart-to-heart
💭

To go back to what I said, I really do appreciate your help.

To go back to what I said, I really do appreciate your help.

Ensuring the most important emotional message isn't lost.

自分をテスト

Choose the best phrase to reconnect with your previous point after a phone call interrupted you.

Sorry about that call. ___, I think we should hire him.

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: To go back to what I said

This phrase allows you to resume the conversation exactly where you left off before the interruption.

Which variation is most common in a casual setting with friends?

___, the movie wasn't even that good.

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: Like I was saying

'Like I was saying' is the casual cousin of 'to go back to what I said'.

🎉 スコア: /2

ビジュアル学習ツール

Formality Spectrum of Returning to a Point

Casual

Used with friends and family.

Like I was saying...

Neutral

Good for most situations.

To go back to what I said...

Formal

Best for speeches and reports.

As previously stated...

When to Use 'To go back to what I said'

Refocusing
🔄

After a Tangent

Returning from a side-story.

📞

After Interruption

A phone rings or someone enters.

📝

Summarizing

Ending a long presentation.

💡

Clarifying

Fixing a misunderstanding.

よくある質問

11 問

Not at all! While it's great for presentations, it's perfectly 'neutral' and works in coffee shops or at the office.

As I said can sometimes sound a bit annoyed, like you're repeating yourself to someone who didn't listen. To go back to what I said sounds more like you are organizing your own thoughts.

Yes, it's very common in professional emails. You might write, To go back to what I said in our last meeting... to provide context.

Yes, that is a very natural variation. Using was saying emphasizes the action of speaking that was interrupted.

Usually no, but tone matters. If you say it loudly while someone else is talking, it's rude. If you use it to transition after they finish, it's polite.

Try using To circle back to my earlier point. It's a favorite in corporate environments.

Absolutely! It's a great way to admit you went on a tangent. You can say, Sorry, I got distracted. To go back to what I said...

Yes, it's just a shorter version. It's slightly more casual but carries the same meaning.

It can be a few minutes or even a few days. If it's been days, you might say, To go back to what I said on Tuesday...

We value 'signposting.' It helps the listener follow the structure of the conversation without getting confused.

Not exactly slang, but Like I was saying is the most informal version you'll hear on the street.

関連フレーズ

To circle back

To return to a topic later.

As previously mentioned

A formal way to refer to something said before.

To pick up the thread

To resume a conversation after a break.

In light of what I said

Considering the point I made earlier.

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