What to Say When You Forget an English Word While Speaking – Easy Tips for Beginners

I Forgot the English Word—Here’s 50 Simple Phrases That Keep Conversations Smooth

Oops—I totally forgot the right English word just now… Ever had that moment when your mind just goes blank mid‑sentence? It’s normal—even native speakers freeze sometimes. But what if you had ready‑to‑use phrases that keep the conversation flowing and you sounding confident?

In this post, I’m sharing 50 super‑easy, in‑the‑moment phrases that English learners can use the second a word vanishes. No panic. Just smooth talking. Let’s jump in!

In this friendly and helpful guide, we’ll explore easy things you can say when you get stuck, real-life examples, and simple tips to keep the conversation flowing.

Whether you’re learning English for school, work, travel, or just daily life, this guide will help you feel more confident when you forget a word.

Why Do We Forget Words?

Before we learn what to say, let’s understand why it happens:

• You’re nervous while speaking.
• You know the word in your language, not in English.
• Your mind goes blank.
• You haven’t used that word in a while.

Don’t worry! It’s part of learning. The trick is to keep talking with confidence.

Top 10 Phrases to Use When You Forget an English Word

Here are the most helpful phrases you can use immediately when your brain blanks out:

1. “What’s the word again?”
2. “It’s on the tip of my tongue!”
3. “I can’t think of the word right now.”
4. “How do you say it…?”
5. “It’s like…” + (describe it)
6. “Let me rephrase that.”
7. “It’s something you use for…”
8. “Kind of like a…”
9. “Sorry, I forgot the word in English.”
10. “Can you help me with the word?”

Use these when you freeze during conversation. They keep the flow going and make you sound natural — even confident!

Full List of 50 Simple and Polite English Phrases to Use When You Forget a Word

Sr. No.	Sentence / Phrase	Use	Example
1	I can’t remember the word.	Say this when a word is stuck in your mind but won’t come out.	I want to say something, but I can’t remember the word right now.
2	What do you call it?	Use this to ask someone for help in finding the word.	It’s round, you play with it… what do you call it?
3	It’s like...	Use this to compare something to another thing.	It’s like a small phone but you wear it on your wrist. (Smartwatch)
4	The thing you use to...	Describe the function of the item instead of its name.	The thing you use to open a can... oh yes, a can opener!
5	I forgot the word in English.	Say this if you know the word in your native language.	In my language, we say ‘panela’, but I forgot the word in English.
6	It’s similar to...	Use this to help others guess the word.	It’s similar to tea, but it’s cold and sweet. I mean iced tea!
7	Let me describe it.	Use this to give a description when you don’t know the word.	Let me describe it – it’s a big flying machine that goes to the stars. (Spaceship)
8	Sorry, the word just disappeared from my mind!	Say this in a casual and friendly way.	I know this word, but it just disappeared from my mind. Let me think.
9	[Gesture or point]	Use gestures or body language to show what you mean.	*[Points to object]* This thing… what’s it called?
10	Can you help me?	Ask politely when you need someone to help you remember a word.	Can you help me? What’s the word for this thing?
11	Let me think for a moment.	Say this to pause and recall the word.	Umm… let me think for a moment.
12	It’s something you use for...	Explain what the object does.	It’s something you use for cutting paper… oh, scissors!
13	I’ve seen it before, but forgot the name.	Say this when the word is familiar but not clear.	I know this animal… I’ve seen it before, but forgot the name.
14	I know the word in my language, not in English.	Use when you're thinking in your native tongue.	We call it “batata” in my language, but I don’t know in English.
15	Give me a second, it will come to me.	Politely ask for a moment to recall the word.	Wait, give me a second, it will come to me.
16	What’s the name again?	Ask this when you forget something recently mentioned.	What’s the name again for that sweet yellow fruit?
17	I lost the word in my head.	Casual way to say you forgot a word.	Oops, I lost the word in my head!
18	I had the word, but it’s gone now.	Say this when you almost remembered it.	I had the word, but it’s gone now. Sorry!
19	How do you say it in English?	Ask someone to help you translate.	In Hindi, it’s “pankha.” How do you say it in English?
20	Do you know the English word for it?	Politely ask someone else to help.	It keeps time on your wrist. Do you know the English word for it?
21	I’m not sure if I’m saying it right.	Say this if you’re unsure of pronunciation.	I think it’s “choir”… I’m not sure if I’m saying it right.
22	I’m trying to remember the word.	Say this to give yourself time.	I’m trying to remember the word... oh yes, blender!
23	The word is at the tip of my tongue.	Say this when you're very close to remembering it.	The word is at the tip of my tongue. Wait...
24	I don’t know the exact word.	Say this when you're unsure about the correct term.	I don’t know the exact word, but it’s like lemonade.
25	Let me try to explain.	Use this to describe instead of naming.	Let me try to explain… it’s red, round, and tasty. Tomato!
26	Hmm... what’s that word again?	Casual way to recall a forgotten word.	Hmm… what’s that word again for flying insect?
27	I’m blanking right now.	Casual way to say your mind is empty.	I’m blanking right now... what’s it called?
28	I used to know this word.	Say this when you once knew the word but forgot it.	I used to know this word. I’ll check my notes.
29	It starts with the letter “S,” I think.	Give a clue about the word's first letter.	I forgot the word. It starts with “S,” I think.
30	I don’t know the English word for it.	Be honest and open about your learning stage.	I don’t know the English word for it. Can you help?
31	I saw it in a movie, but forgot the word.	Connect the object with a visual memory.	I saw it in a movie… a big flying thing… oh, a spaceship!
32	What’s it called again?	Ask someone to remind you of the word.	That thing with wheels... what’s it called again?
33	It’s the opposite of...	Use antonyms to guide someone.	It’s the opposite of hot. You know, cold!
34	I forgot how to say it.	Simple and direct expression.	I forgot how to say it. It’s the fruit with black dots outside.
35	I know what it is, but not the name.	Say this when the image is in your mind but not the word.	I know what it is, but not the name. You sit on it!
36	It’s a kind of...	Helps describe a category.	It’s a kind of shoe, but for sports. Sneakers!
37	It sounds like...	Use when you can describe the sound.	It sounds like ‘fan’, but I mean ‘van’!
38	I’ll look it up later.	Use this to keep the conversation moving.	I’ll look it up later. Let’s keep talking.
39	Can I show you a picture?	Use visuals when words are missing.	Can I show you a picture? I don’t know the word.
40	I don’t remember the English name.	Say this when only the local word is in your mind.	I don’t remember the English name. In Spanish, it’s “manzana.”
41	I’m still learning that word.	Be honest and positive about progress.	I’m still learning that word. It’s the one used for painting walls.
42	I’ll try to explain another way.	Shows your effort to keep talking.	I’ll try to explain another way… It’s cold, white, and falls in winter. Snow!
43	This word is on my mind, but I can’t recall it now.	Say this when it’s a word you often use but forgot.	I use this word all the time, but it’s on my mind—I just can’t recall it now.
44	I think it’s called...	Try guessing the word if you’re unsure.	I think it’s called “microwave,” right?
45	I’ll check my dictionary later.	Helpful if you can’t find the word now.	I’ll check my dictionary later and let you know.
46	Bear with me, I forgot the word.	Use this to ask for patience.	Bear with me, I forgot the word. Let me think.
47	Do you mean...?	Help others when they forget a word.	You said ‘fruit with peel’. Do you mean banana?
48	Can I explain it instead?	Use this when the word is not coming out.	I forgot the name. Can I explain it instead?
49	This happens to me sometimes!	Normalize forgetting. Builds connection.	This happens to me sometimes! It’s okay.
50	Words are tricky sometimes.	Use humor or casual tone to stay confident.	Words are tricky sometimes. I’ll get it next time!

Memory Tricks to Remember English Words – For Beginners

Forgetting English words while speaking is normal. But don’t worry! Use these simple tricks to remember words easily and speak more confidently.

1. Use the Word in 3 Different Sentences

Why it works: Repeating the word in different ways helps your brain remember it faster.

Example (Word: bottle):

• I drink water from a bottle every day.
• This bottle is made of plastic.
• Please recycle the empty bottle.

2. Create a Funny Image in Your Mind

Why it works: Funny or strange images are easier to remember.

Example (Word: broom): Imagine a broom flying like a rocket!

3. Break Words into Sounds or Chunks

Why it works: Smaller pieces are easier to learn.

Example (Word: refrigerator): Say it like: re-fridge-er-a-tor

Think: “re-fridge” = “put food back in the fridge”

4. Use Sticky Notes Around Your Home

Why it works: Seeing words daily helps your memory.

Put notes on items like:

• “Mirror” on your mirror
• “Door” on your door
• “Fridge” on your refrigerator

5. Connect New Words to Words You Already Know

Why it works: Associations make learning faster.

Example (Word: glass): It sounds like “class” with a “g”. A glass of water in class!

6. Keep a Daily Word Journal

Why it works: Writing = remembering.

Each day, write:

• One new word
• Its meaning
• A sentence using it

Review your journal at the end of each week.

7. Use Songs or Rhymes

Why it works: Music helps memory.

Example: To remember days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday too...

Make your own rhymes: “Jump up high and touch the sky.”

8. Practice with Real-Life Situations

Why it works: Using words in real life makes them stick.

Example (Word: ticket):

• At the bus stop: “Where can I get a ticket?”
• At a movie: “Do you have a ticket?”

9. Learn Words in Groups or Themes

Why it works: Grouping makes learning organized.

Examples:

• Kitchen: knife, spoon, plate, stove
• School: board, chalk, desk, pencil
• Body: hand, eye, foot, nose

10. Teach the Word to Someone Else

Why it works: Teaching helps you learn better!

Explain the word to a friend, a child, or even your pet. Speaking makes it stick.

Bonus Tips to Boost Your Vocabulary

• Speak a little English every day (even alone!)
• Use vocabulary apps like Quizlet, Memrise, or Anki
• Read children’s storybooks or simple blogs
• Learn with pictures and visuals

Remember: It’s okay to forget. Keep learning, keep smiling

Real-Life Situations and Examples

At a Restaurant

“I’d like to order... hmm, I forgot the name. It’s a sweet dish with milk and rice.”
(Waiter: “Rice pudding?”)

Talking to a Friend

“We went to that place, you know, the thing with animals... what’s it called?”
(Friend: “The zoo?”)

In Class

“Teacher, I’m sorry. I forgot the English word. In my language, it’s ‘agua’.”
(Teacher: “Oh! In English, we say ‘water.’”)

At the Supermarket

“Excuse me, where can I find the... uh, the thing to clean floors?”
(Shop assistant: “Do you mean a mop?”)

Talking on the Phone

“I need to buy that thing to connect to the internet... what do you call it?”
(Friend: “A router?”)

At the Doctor’s Office

“I have a pain here, right below the... uh, rib? What’s the word?”
(Doctor: “You mean the abdomen?”)

Easy Tips to Remember Words Faster

1. Use Flashcards

Create small cards with pictures and English words. Review them daily.

2. Watch English Videos

Watch cartoons or short clips. Learn words from context.

3. Practice Speaking Daily

Speak with a friend, tutor, or even yourself in the mirror.

4. Learn with Examples

Example: Instead of just learning “bottle,” say “This bottle is made of plastic.”

5. Repeat the Word

Use the new word 3–5 times: “This book is interesting. I borrowed a new book from the library. I keep the book on my desk.”

Be Confident – Mistakes Are Okay!

Even native speakers forget words. Don’t let it stop you.

• Keep talking.
• Use simple phrases from this guide.
• Smile, be friendly, and ask for help if needed.

Final Words

Don’t worry if you forget a word while speaking English. Everyone does!

Practice these lines, use them in real life, and speak with joy.

Remember: Speaking is not about perfection. It’s about connection.

You’ve got this!

See also: 10 Things Successful English Learners Do Before 8 AM

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What should I say when I forget an English word while speaking?

You can say polite phrases like "I can’t remember the word," "What do you call it?" or "Let me describe it." These help keep the conversation flowing without awkward silence.

2. Is it normal to forget words when learning English?

Yes! Forgetting words is a natural part of learning a new language. Even native speakers forget words sometimes. The key is to keep practicing and not get discouraged.

3. How can I remember English words better?

Use memory tricks like repeating words, making funny images, using sticky notes, and practicing daily conversations. Writing and teaching words to others also helps improve memory.

4. What if I don’t know the English word for something?

It’s okay! You can describe the object, ask "What do you call it?" or say "I know this word in my language, but forgot in English." Most people will happily help you.