I digress vs I was distracted

Both phrases are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. 'I digress' is used to indicate that the speaker is going off on a tangent or deviating from the main topic. On the other hand, 'I was distracted' implies that the speaker's attention was diverted by something else. The choice between the two depends on whether you want to acknowledge a change in topic ('I digress') or explain a lack of focus ('I was distracted').

Last updated: April 12, 2024 • 204 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that the speaker is going off on a tangent or deviating from the main topic.

"I digress"

Use 'I digress' when you want to acknowledge that you are going off on a tangent or deviating from the main topic of conversation.

Examples:

I digress, let's get back to the main point of our discussion.
I digress, but I wanted to share this interesting fact with you.

Show examples from the web [+]

Jun 6, 2018 ... What does I digress mean? I digress is a phrase used when someone realizes they've been rambling … for a long time … about something that ...
Another definition is to return to an original point. Man1: Yes yes I know I'm a slacker and an asshole, but I digress. We need to come up with a plan now ...
But I Digress. The verb digress is often encountered in the phrase “but I digress.” This is an idiomatic expression that has been in use in English ...
Aug 31, 2020 ... A deeper sense of the expression “but I digress” and how it is used. Any normal conversation tends to jump from topic to topic haphazardly. It ...
Apr 30, 2014 ... I digress is relatively idiomatic, and thus, even though the present continuous would be normally used, i.e. "I am digressing" it isn't ...

Alternatives:

I'm getting off track
Let me get back on topic
That's beside the point
On another note
To change the subject

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that the speaker's attention was diverted by something else.

"I was distracted"

Use 'I was distracted' when you want to explain that your attention was taken away from the main focus due to something else.

Examples:

I was distracted by the noise outside.
I was distracted by my phone and missed what you said.

Show examples from the web [+]

The woman was far enough ahead she should be able to escape while he distracted the creature. 15. 10. Advertisement. No. I was distracted by Toby.
Sorry, I was distracted… by Lisa Parker | Dec 13, 2016 | Presence | 0 comments · distracted It's been a crazy couple of months so far with lots of ...
Translations in context of "I was distracted" in English-Russian from Reverso Context: I was distracted by your giant horse teeth.

Alternatives:

I lost my train of thought
My mind wandered
I got sidetracked
I zoned out
I spaced out

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