What happens in the video
Theo tells Hana that he can't join the meeting because he is watching a stream about meetings. Hana asks if he's really skipping a meeting to watch one. Theo says, "Give me a second. It's the best part," and Hana answers that she's streaming their meeting to him.
1 Give me a second.
Tone Casual and quick
Use it to ask someone to wait a little while you finish something. It works with friends, family and coworkers. Don't use it when you really need a long time, because the other person will expect you very soon.
Give me a second.
For example:
A: Are you coming? Dinner is ready.
B: Give me a second. The stream is almost over.
A: Okay, but it's getting cold.
2 I'll be there soon.
Tone Polite and reassuring
Use it to promise that you're coming. It sounds calm and friendly, so it works with almost anyone. Don't say it if you have no plan to move soon, or the person may feel you broke a promise.
I'll be there soon.
For example:
A: The meeting starts now. Where are you?
B: I'll be there soon. I'm just closing my laptop.
3 I don't wanna miss it.
Tone Honest and direct
Use it to explain that you want to see something happen. To miss something here means you don't see it happen. "Wanna" is informal speech, so write "I don't want to miss it" in an email or message to your manager.
I don't wanna miss it.
For example:
A: Why are you still watching?
B: The final match is live. I don't wanna miss it.
A: Fair enough. Tell me who wins.
4 Hold on, I'm in the middle of something.
Tone Friendly but busy
Use it when someone interrupts you and you need them to wait. You don't have to say what you're doing. With a boss or client, a softer line such as "Could you give me a minute?" is safer.
For example:
A: Can you help me with this form?
B: Hold on, I'm in the middle of something. Five minutes?
A: Sure, no problem.
5 I'm watching something live right now.
Tone Clear and neutral
Use it when you want to say why you're busy without the word "stream." "Live" tells the listener that the event is happening now and can't be paused easily.
For example:
A: Do you want to call now?
B: I'm watching something live right now. Can we talk at eight?
6 Can I call you back in ten minutes?
Tone Polite and practical
Use it on the phone when you can't talk now but want to continue later. Give a real time. If you can't call back soon, say a later time instead.
For example:
A: Hi, do you have a minute?
B: Can I call you back in ten minutes? I'm busy right now.
A: Of course.
7 It's almost over.
Tone Calm and reassuring
Use it to tell someone that the thing you're watching will end soon, so they won't wait long. Don't use it if there's still an hour left.
For example:
A: We need to leave.
B: It's almost over. Two more minutes.
8 I'm just finishing something up.
Tone Polite and vague
Use it when you're busy and don't want to give details. It's polite enough for work. Avoid it if the person asks directly what you're doing, because it can sound like you're hiding something.
For example:
A: Are you ready for the call?
B: I'm just finishing something up. I'll join in a minute.
9 Can it wait until this ends?
Tone Direct and honest
Use it with friends or family when the request isn't urgent and you want to keep watching. With a coworker or in an urgent situation, it can sound rude.
For example:
A: Can you take out the trash?
B: Can it wait until this ends? It's the last round.
A: Fine, but right after.
Common mistakes
-
Not quite
I watch a stream now, give me a seconds.Better I'm watching a stream right now. Give me a second.
Use the present continuous for something happening now. "A second" is singular, so it has no -s.
-
Not quite
Don't worry, I am there soon.Better Don't worry, I'll be there soon.
A promise about the near future uses "will." "I am there" describes now, not a promise.
-
Not quite
Dear Ms. Lee, I don't wanna miss the presentation.Better Dear Ms. Lee, I don't want to miss the presentation.
"Wanna" is fine in speech but too informal for written work messages. Write "want to" in full.
Quick quiz
Choose your answer for each question, then open the answer to check it.
-
Your friend calls you to dinner. You need a very short time to finish watching. What do you say?
- Give me a second.
- I'll call you back tomorrow.
- I don't wanna miss it.
- Can it wait until next week?
Show the answer (Question 1)
Answer: Give me a second. "Give me a second" asks someone to wait a little.
-
What does "I don't wanna miss it" mean?
- I don't want to see it happen.
- I want to see it happen.
- I already saw it.
- I'm bored with it.
Show the answer (Question 2)
Answer: I want to see it happen. To miss something here means not to see it happen, so the speaker wants to see it.
-
Your coworker asks where you are. Which line promises that you're coming?
- It's almost over.
- I'll be there soon.
- I'm just finishing something up.
Show the answer (Question 3)
Answer: I'll be there soon. "I'll be there soon" is a polite promise that you're on your way.
-
Which line is best for a written message to your manager?
- I don't wanna miss it.
- Can it wait until this ends?
- I'm just finishing something up. I'll join in a minute.
Show the answer (Question 4)
Answer: I'm just finishing something up. I'll join in a minute. It is polite, gives a time, and avoids informal "wanna" and a direct request to wait.
-
You can't talk on the phone now but want to continue later. What do you say?
- Can I call you back in ten minutes?
- Give me a second.
- I'm watching something live right now, bye.
Show the answer (Question 5)
Answer: Can I call you back in ten minutes? It asks politely to continue the call later and gives a clear time.
Questions learners ask
Is "I am watching a stream" correct English?
Yes, it is correct. In speech, most people say "I'm watching a stream" with the contraction. The sentence only says what you're doing, so add a line such as "Give me a second" or "Can I call you back?" to tell the other person what you need.
What is the difference between "Give me a second" and "Give me a minute"?
Both ask someone to wait, and neither means an exact time. "Give me a second" sounds like a very short wait. "Give me a minute" suggests a little longer and can sound slightly more polite.
Is "wanna" okay to use?
"Wanna" is how many people pronounce "want to" in fast, relaxed speech. It's fine in casual conversation and friendly chat messages. In emails, work messages and anything formal, write "want to."
How do I say I'm busy without sounding rude?
Give a short reason and a time. For example, "I'm just finishing something up. I'll join in a minute" or "Can I call you back in ten minutes?" A clear time shows you respect the other person's request.
Film lines are short quotes used for language teaching. The dialogue belongs to its rightsholders. Theo and Hana are animated characters made with Google Flow.
