I forgot a word while speaking: what do I do?
Describe the word and get your idea across without stopping.
2 min read · Updated 9/8/2026
The key idea
When you can't remember a word, explain it by what it is for, where it is and what it looks like. We can call this describing the word instead of saying it.
Structures like It's a place where…, It's used for…, It's similar to… can help. The goal is not to talk around the word for a long time but to get the same idea across to the listener.
Afterwards, check the forgotten word and note it down together with the phrase.
See an example
You have forgotten the word kettle:
It's the thing we use to boil water for tea.
The purpose is clear. Repeating “That thing, you know, that thing” gives the listener no extra information.
For library, you can say: a place where people borrow books.
Now you try
Describe these words in English without saying their names.
- umbrella
- timetable
For the first, think about what it is for; for the second, think about what information it shows.
A personal draft. It is not saved when you leave or automatically graded.
Reveal the answer and explanation
Answer and explanation
Possible descriptions:
- It's something you hold over your head to keep the rain off.
- It's a list that shows when classes or journeys start and finish.
Other clear descriptions are also correct. Check: could a listener who doesn't know the word guess what you mean? After the exercise, also use the key word in a sentence.
Where do I pause to speak more clearly?
Official sources for this topic
IELTS · Speaking