Excuse me for interrupting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Excuse me for interrupting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to politely interject or break into a conversation or discussion. Example: "Excuse me for interrupting, but I have a quick question about the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

SH: There was a period where you were mainly writing but also directing a few things... CH: Sorry, excuse me for interrupting.

The Guardian - Film

"Mr. Hancock, excuse me for interrupting you," he said to Paul Hancock of the state attorney general's office, who had opened the oral arguments in the vote-recount case.

The New York Times

"Excuse me for interrupting," Connery said, as it started to register for Murray that James Bond wanted to say hello.

The New York Times - Sports

"Excuse me for interrupting, but I must emphasize one point," interjected Zhang Lichang, the Tianjin party secretary who presided over the discussion.

The New York Times

If you are limited by time then ensure that you say this with a smile on your face, "Excuse me for interrupting, we are running out of time.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Excuse me for asking".

The New Yorker

"Excuse me for knocking so late.

The New Yorker

"Excuse me for asking," he said.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Excuse me for learning your language properly.

The Guardian - Books

"Excuse me for a minute," he says.

The New York Times - Magazine

Excuse me for being cynical.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow up the interruption with a clear and concise statement of your purpose for interrupting to maintain clarity and respect.

Common error

Avoid using "Excuse me for interrupting" excessively in informal settings. Overuse can sound overly formal or insincere. Opt for more casual alternatives like "Sorry to cut in".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Excuse me for interrupting" functions as a polite interjection. It serves to signal that the speaker is about to interrupt a conversation or activity. The examples from Ludwig show its use in various conversational contexts. Ludwig AI confirms it is perfectly usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Excuse me for interrupting" is a polite and grammatically correct way to interject in a conversation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable phrase in written English. While "uncommon" in frequency, it finds its place in news, media, and formal business contexts. For less formal settings, consider alternatives such as "Sorry to cut in". Remember, context is key to ensure your interjections are both polite and well-received. Overusing it can sound overly formal or insincere.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Pardon me for interrupting

A more formal alternative, emphasizing politeness.

I apologize for interrupting

Direct and formal apology for interrupting.

Forgive my interruption

Formal and apologetic for the interruption.

Sorry for butting in

More informal, suggesting a casual interruption.

I hate to interrupt, but

Acknowledges the interruption before making it.

May I interrupt for a moment

A question format, requesting permission to interrupt.

If I may interject

A formal way of seeking permission to interrupt.

Briefly, if I can chime in

Informal and concise way of interrupting.

Before I continue, can I add something

Shifting the focus to adding information before proceeding.

Can I just jump in here

Very informal, direct interruption.

FAQs

How can I use "Excuse me for interrupting" in a sentence?

You can use "Excuse me for interrupting" to politely interject in a conversation. For example, "Excuse me for interrupting, but I have a question about the budget."

What can I say instead of "Excuse me for interrupting"?

You can use alternatives like "Pardon me for interrupting", "Sorry for butting in", or "May I interrupt", depending on the context and formality.

When is it appropriate to use "Excuse me for interrupting"?

It is appropriate in formal or semi-formal settings when you need to interject politely. In informal settings, a more casual phrase might be suitable.

Is "Excuse me for interrupting" too formal for casual conversations?

While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual settings. Consider using a more relaxed alternative like "Sorry to cut in" or "Can I jump in".