Excuse my presumption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Excuse my presumption" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to acknowledge that you may be overstepping or making an assumption that could be seen as inappropriate. Example: "Excuse my presumption, but I believe you might be interested in this opportunity." Alternative expressions include "Pardon my boldness" and "Forgive my assumption."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Please excuse my presumption in using first names and that I sometimes batch questions together and can't go into the level of detail you might have been expecting.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Excuse my cold.

Yale University

Bullshit, excuse my French.

The Economist

Excuse my language".

The New Yorker

Excuse my honesty.

The New Yorker

Excuse my harrumphing.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Excuse my hairy legs.

The Guardian - Travel

Excuse my French".

The Guardian - Sport

please excuse my UK spelling of celiac!

Harvard University

Excuse my language, but that is what it is.

The New Yorker

Excuse my ignorance, but I don't.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Excuse my presumption" to politely introduce an idea or suggestion that might be considered forward or intrusive. This shows respect for the other person's perspective and avoids sounding arrogant.

Common error

Avoid using "Excuse my presumption" in casual conversations with close friends or family, as it can sound overly formal or even sarcastic. Opt for more relaxed language unless you're intentionally trying to be humorous.

Linguistic Context

Excuse my presumption functions as a polite introductory phrase. It serves to soften a potentially bold statement, suggestion, or question. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and aims to minimize any perceived imposition or arrogance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Excuse my presumption" is a grammatically correct and polite way to introduce a statement or suggestion that might be considered presumptuous. Ludwig AI identifies it as suitable for neutral to formal contexts, particularly in news and media or academic writing. While related phrases like "forgive my assumption" or "pardon my presumption" exist, "Excuse my presumption" balances formality and approachability. It is essential to avoid overusing it in casual conversation and to consider if a more direct approach is better suited for the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Forgive my assumption

This alternative directly asks for forgiveness for an assumption made.

Pardon my presumption

This uses "pardon" instead of "excuse", offering a slightly more formal tone.

I hope I'm not overstepping

This explicitly questions whether the speaker is intruding or overstepping boundaries.

If I may be so bold

This phrase acknowledges potential boldness and seeks implicit permission.

With all due respect

This phrase prefaces a potentially dissenting or challenging statement.

Perhaps I'm mistaken, but

This acknowledges the possibility of error before stating an opinion.

Correct me if I'm wrong

This invites correction if an assumption is inaccurate.

I could be wrong, but

This phrase expresses uncertainty before making a statement or suggestion.

I don't want to presume, but

This directly states the speaker's reluctance to make assumptions.

Allow me to suggest

This politely introduces a suggestion, acknowledging that it might not be welcome.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "Excuse my presumption"?

Use "Excuse my presumption" when you are about to suggest something or offer an opinion that might be seen as intrusive, forward, or based on an assumption. It softens the potential impact of your statement, showing consideration for the other person's perspective.

What's a more formal alternative to "Excuse my presumption"?

A more formal alternative is "pardon my presumption". "Pardon" carries a slightly more elevated tone than "excuse".

How can I rephrase "Excuse my presumption" to sound less formal?

You could say something like "I hope I'm not overstepping" or "correct me if I'm wrong" to convey a similar sentiment in a more casual way.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "Excuse my presumption"?

Yes, overusing "Excuse my presumption" can come across as insincere or overly apologetic. In very informal settings, it can sound out of place. Consider your audience and the context to determine if it's the right phrase to use.