I apologize for interrupting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I apologize for interrupting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to express regret for cutting someone off during a conversation or discussion. Example: "I appreciate your insights, but I apologize for interrupting; I just wanted to add my thoughts on the matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"I apologize for interrupting the relaxing that I told all of you to do, but I have an important announcement to make concerning the Federal Reserve," Mr. Obama told reporters shortly before 9 a.m.

The New York Times

There's a slight rasp in his voice, and when I apologize for interrupting his rest he laughs again.

Los Angeles Times

Baier told Obama "I apologize for interrupting you, sir. I tried to get the most for our buck here".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

I apologized for interrupting her and asked what she'd been saying.

Vice

We apologize for interrupting the idolatry, but wasn't it like five minutes ago that Jeter was too old, slowing down, not deserving of a huge new contract, a horrid choice for a leadoff hitter and setting the major league record for slow-roller-through-the-infield hits?

The New York Times - Sports

They'd been chatting before we sat down for lunch, and I had apologized for interrupting them.

Vice

" or "I apologies for interrupting..."....

WikiHow

She apologized for interrupting me, and I said, "That's what we are here for".

The New York Times

The planets must be perfectly aligned right now for Musgraves, who's so busy yet thoughtful, pleasantly apologizing for interrupting the start of the interview because "I'm making important hair decisions here".

Huffington Post

That was the last time any of the justices apologized for interrupting.

The New York Times

He could have gone on longer, but stopped himself and apologized for interrupting their practice.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I apologize for interrupting" when you need to politely interject in a conversation or activity, especially in professional or formal settings. Always follow with a brief explanation or reason for your interruption to maintain courtesy.

Common error

Avoid using "I apologize for interrupting" too frequently in a single conversation. If you find yourself interrupting often, try to actively listen and wait for natural pauses instead. Overusing it can make you seem insincere or overly apologetic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I apologize for interrupting" serves as an explicit apology for the act of interrupting someone. It acknowledges the disruption and expresses regret. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, fulfilling a politeness function by mitigating potential offense.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I apologize for interrupting" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to convey regret for breaking into a conversation or activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for use in various contexts, especially neutral to formal settings like news and media. While it is a relatively uncommon phrase, overuse should be avoided to maintain sincerity. Related phrases like "excuse me for interrupting" or "sorry to interrupt" can provide more casual alternatives. Remembering these guidelines ensures effective and polite communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Excuse me for interrupting

Uses "excuse me" instead of "I apologize" to soften the interruption.

Sorry to interrupt

A more informal way of expressing regret for interrupting.

Pardon me for interrupting

A slightly more formal alternative using "pardon me".

I'm sorry for the interruption

Focuses on the interruption itself rather than the act of interrupting.

My apologies for interrupting

Uses "my apologies" which is more formal than "I apologize".

Forgive me for interrupting

Emphasizes seeking forgiveness for the interruption.

I didn't mean to interrupt

Expresses the interruption was unintentional.

I hate to interrupt

Highlights a reluctance to interrupt.

Please excuse my interruption

A polite request for understanding after interrupting.

Apologies for the interruption

A shortened, more direct way of apologizing.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "I apologize for interrupting"?

It's appropriate to use "I apologize for interrupting" when you need to interject in a conversation or activity, especially in formal settings or when speaking to someone of higher authority. It's a polite way to acknowledge that you're breaking into their flow.

What can I say instead of "I apologize for interrupting" in a casual setting?

In a casual setting, you can use phrases like "sorry to interrupt" or "excuse me for interrupting". These are less formal and more suitable for everyday conversations.

Is "I apologize for the interruption" different from "I apologize for interrupting"?

Yes, "I apologize for the interruption" focuses on the disruption itself, while "I apologize for interrupting" focuses on your action of interrupting. Both are acceptable, but the latter is more personal and direct.

How can I apologize without actually saying "I apologize for interrupting"?

You can imply an apology by saying something like, "Excuse me, could I quickly add something?" or "Pardon me, but I have a quick question." These phrases acknowledge the interruption without explicitly using the word "apologize".