Please excuse me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Please excuse me" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to ask for forgiveness for interrupting or leaving a conversation or situation. Example: "Please excuse me for a moment while I take this important call."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Please excuse me while I go and remind my older son to practise his violin.

Independent

Please excuse me if I seem a bit breathless, but the experience I had when I first saw the film (in 2-D, no less) shocked me.

The New York Times - Science

Please excuse me while I suggest to the boiler man that he replace the infernal contraption with a time machine and set it for three months' time.

Independent

Please excuse me, I have some books to read.

Huffington Post

Please excuse me, as I lie down, due to another volatile bout of extreme, nauseating patriarchy fatigue.

Huffington Post

Please excuse me if I don't get a chance to reply! are parent you know how hard it is to be away from a injured child.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Say "please" and "excuse me".

WikiHow

Say "Please" and "Excuse me" when needed.

WikiHow

I travel a lot and with even just yes and no, please, thank you, excuse me and a few versions of hello, life can be pleasant in any language and the strange can stop being strange.

BBC

And I don't listen well - I'm a person who prefers mountains to people and who monologues at you on the radio - I'm not listening to you, am I? When I get home from travelling I often drop please, thank you, excuse me, which means I am rude without noticing.

BBC

Always say please, thank you, excuse me, etc. Treat others the way you would like to be treated, and put others before yourself.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure that the context clearly indicates what you are asking to be excused for. For example, "Please excuse me for the interruption."

Common error

Avoid using "Please excuse me" excessively in written communication. If you find yourself using it frequently, consider rephrasing your sentences to be more direct and concise.

Linguistic Context

"Please excuse me" functions as a polite formula. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used to request permission, apologize, or interrupt someone politely. It often precedes an action or statement and indicates respect for the other person's space or attention.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

21%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Please excuse me" is a versatile and polite phrase used to seek forgiveness, interrupt, or excuse oneself from a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered grammatically correct and very common in written English. Its usage spans various contexts, from formal business settings to casual conversations, with a strong presence in news and media. While alternatives like "pardon me" or "forgive me" exist, "Please excuse me" offers a balanced level of formality suitable for many situations. When using this phrase, ensure the context is clear and avoid overuse to maintain a concise writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Pardon me

A more formal and concise way to ask for forgiveness or to interrupt someone.

Excuse me

A shorter, more direct version used for similar situations.

I beg your pardon

A more emphatic and formal expression of apology or disagreement.

I apologize

A straightforward expression of regret for an action or mistake.

Forgive me

A request for forgiveness, often implying a deeper sense of remorse.

I'm sorry

A common expression of regret or sympathy.

My apologies

A slightly more formal way of saying "I'm sorry".

Please forgive my interruption

Specifically requests forgiveness for interrupting.

Kindly excuse me

Adds an element of politeness and formality.

With your permission

Seeks permission to leave or interrupt a situation.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "Please excuse me"?

Use "Please excuse me" to politely interrupt someone, to ask for forgiveness for a minor mistake, or to excuse yourself from a conversation or situation.

What are some alternatives to "Please excuse me"?

Alternatives include "pardon me", "excuse me", "I apologize", or "forgive me" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "Excuse me" or "Please excuse me" more formal?

"Please excuse me" is generally considered more formal and polite than simply "Excuse me". Using "please" adds a level of deference and consideration.

How can I use "Please excuse me" in a sentence?

You can use it like this: "Please excuse me, I need to take this call." or "Please excuse me for the interruption."