disturb you

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'disturb you' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when someone or something is interfering with your peace or comfort. For example: "I don't want to disturb you, but do you mind if I borrow a pencil?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm sorry to disturb you".

The New Yorker

I won't disturb you any longer.

The New Yorker

I don't mean to disturb you.

The New Yorker

I don't want to disturb you.

The New Yorker

I won't disturb you, my dear sir. Under no circumstances shall I disturb you.

The New Yorker

Would have vacuumed, too, but didn't want to disturb you.

The New Yorker

"You seem so peaceful, I hate to disturb you".

The New Yorker

bulduk," replied Yusuf, adding, "I am sorry to disturb you".

The New York Times - Books

If not, you'll say, 'Sorry to disturb you.

The Guardian

I'm sorry to disturb you, but there's been an emergency".

The New York Times - Magazine

"Sorry to disturb you, but I was wondering......

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "disturb you" in writing, consider the context to choose synonyms like "interrupt", "bother", or "disrupt" for variety and precision.

Common error

While "disturb you" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal communications. Opt for more professional alternatives like "interrupt you" or "inconvenience you" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disturb you" functions as a polite expression used to acknowledge the possibility of interrupting someone. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

31%

News & Media

36%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "disturb you" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to acknowledge a potential interruption. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts, including news, media, and Wiki sources. While generally neutral, consider more formal alternatives like "interrupt you" in professional settings. Remember to adapt your language to the specific context to ensure clarity and maintain a polite tone. Consider that it is also common to use synonyms of "disturb" like "bother you", "intrude on you", "disrupt you" depending on the intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

interrupt you

Focuses on the act of breaking into someone's activity or train of thought.

bother you

Implies a mild form of annoyance or inconvenience.

intrude on you

Suggests a more forceful or unwelcome interruption.

disrupt you

Emphasizes the act of causing disorder or preventing something from continuing normally.

trouble you

Implies causing worry or difficulty.

inconvenience you

Focuses on causing difficulty or disruption to someone's plans or activities.

pester you

Suggests persistent and irritating annoyance.

impose on you

Suggests taking advantage of someone's kindness or generosity, often by causing them extra work or trouble.

nag you

Implies repeatedly bothering someone with requests or complaints.

get in your way

Focuses on obstructing someone's progress or hindering their actions.

FAQs

How can I politely ask someone if I'm interrupting them?

You can use phrases like "Excuse me, do you have a moment?", "I hope I'm not interrupting anything.", or "Sorry to "disturb you", but...".

What's a formal alternative to saying "Sorry to disturb you"?

In a more formal setting, you could say "Pardon me for interrupting.", "My apologies for the interruption.", or "I regret to "disturb you", but...".

When is it appropriate to use "disturb you"?

"Disturb you" is appropriate in a wide range of situations, from casual conversations to more formal interactions. It's a versatile way to acknowledge that you might be interrupting someone's activity or train of thought. However, assess the context and choose synonyms if a more specific meaning is needed.

What are some ways to ensure I don't "disturb" someone while they're working?

Before approaching someone, consider their body language and the task they're engaged in. If possible, send a quick message to ask if they're available or wait for a natural break in their activity. Respect their time and keep your interaction concise and to the point. And never "disturb you" if their door is closed!