excuse me for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "excuse me for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to politely express your apology for an action or situation. For example: "Excuse me for the delay, I got caught up in traffic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 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 a moment, but that sound?

The New Yorker

Finally, he said: "Excuse me for being indiscreet.

The New York Times - Magazine

Excuse me for not believing in such miracles.

The New York Times - Books

"Excuse me for one moment, boss," Buffon said.

The Guardian - Sport

"Excuse Me for Living" is Parker's scathing retort to voyeurs poking into her private life.

The New York Times - Arts

Idiot, excuse me for repeating myself, but our work is important.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "excuse me for", ensure it aligns with the level of formality required by the context. In professional settings, it's appropriate, while in casual settings, shorter alternatives like "sorry" might be preferred.

Common error

Avoid using "excuse me for" excessively in casual conversations; simpler alternatives like "sorry" or a brief explanation can often be more natural and effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excuse me for" functions as a polite introductory phrase used to express regret or seek understanding before making a statement, asking a question, or performing an action. Ludwig examples illustrate this function in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

4%

Less common in

Social Media

1%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "excuse me for" is a versatile expression used to politely introduce an apology, question, or action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. It's commonly found in news and media, with a slightly formal tone suitable for various professional settings. When using "excuse me for", consider the context and audience to ensure it aligns with the desired level of formality. While very common in formal settings, remember to choose less formal alternatives for casual situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

please excuse my

A polite way to ask for understanding or tolerance for a fault or action.

pardon my

Similar in conveying apology or seeking understanding, but slightly more formal.

forgive me for

Emphasizes seeking forgiveness, carrying a weightier tone than "excuse me for".

my apologies for

A more formal and direct expression of apology.

i apologize for

Directly expresses remorse and regret for an action or statement.

i'm sorry for

A common way to express regret, which can be used in many different contexts.

sorry for

A shortened and more informal expression of apology.

i hope you'll forgive me for

Highlights the desire for forgiveness, often used when acknowledging a mistake.

i beg your pardon for

A very formal expression of apology, indicating deep regret.

if i may be excused for

A formal way of excusing yourself.

FAQs

What situations are appropriate for using "excuse me for"?

"Excuse me for" is suitable for politely apologizing for a minor infraction, such as interrupting someone or asking a potentially intrusive question. It strikes a balance between formality and politeness.

How can I rephrase "excuse me for" to sound more casual?

In casual contexts, you can use alternatives like "sorry for", or "pardon my depending on the specific situation

Is "excuse me for" too formal for everyday conversations?

While not overly formal, "excuse me for" can sometimes sound slightly stiff in very informal settings. Consider using more relaxed alternatives like "sorry" or nothing at all if the situation is minor.

What are some common phrases that follow "excuse me for"?

Common phrases include "excuse me for asking", "excuse me for interrupting", and "excuse me for a minute", which are used to politely preface a question, interruption, or temporary departure.