excuse my language

USAGE SUMMARY

"excuse my language" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to apologize for using profanity or an inappropriate word or phrase. For example, "I'm sorry I said that, excuse my language."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Excuse my language".

The New Yorker

"Excuse my language, but fuck you all".

The Guardian

Excuse my language, but that is what it is.

The New Yorker

Excuse my language, but that's just crap," says Dotcom.

The Guardian - Tech

"I work my butt off, excuse my language," she said sharply.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Excuse my language," Mr. Tolkin said quietly as he handed over the document.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Excuse my informal language, but that's what makes the Kentucky Bourbon Trail so damned cool.

Huffington Post

"Excuse my language…just bullshit," says Mr Baciu.

The Economist

Excuse my cold.

Yale University

Excuse my honesty.

The New Yorker

Bullshit, excuse my French.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience. While "excuse my language" is acceptable in many contexts, be mindful of formal settings where any profanity should be avoided altogether.

Common error

Don't use overly vulgar language immediately after saying "excuse my language". The apology can seem insincere if the offensive language is too extreme or frequent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excuse my language" serves as an apologetic interjection. It is used by a speaker to express remorse or seek understanding after using potentially offensive or inappropriate language. Ludwig examples show it is often used spontaneously within speech.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

14%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "excuse my language" is a common phrase used to apologize for using potentially offensive words. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. Its frequency is high, especially in news and media sources. When using this phrase, remember to consider your audience and the setting to ensure it remains appropriate. While alternatives like "pardon my French" or "forgive my language" exist, the best choice depends on the specific context. Overusing the phrase should be avoided to maintain sincerity. The analysis also suggests avoiding extremely vulgar language immediately after the apology to keep the phrase effective and genuine.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pardon my French

Replaces a general apology with a specific reference to using French, often ironically.

forgive my language

Offers a plea for forgiveness for the words used.

sorry for my language

Directly expresses regret for the choice of words.

apologies for the language

A more formal way of offering an apology.

please excuse the language

A polite request for understanding after using inappropriate language.

mind my language

A warning to pay no mind to the strong language that will be used.

I apologize for my language

A personal and direct expression of apology.

I didn't mean to swear

Highlights the speaker's intent and is apologetic.

I shouldn't have said that

Expresses regret for making the statement.

that was inappropriate of me

Acknowledges one's own bad behavior and is suitable to be used even after using offensive language.

FAQs

How can I use "excuse my language" in a sentence?

You can use "excuse my language" before or after saying something potentially offensive. For example, "I was really pissed off, excuse my language, when I heard the news" or "Excuse my language, but that's complete bullshit".

What are some alternatives to "excuse my language"?

Some alternatives include "pardon my French", "forgive my language", or "sorry for my language". The best choice depends on the specific context and level of formality.

Is it better to say "excuse my language" before or after the offensive word?

Saying "excuse my language" before can serve as a warning, while saying it after is a direct apology. Both are acceptable, but consider your audience and the severity of the language when deciding.

In what situations is it inappropriate to use "excuse my language"?

In highly formal settings, such as academic presentations, business meetings, or religious services, it's best to avoid using any offensive language at all, rendering "excuse my language" unnecessary and potentially inappropriate.