excuse the interruption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "excuse the interruption" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to politely ask for forgiveness for interrupting someone or something, often in a conversation or presentation. Example: "Excuse the interruption, but I have a quick question regarding the topic we are discussing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The Rose Center interrupts the interruption.

The New York Times - Arts

Miffed at the interruption, Heather excused herself to go to "the little girl's room".

The New York Times

This is the interruption".

The New York Times - Health

"People are grateful for the interruption".

The New York Times

"I regret the interruption, my dear.

The New Yorker

I feel grateful for the interruption.

The New Yorker

But Hernández was undaunted by the interruption.

The New York Times - Sports

My colleagues smiled at the interruption.

The New York Times - Magazine

Interruption!" The interruption is a parliamentary motion that allows delegates from the floor to be heard.

The New York Times

The interruption was fortuitous.

Forbes

Will clubs receive compensation for the interruption?

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "excuse the interruption" when you need to briefly interrupt a conversation or presentation. It's a polite way to acknowledge that you're momentarily disrupting the flow.

Common error

Avoid using "excuse the interruption" excessively. Frequent interruptions, even with a polite apology, can become annoying. Try to group your questions or comments to minimize disruptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excuse the interruption" functions as a polite formulaic expression used to seek understanding or forgiveness for disrupting an ongoing activity or conversation. As Ludwig AI pointed out, it's a way to acknowledge the interruption while minimizing its perceived impact.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "excuse the interruption" is a polite and standard way to apologize for briefly disrupting something. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and suitable for use. Although the frequency is currently marked as "Missing" in our dataset, it's understood to be a common expression. More formal alternatives include "pardon the interruption" or "I apologize for interrupting", while a less formal option is "sorry to interrupt". Overusing this phrase can diminish its impact, so it's best to use it judiciously when a disruption is truly necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Pardon the interruption

A more formal and direct synonym.

Sorry for the interruption

A slightly less formal way to apologize.

Forgive the interruption

Emphasizes asking for forgiveness.

Please excuse my interrupting

Focuses on the act of interrupting.

I apologize for interrupting

A more formal and direct apology.

I'm sorry to interrupt

A common and slightly less formal apology.

My apologies for interrupting

A more formal expression of regret.

Excuse me for butting in

Less formal, implies intrusion.

I hope you'll excuse this interruption

Expresses hope for understanding.

With apologies for the interruption

A more elaborate formal apology.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "excuse the interruption"?

Use "excuse the interruption" when you need to briefly interrupt a conversation, presentation, or ongoing activity. It's a polite way to signal that you are aware of the disruption and wish to minimize its impact.

What's a more formal alternative to "excuse the interruption"?

A more formal alternative is "pardon the interruption" or "I apologize for interrupting".

Is "excuse the interruption" suitable for written communication?

"Excuse the interruption" is more common in spoken language. In written communication, you might use a phrase like "I hope you don't mind me interjecting" or simply state your point directly.

What's the difference between "excuse the interruption" and "sorry to interrupt"?

"Excuse the interruption" anticipates the interruption whereas "sorry to interrupt" is used during or after the interruption. They are often interchangeable but "excuse" is slightly more proactive.