excuse yourself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "excuse yourself" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used in various situations, such as when you need to politely leave a conversation or a social gathering, or when you need to apologize for something. Here are a few examples: - "I need to excuse myself from the meeting early, as I have another appointment." - "Excuse yourself from the table before you leave to use the restroom." - "Please excuse yourself if you need to take a phone call, but try to keep it brief." - "I want to sincerely apologize for my behavior earlier, please excuse yourself if you need to take a break from talking to me."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Just excuse yourself – mentally, or if necessary, physically.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If they persist, excuse yourself from the conversation.

Harvard Business Review

Never excuse yourself.

Forbes

Politely excuse yourself.

Forbes

If you must excuse yourself, do so only between courses.

Forbes

Excuse yourself from a group discussion.

HuffPost

Excuse yourself to make a phone call.

Los Angeles Times

When you notice tensions rising, it's time to excuse yourself.

HuffPost

Just yawn and excuse yourself to your room.

Huffington Post

@huffpostgay When you apologize, don't try to excuse yourself.

Huffington Post

Don't: Excuse yourself from the table during, or after dessert.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "excuse yourself" to politely withdraw from a conversation or situation, especially when you need to interrupt or leave abruptly. Tailor the reason you give to the context; a simple "I need to step away" suffices in casual settings, while more detail is needed in formal situations.

Common error

Avoid using "excuse yourself" excessively in very casual situations. Simpler phrases like "I'll be right back" or "I gotta go" are often more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excuse yourself" functions as an imperative verb phrase. It is used to politely request or announce one's departure from a conversation, situation, or place. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a correct and usable part of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

44%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "excuse yourself" is a versatile and polite way to signal departure from a situation or conversation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. With a neutral register, it fits seamlessly into various contexts, from professional settings to casual interactions, although simpler phrases may be preferred in very informal situations. Predominantly found in Wiki and News & Media sources, "excuse yourself" is a common expression for maintaining decorum and demonstrating respect for others' time and attention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if you'll excuse me

A polite way to signal departure or interruption, often used when leaving a conversation or room.

pardon me

Similar to "beg your pardon" but slightly less formal, suitable for polite interruptions or unintentional offenses.

may I be excused

A polite way to ask for permission to leave or be excused from a task.

beg your pardon

This phrase is a more formal way of excusing oneself, often used in situations requiring politeness or deference.

I need to step away

A casual way of indicating a temporary departure, suitable for informal settings.

please excuse my absence

A formal phrase used to request forgiveness for a past or future absence.

I'm going to slip out

An informal way of excusing oneself, often used when leaving discreetly or unnoticed.

I must take my leave

A highly formal and somewhat archaic way of excusing oneself, typically used in very formal settings or for dramatic effect.

I have to run

A casual way to excuse oneself, implying urgency or a need to leave quickly.

I'll be right back

Indicates a brief absence and intention to return shortly, suitable for temporary departures.

FAQs

How can I use "excuse yourself" in a sentence?

You can use "excuse yourself" to politely leave a conversation or situation. For example: "I need to "excuse myself" to take this call."

What's a more formal way to say "excuse yourself"?

More formal alternatives include "beg your pardon", or "may I be excused" depending on the context.

Is it ever impolite to "excuse yourself"?

While "excuse yourself" is generally polite, doing so abruptly or without a valid reason can be seen as rude. Always try to provide a brief explanation, if possible.

What's the difference between "excuse me" and "excuse yourself"?

"Excuse me" is often used to apologize for a minor offense or to get someone's attention, while "excuse yourself" indicates you are leaving or withdrawing from a situation.