pardon me

USAGE SUMMARY

"pardon me" is an acceptable phrase to use in written English.
It is typically used as a polite way of asking someone to repeat themselves, or to apologize for any inconvenience caused. For example, "Pardon me, I didn't mean to interrupt your conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Pardon me.

The New Yorker

"Can you pardon me?

The New Yorker

Well, pardon me for breathing!

The New Yorker

Hilto once said pardon me!

The Guardian - Opinion

It is, pardon me, a mess.

The Economist

Patient yourself, madam, and pardon me.

Yale University

Pardon me, pardon me, my good Lord, I can never subscribe to these principles.

Encyclopedia Britannica

shitsurei shimasu pardon me for interrupting.

The Guardian - Travel

Professor J. Michael McBride: Oh, -3, pardon me.

Yale University

— will pardon me for crimes yet uninvented".

The New York Times

'Oh, pardon me, fellas, but I need water'?

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pardon me" when you need someone to repeat something, especially in formal settings, instead of saying "what?"

Common error

Avoid using "pardon me" excessively in casual conversations. A simple "sorry" or "excuse me" might be more appropriate and sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "pardon me" is as an interjection used to express apology or to politely request repetition. Ludwig AI confirms its use in various contexts, demonstrating its versatility. The phrase serves to mitigate potential rudeness or misunderstanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pardon me" is a versatile phrase used to express apology or request clarification, as validated by Ludwig AI. It functions as an interjection, serving the purpose of maintaining politeness and ensuring clear communication. While appropriate in various contexts, it's best to avoid overuse in very informal settings, opting for simpler expressions. The phrase exhibits a neutral register and is frequently found in news media and academic sources. For more formal scenarios, alternatives like "I beg your pardon" may be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excuse me

Similar level of formality and can be used in overlapping situations, like trying to pass through a crowd.

I beg your pardon

More formal and emphatic than "pardon me", often used to express offense or disbelief.

sorry

Simpler and more direct apology, suitable for less formal situations.

I apologize

A more formal and direct way to express remorse or regret.

forgive me

Implies a deeper sense of regret and seeking forgiveness.

my apologies

A formal expression of regret, often used in professional settings.

could you repeat that please

Specifically asks for repetition and is less apologetic.

what did you say

Direct and informal, lacking the politeness of "pardon me".

I didn't catch that

Politely indicates that you didn't hear or understand something.

I'm sorry, what was that

Combines apology with a request for clarification.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "pardon me"?

"Pardon me" is appropriate when you want someone to repeat what they said or when you need to politely interrupt or apologize for a minor offense. It's versatile in both formal and informal settings, though alternatives like "excuse me" or "sorry" may be better suited for casual situations.

How does "pardon me" differ from "excuse me"?

"Pardon me" is primarily used to ask someone to repeat themselves or to apologize after a minor inconvenience. "Excuse me", on the other hand, is often used to get someone's attention or to ask for permission to pass by. While there can be overlap, their primary functions differ. If you want someone to repeat their statement, then use "pardon me", if you need someone to move, use "excuse me".

What are some alternatives to "pardon me" in formal situations?

In formal settings, you can use phrases like "I beg your pardon" or "my apologies" to convey a similar level of politeness and respect. These alternatives are suitable for professional interactions or situations where a higher degree of formality is required.

Is it ever incorrect to use "pardon me"?

While "pardon me" is generally considered polite, overusing it in very casual settings can sound overly formal or even sarcastic. In very informal situations, simpler expressions like "sorry" or "what was that" might be more appropriate.