please pardon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "please pardon" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a polite request for forgiveness or understanding, often in situations where one might be interrupting or making a mistake. Example: "Please pardon my interruption, but I have a quick question regarding the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

"Please pardon the bother," it read, "but we're having a revolution".

The New York Times

Weston added: "Please pardon my bluntness: I believe it is simply the right thing to do".

The New York Times

On the top of one of my father's questionnaires, Lou Gehrig wrote: "Please pardon long delay.

The New York Times

But last year, and please pardon my sounding like a Joni Mitchell song, the bulldozers arrived.

The New York Times

Please pardon the question, but it is a natural one: are you not trusted by the Vatican?

The New York Times

On "Who Gon Stop Me," Jay-Z asks that we "please pardon all the curses" because "when you're growing up worthless," well, things come out that way.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Please, Poseidon, pardon us our greed,Our need for this annual one-night stand in a cabin,Keep the knots in the pine, the sand on the floor,Arrest the breeze.

The New Yorker

The speech in which he gave the impression that economist John Maynard Keynes' theories may have been flawed because he was homosexual, childless and therefore not as invested (and, please, do not pardon the pun) in the long-term future of, well, anything, I suppose, except where the next parade or innovative quiche recipe was coming from.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Say "please," "thank you," "pardon me," and other polite phrases.

WikiHow

You've put yourself — and all your life — into the pattern of (pardon me, please!) that deadly Presbyterian Righteousness which looks "good" only in pronouncements from the pulpit.

The New Yorker

This means that you say things like "please," and "thank you," and "excuse me" or "pardon me".

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "please pardon" to politely acknowledge a minor error or interruption. It's a courteous way to maintain a respectful tone in both formal and informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "please pardon" in situations that require a more sincere or emphatic apology. Overusing formal phrases can make your communication seem insincere or detached.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please pardon" functions as a polite interjection used to request forgiveness or understanding for a minor transgression. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is usable in written English and serves as a polite request. Examples from the provided data show it used to soften statements or acknowledge interruptions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "please pardon" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that serves as a polite request for forgiveness or understanding, as supported by Ludwig AI. It is suitable for a range of contexts, with a leaning towards neutral to formal settings. Its primary function is to mitigate potential offense and maintain a respectful tone. While versatile, overusing it in situations demanding greater sincerity should be avoided. Related phrases such as "excuse me" or "I beg your pardon" offer similar options for different levels of formality. To ensure effective communication, use "please pardon" judiciously, recognizing its role in fostering courtesy and respect. It is a common phrase that should be part of a writer's arsenal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excuse me

A more direct and common way to ask for attention or forgiveness.

pardon me

A simple and polite way to ask someone to repeat themselves or to apologize for a minor offense.

I beg your pardon

A more formal and emphatic way to express apology or disagreement.

please forgive me

A more personal and emotional request for forgiveness.

I apologize

A direct and sincere expression of remorse.

my apologies

A slightly more formal way of saying "I'm sorry".

sorry for the inconvenience

Specifically addresses the trouble caused.

I hope you'll excuse

Implies anticipation of being excused.

forgive my intrusion

Used specifically when interrupting or interfering.

I trust you'll forgive

Similar to "I hope you'll excuse" but with a tone of confidence that forgiveness will be granted.

FAQs

How can I use "please pardon" in a sentence?

You can use "please pardon" to politely ask for forgiveness or understanding. For example, "Please pardon my interruption, but I need to ask a question" or "Please pardon the mess, we're renovating."

What's the difference between "please pardon" and "excuse me"?

"Please pardon" is generally used to apologize for a minor offense or interruption, while "excuse me" can also be used to get someone's attention or to ask someone to move out of your way. The former is more specific to seeking forgiveness.

What are some alternatives to saying "please pardon"?

Some alternatives to "please pardon" include "pardon me", "I beg your pardon", "excuse me", or simply "sorry" depending on the context and level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "please pardon"?

"Please pardon" is appropriate in situations where you want to politely acknowledge a minor mistake or interruption, especially in more formal or polite contexts. It's often used to show respect and consideration for others.