please pardon me

USAGE SUMMARY

'please pardon me' is a correct and usable sentence in written English.
It is typically used as an apology for something one has done wrong. For example: "Please pardon me for arriving late. I got stuck in traffic and lost track of time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

He didn't give me his name but he knew my name and knew I was from Alabama, so maybe you did send him up, if so please pardon me for not permitting him to come in.

The New Yorker

In the forward we've already been told that she doesn't listen to her son's advice – and now she even breaks off from her only-just-begun narrative to tell us that her Kinsman has complained again – and that she is not having it: "Please pardon me, but your storyteller is a woman possessed of a forthright tongue and little ink".

The Guardian - Books

Please pardon me if, after such confusion, I cannot hear sly self-implication in the chorus.

Vice

General Gonzales, in one of the statements earlier today, you stated, in terms of the insertion of the ability of the administration to replace U.S. attorneys -- and if this quote isn't right, please pardon me; I think I wrote it down -- that you didn't think that someone should decide who works for you at the U.S. Attorneys Office.

The Washington Post

But please pardon me while I lift my glass to the long and the short and the tall.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

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

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

"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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, "please pardon me" can add a touch of humility and respect.

Common error

Avoid using "please pardon me" too frequently, as it can sound overly formal or insincere. Use simpler apologies like "excuse me" or "I'm sorry" in more casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please pardon me" primarily functions as a polite interjection or apology. It's a request for understanding or forgiveness for a minor error, intrusion, or inconvenience. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a way to express regret in a respectful manner.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "please pardon me" is a polite and somewhat formal phrase used to express apology or request understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a grammatically sound method of asking for forgiveness for minor transgressions. While the phrase may be used in News & Media, Wiki and Academia, it is not frequent in science, business or encyclopedias settings. When writing, consider using it to show respect, but avoid overuse to maintain sincerity. Consider alternatives such as "excuse me" or "I apologize" depending on context to provide variety in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excuse me

A more general term for seeking attention or apologizing for a minor disruption.

pardon my intrusion

Emphasizes apologizing for interrupting or interfering.

please excuse my mistake

Emphasizes acknowledgement and apology for an error.

forgive me

Requests forgiveness, often implying a more significant offense.

I apologize

A direct and formal expression of regret.

my apologies

A slightly more formal version of "I apologize".

I hope you'll forgive me

Expresses a desire for forgiveness, sounding more personal.

I'm sorry

A common and versatile expression of regret or sympathy.

I beg your pardon

A more formal and sometimes sarcastic way to express disbelief or ask for repetition.

excuse my language

Apology in advance, generally before swearing.

FAQs

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

You can use "please pardon me" to politely apologize for a minor error or interruption. For example, "Please pardon me for interrupting, but there's an urgent matter to discuss".

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

"Please pardon me" is typically used for apologizing or seeking forgiveness, while "excuse me" is used for getting someone's attention or excusing oneself for a minor disruption.

What can I say instead of "please pardon me"?

You can use alternatives like "I apologize", "forgive me", or "excuse me" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "please pardon me"?

It's appropriate to use "please pardon me" in formal or semi-formal situations when you want to show respect and acknowledge a mistake or intrusion politely.