sorry I need

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sorry I need" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to apologize for requiring something from someone, often in a polite or considerate manner. Example: "Sorry, I need to leave early today due to a family commitment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"Sorry, sorry, I need to make jokes because it distracts me from the feeling of hunger".

Huffington Post

There are numerous baffling interviews — "I am sorry, I need the interprete, I cannot understand your American accent" — in which dowdy matrons in lavender linen ask highly intellectual questions about Homer, Joyce, and quantum physics.

The New Yorker

V: Oh sorry, I need an eraser.

Vice

UM: Yea, um, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry I need, I need the address here?

Los Angeles Times

The taxing effort left him in no state to speak, and he politely said, "I'm sorry, I need to step out, I need fresh air".

Vice

Sorry, I need a moment.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

I'm sorry, I'll need the proper thing.

The Guardian - Music

A week ago, Meg said very gently, I'm sorry, I just need to take a break.

The New Yorker

I'm sorry, I just need a moment alone with the hat display to grieve.

The New Yorker

Everyone knows that "I'm sorry I just need to take this" is code for "I'd rather sit my biology A-level again than be on this date".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Instead, wait for a moment when you can approach your teacher one-on-one and say something like, "I'm sorry, I think I need a little more help understanding how to do this".

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sorry I need" when you want to politely express a need while acknowledging potential inconvenience to the listener or reader. This softens the request and shows consideration.

Common error

In highly formal settings, consider more direct alternatives like "I require" or "I request" to avoid sounding overly apologetic or unsure of your need. The phrase "sorry I need" is more suitable for everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sorry I need" functions as a polite apology combined with a statement of requirement. It softens the demand and shows consideration for the listener. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

17%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sorry I need" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to politely introduce a requirement or request. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, its frequency is uncommon and leans towards informal or neutral registers. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, this phrase frequently appears in News & Media and Wiki contexts, emphasizing its role in everyday communication where politeness and consideration are valued. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "I require" to maintain a professional tone. Effective usage involves acknowledging potential inconvenience while clearly stating your need, ensuring a balance between courtesy and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm sorry to bother you, but I need

Acknowledges the inconvenience of the request.

excuse me, I require

Formally expresses a need or request with a polite apology.

I hate to ask, but I need

Expresses reluctance in making the request.

apologies, but I require

Similar to the original, but uses "apologies" instead of "sorry" for emphasis.

I apologize, I find it necessary to

Formally states the necessity of an action with an apology.

I'm afraid I must ask

Indicates a request with reluctance, softening the directness.

excuse my intrusion, but I need

Politely acknowledges an interruption while expressing a need.

forgive me, I have to

Implies a necessary action with a request for forgiveness.

I regret to say I need

More formal and indicates reluctance in expressing the need.

pardon me, I'm in need of

Politely indicates a need for something.

FAQs

How can I use "sorry I need" in a sentence?

You can use "sorry I need" to politely introduce a request or express a necessity, such as "Sorry, I need to leave early today" or "Sorry, I need some assistance with this task".

What can I say instead of "sorry I need"?

You can use alternatives like "excuse me I require", "apologies but I require", or "I'm afraid I must ask" depending on the context and level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "sorry I need"?

"Sorry I need" is appropriate in situations where you want to be polite and acknowledge that your need might cause inconvenience to someone else. It is suitable for everyday conversation and less formal settings.

Is "sorry I need" grammatically correct?

Yes, "sorry I need" is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and written English to express a need with a polite apology. However, it is less formal than alternatives like "I require".