sorry for interrupting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'sorry for interrupting' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you need to apologize for cutting off someone else while speaking or for interjecting in a conversation. For example: I apologize for interrupting, but I wanted to add my own thoughts to the discussion.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

While Senator Landrieu went on and on thanking President Bush and senior ranking senators, Anderson grew impatient: "Excuse me Senator, sorry for interrupting.

Huffington Post

"We are peacefully and publicly mourning and saying the names of innocent slain Black Americans for 4 ½ minutes and we're not sorry for interrupting your Brunch," Iris Dillard, a Berkeley student who participated in a protest over the weekend, told The Washington Post.

Huffington Post

"Sorry for interrupting," Eileen said, looking from Nugent to Jamie and then Murt.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

He apologizes for interrupting himself with asides and tangents ("sorry to get all A.D.D. on you again").

The New York Times - Magazine

Apologize for interrupting yourself.

WikiHow

" or "I apologies for interrupting..."....

WikiHow

"Hey dude, sorry to interrupt," he interrupted.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm sorry," I interrupt.

The New York Times - Style

"Sorry to interrupt you," Campbell said.

The New Yorker

"I'm sorry to interrupt production at JCB.

Independent

-- I'm sorry to interrupt you on that.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sorry for interrupting" when you need to politely interject in a conversation or activity. It's a versatile phrase suitable for many situations, both formal and informal.

Common error

While polite, repeatedly using "sorry for interrupting" can undermine your authority or make you seem overly apologetic. If you find yourself interrupting frequently, try to listen more actively and find natural pauses to contribute.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sorry for interrupting" functions as an interjection and a polite apology. It expresses regret for disrupting someone's speech or actions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable. Examples show its use in diverse scenarios, from news interviews to casual conversations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Sorry for interrupting" is a polite and grammatically sound phrase used to express regret for disrupting a conversation or activity. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. While its frequency is uncommon, it's suitable for various contexts, especially in news, media, and academic settings. To avoid overuse, consider alternatives like "excuse me for interrupting" or "pardon my interruption", depending on the formality required. Using this phrase thoughtfully maintains respectful and harmonious communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excuse me for interrupting

This phrase offers a more formal tone while expressing the same sentiment.

my apologies for interrupting

A more formal and emphatic way to express regret for the interruption.

pardon my interruption

This is a slightly more old-fashioned and formal way to apologize for interrupting.

apologies for the interruption

This phrase is more concise and suitable for written communication.

I didn't mean to interrupt

This phrase emphasizes the lack of intention to interrupt, rather than directly apologizing.

I'm sorry to cut you off

This phrase specifically refers to interrupting someone's speech.

forgive me for butting in

This is a more casual and informal way to apologize, suggesting a less serious interruption.

I hate to interrupt

Expresses reluctance to interrupt, indirectly apologizing for doing so.

I'm afraid I have to interrupt

This phrase suggests the interruption is necessary despite being impolite.

may I interrupt

This is a question asking for permission to interrupt, rather than an apology.

FAQs

How can I use "sorry for interrupting" in a sentence?

You can use "sorry for interrupting" when you want to politely interject or cut off someone. For instance, "Sorry for interrupting, but I have some important information to share".

What's a more formal alternative to "sorry for interrupting"?

A more formal alternative would be "excuse me for interrupting" or "pardon my interruption".

Is it always necessary to apologize when interrupting?

While it's generally polite to apologize, the necessity depends on the context. In urgent situations, a simple "excuse me" might suffice. In more formal settings, "sorry for interrupting" is advisable.

What can I say instead of "sorry for interrupting" in an informal setting?

In an informal context, you might say "I didn't mean to interrupt" or "forgive me for butting in".