sorry for the interruption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'sorry for the interruption' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a polite expression to use when you need to interrupt a conversation or event in order to make an announcement or ask a question. For example, you might say, "Sorry for the interruption, but could I please ask a question?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

I wondered, if I began saying outrageous things in a calm Radio 4 voice, how long it would be before I was tackled to the ground by producers or the continuity department intervened ("we are sorry for the interruption to the scheduled programme but one of our presenters has run amok").

The Guardian

"We're sorry for the interruption and will keep you posted as soon as we have an update".

TechCrunch

We're very sorry for the interruption to your days and we're taking steps now to address the problems uncovered during this incident.

TechCrunch

Sorry for the interruption.

Huffington Post

Sorry for the interruption, we return you now to your regularly scheduled article....]....]

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

We are very sorry for this interruption in service.

TechCrunch

"People are grateful for the interruption".

The New York Times

I feel grateful for the interruption.

The New Yorker

We would like to apologise to Adele for the interruption".

The Guardian - Music

Will clubs receive compensation for the interruption?

BBC

The awards moderator later apologised for the interruption.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sorry for the interruption", follow up immediately with the reason for the interruption to maintain clarity and respect for the listener's time.

Common error

While generally polite, "sorry for the interruption" might be too casual for highly formal situations like academic presentations or high-level business meetings. In those scenarios, consider a more formal alternative like "I apologize for the interruption".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sorry for the interruption" functions as an apology and a polite introduction before breaking into a conversation or presentation. It acknowledges the disruption and shows consideration for the ongoing activity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sorry for the interruption" is a grammatically correct and polite phrase used to preface an interruption, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While relatively uncommon in overall frequency, it's primarily found in News & Media contexts. The phrase serves to acknowledge and apologize for disturbing an ongoing activity, and although generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives exist for specific situations. When using this phrase, remember to be brief and clear about the reason for your interruption. Consider alternatives like "apologies for the interruption" or "excuse the interruption" to adjust the level of formality as needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Apologies for the interruption

Uses 'apologies' instead of 'sorry', offering a slightly more formal tone.

Excuse the interruption

Replaces 'sorry' with 'excuse', focusing on requesting understanding.

My apologies for interrupting

More personalized and emphasizes the act of interrupting.

I apologize for this interruption

More formal and direct apology.

Pardon the interruption

A slightly old-fashioned and polite way to express regret.

Forgive me for interrupting

Focuses on seeking forgiveness for breaking in.

I'm sorry to interrupt

Shifts the focus to the act of interrupting itself.

Sorry to barge in

Suitable when the interruption is perceived as intrusive.

Please excuse me for interrupting

Combines politeness with a direct request for understanding.

I didn't mean to interrupt

Emphasizes the lack of intention to cause a disruption.

FAQs

How can I use "sorry for the interruption" in a sentence?

You can use "sorry for the interruption" to politely break into a conversation or presentation. For example, "Sorry for the interruption, but I have a quick question regarding the previous slide".

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

A more formal alternative is "I apologize for this interruption", which is suitable for professional or academic settings.

When is it appropriate to use "sorry for the interruption"?

"Sorry for the interruption" is appropriate in various settings, from casual conversations to slightly formal presentations, to politely acknowledge breaking into an ongoing activity.

What can I say instead of "sorry for the interruption" in a casual setting?

In a casual setting, you could say "excuse the interruption", or "sorry to interrupt" to briefly acknowledge and apologize for interrupting.