sorry to interfere

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'sorry to interfere' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can typically use this phrase when you are offering your opinion or advice and don't want to overstep your bounds or be too intrusive. For example, you could say: "I'm sorry to interfere, but I think it might be a good idea to consider putting the project on hold until you have more resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's as if we are supposed to apologize because we bear children - gee sorry to interfere with the rest of our health care needs, but - there's this tiny issue of wanting healthy, planned families.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Wilson refused to interfere.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"You want to interfere.

Independent

I decided not to interfere.

The New Yorker

China was not permitted to interfere.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"They never seemed to interfere with anyone.

Independent

Who are judges to interfere?

The Guardian - Opinion

We encourage everybody not to interfere".

The Guardian

He believes in his right to interfere.

The Guardian

He did not mean to interfere.

The New Yorker

I don't want to interfere.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sorry to interfere" when you want to offer advice or an opinion, but you're aware that it might be unwelcome or perceived as intrusive. It softens the impact of your intervention.

Common error

Avoid using "sorry to interfere" too casually with close friends or family. In very informal settings, it can sound overly formal or insincere. Simpler phrases like "Can I say something?" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sorry to interfere" primarily functions as a hedge or a softener when offering advice, suggestions, or opinions that might be perceived as intrusive. It is used to mitigate potential offense or discomfort. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a correct use of the expression.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sorry to interfere" is a polite and considerate way to introduce an opinion or suggestion that might be perceived as intrusive. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. It functions as a hedge, softening the impact of your intervention. While grammatically sound, its frequency is rare, and it's most commonly found in news, academic, and encyclopedia contexts. Remember to adjust the formality of your language depending on the setting and audience. Consider alternatives like "excuse me for interfering" or "can I jump in here" for more formal or informal situations, respectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Sorry for butting in

Emphasizes the abruptness of the interruption; slightly more informal.

Pardon me for interrupting

Classic polite phrase for briefly disrupting a conversation.

Excuse me for interfering

More formal and polite, suitable for professional settings.

Forgive me for intervening

Highlights the act of stepping in to change a situation.

I apologize for intruding

Very formal and carries a stronger sense of regret.

I don't mean to interfere

Clarifies the intention is not to cause disruption.

I hate to interfere

Expresses reluctance to intervene, implying a difficult situation.

With all due respect, I must interfere

Highlights that user want to show respect to the person they are talking to but also interfering with their ideas

If I may interfere

Asks for permission before offering an opinion.

Apologies for the interruption

Simple expression for disrupting someone without explaining the reason

FAQs

How can I use "sorry to interfere" in a sentence?

You can use "sorry to interfere" to politely introduce an opinion or suggestion, like in the sentence, "I'm sorry to interfere, but I think you should double-check those numbers."

What's a less formal way to say "sorry to interfere"?

If you want to be less formal, you could say something like, "Can I jump in here?" or "Do you mind if I add something?" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "sorry to interfere"?

It's appropriate to use "sorry to interfere" when you're offering an opinion or suggestion in a situation where it might be seen as intrusive or unwelcome. It's a way to soften the impact of your intervention.

Are there situations where I shouldn't use "sorry to interfere"?

Avoid using "sorry to interfere" in very casual settings or with people you're very close to, as it can sound overly formal. In those situations, a more direct approach might be better.