sorry to interrupt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sorry to interrupt" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used when you have to abruptly interject into a conversation and want to apologize for doing so. For example, "I'm sorry to interrupt, but I need to leave early today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sorry, sorry, sorry to interrupt you but— have the worms been cleaned, or?— ah I really shouldn'— yes, well no, I suppose if everyone is eating the wor— and you're sure women will like me, if I eat worms".

Vice

"I'm sorry to interrupt production at JCB.

Independent

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

The New York Times

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

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm terribly sorry to interrupt," he said he would murmur.

The New York Times

"I'm, uh, really sorry to interrupt, Mr. Showalter," I began.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm sorry to interrupt, but I miss your crazy trousers, I love them.

Harvard Business Review

I am very sorry to interrupt your work, but I have an announcement that requires your immediate attention.

The New Yorker

Syvret, the newspaper reported, stood up and said: "On a point of order, I am sorry to interrupt the minister.

The Guardian

One of them, with tears in her eyes, says: 'Mr Roth, I'm sorry to interrupt your breakfast.

The Guardian - Books

My principal stepped forward, cleared her throat and said, "Leo, sorry to interrupt, but we have something to tell you today".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "sorry to interrupt" with a brief and clear statement to minimize disruption and maintain the flow of conversation.

Common error

Avoid starting every interjection with "sorry to interrupt". Overuse can undermine your confidence and make you seem overly apologetic. Vary your language with phrases like "excuse me" or a direct, concise statement if the context allows.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sorry to interrupt" functions as a polite apology used when interjecting into an ongoing conversation or activity. As seen in Ludwig, it's a standard way to acknowledge the interruption and show respect for the current speaker.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sorry to interrupt" is a versatile phrase used to politely interject into a conversation or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, especially in news, business, and scientific domains. While perfectly acceptable, remember to vary your language to avoid overuse and ensure your interjections are brief and relevant. Consider alternatives like "excuse me for interrupting" or "if I may interrupt" to suit different levels of formality. By understanding its function and appropriate usage, you can effectively communicate while maintaining a respectful tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excuse me for interrupting

More formal and explicitly states the action of interrupting.

pardon my interruption

A slightly more old-fashioned and formal way to apologize for interrupting.

if I may interrupt

Suggests a question of permission to interrupt, rather than an apology after the fact.

may I interject

More direct and business-like, suitable for formal settings.

can I jump in here

More casual and indicates a wish to add to the current conversation.

before I forget

Used to interject when one has something important to add.

one moment please

A polite way to get someone's attention before speaking.

just a quick word

Implies the interruption will be brief and to the point.

briefly, if I may

Similar to 'if I may interrupt', but emphasizes brevity.

before you continue

Indicates the speaker wants to say something related to the current topic before it moves on.

FAQs

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

Use "sorry to interrupt" when you need to interject into a conversation, especially in formal settings, to politely acknowledge and apologize for the interruption. It's useful when correcting a mistake, adding crucial information, or changing the subject slightly.

What are some alternatives to "sorry to interrupt"?

You can use alternatives such as "excuse me for interrupting", "pardon my interruption", or "if I may interrupt" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it ever inappropriate to say "sorry to interrupt"?

While generally polite, avoid overusing "sorry to interrupt", as it can diminish your perceived confidence. In very informal settings or with close friends, a simple "excuse me" or a direct statement might be more appropriate.

How can I interrupt politely without saying "sorry to interrupt"?

You can politely interrupt by using phrases like "may I interject?", "can I jump in here?", or by simply pausing and saying "one moment please" to signal your intent to speak. Be sure to maintain a respectful tone and body language.