sorry to bother you
en
en
Change language
Translating...
/ˈsɑri tə ˈbɑðɚ ju/
Add to My Dictionary
In My Dictionary
+1
Apologizing for causing inconvenience.
Examples
He sent an email that began with sorry to bother you, then explained the issue.
Sorry to bother you, but could you tell me where the restroom is?
I know you're busy, sorry to bother you, but I need a quick answer.
If it's not too much trouble, sorry to bother you, I just wanted to check on the meeting time.
She whispered, sorry to bother you, before asking for directions.
Similar words
forgive the inconvenience
excuse mepardon the interruption
I hate to intrude
Meanings
Examples
Sorry to bother you, but could you tell me where the restroom is?
I know you're busy, sorry to bother you, but I need a quick answer.
If it's not too much trouble, sorry to bother you, I just wanted to check on the meeting time.
She whispered, sorry to bother you, before asking for directions.
He sent an email that began with sorry to bother you, then explained the issue.
During the lecture, a student raised his hand and said, sorry to bother you, before asking a question.
Similar words
excuse mepardon the interruption
I hate to intrude
forgive the inconvenience
FAQ
What does sorry to bother you mean?
It is a polite way of saying you regret causing someone inconvenience.
When should I use sorry to bother you?
Use it when you need to interrupt or ask something that may inconvenience the other person.
How is sorry to bother you different from excuse me?
Sorry to bother you expresses regret, while excuse me is more of a request for attention.
Is sorry to bother you formal or informal?
It is neutral in register, suitable for most everyday situations.
Can sorry to bother you be used in written communication?
Yes, it works in emails or letters as a courteous opening before a request.
What is a polite alternative to sorry to bother you?
Similar phrases include excuse me, pardon the interruption, or I hate to intrude.
Does sorry to bother you imply an apology or a request?
It functions as an apology, showing you feel sorry for the inconvenience.
In what situations is sorry to bother you appropriate?
Appropriate when you need to ask a question, request help, or bring up a topic that may disturb someone.
How does sorry to bother you relate to pardon the interruption?
Both mean you are apologizing for the interruption, but pardon the interruption sounds slightly more formal.
Comments & contributions
Know this word from another angle? Add a correction, a nuance, or a usage note. New posts go public after a quick review.
No comments yet. Be the first to add one.