sorry to bother

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   a polite way to begin asking someone for help or to interrupt them

   Grammar: Used at the start of a request, often followed by 'but' or a question: Sorry to bother you, but could you help?

   Patterns

   • sorry to bother you
   • sorry to bother you, but ...

   Sorry to bother you, but do you know where the station is?

   Sorry to bother you — I just need to ask a quick question.

   Sorry to bother you at this hour, but I left my keys inside.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   used to apologize for interrupting someone who is busy or for taking their time

   Grammar: Often used alone or with 'but' when you feel you are disturbing someone: Sorry to bother you, but I need your signature.

   Patterns

   • sorry to bother you
   • sorry to bother you with something

   Sorry to bother you while you're working, but I have a quick question.

   Sorry to bother you — I didn't realize you were in a meeting.

   Sorry to bother you with this, but could you check my report?

Common combinations

sorry to bother you

Sorry to bother you, but could you pass the salt?

sorry to bother you at this hour

Sorry to bother you at this hour, but I need to talk.

sorry to bother you with this

Sorry to bother you with this, but I can't find my file.

sorry to bother you again

Sorry to bother you again, but I forgot to ask something.

Synonyms and how they differ

excuse me

Used to get attention or interrupt politely, but not specifically an apology for disturbing someone.

I apologize for the interruption

More formal and serious; used in written or official situations.

pardon me

Slightly old-fashioned or formal; used when interrupting or disagreeing.

Commonly confused: sorry to bother or sorry for bothering you?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “sorry to bother”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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