Meaning
A polite opener used when interrupting someone or making an initial request, signaling that the speaker acknowledges potentially imposing on the other person's time.
Primary Function
Making polite requests
Communicative Purpose
To show awareness of intruding on another’s attention while setting up what will follow as a reasonable ask.
Pattern
Sorry to bother you
Core Structure
Sorry to bother you
Função primária
Making polite requests
Propósito comunicativo
To show awareness of intruding on another’s attention while setting up what will follow as a reasonable ask.
Situações de gatilho
Interrupting a colleague during work, asking a stranger for assistance, needing directions from a shop clerk.
Contextos
Professional settings (e.g., workplace), casual everyday interactions with acquaintances, formal business environments where politeness is valued.
Padrão
Sorry to bother you
Estrutura central
Sorry to bother you
Slots de substituição
None (the phrase is a fixed expression)
Colocados típicos
- you
- but
- could
- would
Substituições comuns
- Sorry to trouble you
- I don't mean to disturb you
Erros comuns
Leaving out 'but' when connecting to a request; using it as an isolated apology without following up with what is needed.
Similar / contraste
Excuse me, Do you have a minute?
Interferências
Some learners over‑apologize excessively, which can weaken assertiveness and reduce compliance likelihood.
Família do chunk
- Polite interruptors: Sorry to interrupt
- Pardon my intrusion
- Excuse me.
Nuance
The phrase conveys respect for the listener’s time and space, softening any potential intrusion.
Efeito pragmático
Softens the intrusion of speaking first or asking something, increasing the chance that the interlocutor will respond positively.
Dica de memória
polite interruption
Nota
This chunk is a polite way to initiate a request or interruption, acknowledging the potential inconvenience to the listener.
Upgrade path
Sorry to bother you → I hate to disturb you but… (more formal escalation).
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