excuse me
1
said before asking someone a question, as a way of politely getting their attention
- Excuse me, could you help me with this?
- Excuse me, where is the nearest bus stop?
- Excuse me, is this seat taken?
- Excuse me, can I speak to the manager?
- Excuse me, where did you buy your shoes from?
2
said to politely ask someone to move or make space so that one can get past them
- Excuse me, can you let me through?
- Excuse me, I need to pass.
- Excuse me, could you move over a bit?
- Excuse me, I'm trying to get to the front.
- Excuse me, I need to get to the other side.
3
said to apologize for interrupting someone
- Excuse me, but could I ask you a quick question?
- Excuse me, there’s someone at the door for you.
- Excuse me, but I need to speak with you for a moment.
- Excuse me, I didn’t realize you were speaking.
- Excuse me, I just wanted to let you know something.
4
said to politely inform someone that one is going to leave or talk to another person
- Excuse me, I need to go take care of something.
- Excuse me, I’ll be back shortly.
- Excuse me, I’m going to step out for a moment.
- Excuse me for a second, I’ll be right back.
- Excuse me, I need to take this call.
5
said to apologize when one makes a rude noise or does something wrong
- Excuse me, I wasn’t looking where I was going.
- Oh, excuse me.I didn’t notice you were standing so close.
- Excuse me, I didn’t mean to sneeze so loudly.
- Excuse me, I accidentally bumped into you.
- Excuse me, I didn't mean to burp out loud.
6
said to ask someone to repeat what they have said because it could not be heard
- Excuse me, could you repeat that please?
- "Please fill out this form.""Excuse me?"
- Excuse me, could you say that again?
- "Can you pass the salt?""Excuse me?"
- Excuse me, what did you say?
Synonyms:
7
said before one disagrees with someone in order to not be rude or offensive
- Excuse me, but I don't think that's true.
- Excuse me, but I don’t think that’s what he meant at all.
- Excuse me!That was my idea, not yours!