excuse me

Meaning

This polite phrase is used to get someone's attention, ask someone to move out of your way, or apologize for a minor disruption like coughing. It can also be used to politely interrupt a conversation or ask someone to repeat what they said. The tone is respectful and essential for polite daily interactions.

Examples

• Excuse me, do you know what time the next bus arrives?

  Excuse me, do you know what time the next bus arrives?

• Excuse me, could I just squeeze past you to get to my seat?

  Excuse me, could I just squeeze past you to get to my seat?

• Excuse me, I think you dropped your wallet on the floor.

  Excuse me, I think you dropped your wallet on the floor.

• Oh, excuse me! I didn't mean to bump into your shoulder.

  Oh, excuse me! I didn't mean to bump into your shoulder.

• Excuse me, but is anyone sitting in this chair?

  Excuse me, but is anyone sitting in this chair?

Common Mistakes

• ✗ Sorry, where is the train station?

  ✓ Excuse me, where is the train station?

  Use "excuse me" to get a stranger's attention before asking a question. "Sorry" is typically used after you have made a mistake or caused an inconvenience.

• ✗ Pardon me, do you have a pen?

  ✓ Excuse me, do you have a pen?

  "Pardon me" is highly formal. "Excuse me" is much more natural and common in everyday neutral English.

Related Expressions

Practice

• ___, is this the way to the library?

  💡 Use this polite phrase to get a stranger's attention.

  Show answer

  Excuse me

• ___, I need to get off the train at this stop.

  💡 Use this to ask people to let you pass through a crowd.

  Show answer

  Excuse me