pardon me

Meaning

A polite phrase used to apologize for minor social mistakes (like bumping into someone), to ask someone to repeat what they said, or to politely get someone's attention or pass by them.

Examples

• Pardon me, I didn't catch what you said. Could you repeat that?

  Pardon me, I didn't catch what you said. Could you repeat that?

• Pardon me, could I squeeze past you to get to the exit?

  Pardon me, could I squeeze past you to get to the exit?

• Oh, pardon me! I didn't see you standing there.

  Oh, pardon me! I didn't see you standing there.

• Pardon me for interrupting, but there is a phone call for you.

  Pardon me for interrupting, but there is a phone call for you.

• He sneezed loudly and immediately said, 'Pardon me.'

  He sneezed loudly and immediately said, 'Pardon me.'

Common Mistakes

• ✗ Pardon for me.

  ✓ Pardon me.

  Do not add the preposition 'for' before 'me'. The verb 'pardon' takes a direct object.

• ✗ Pardon? I don't hear you.

  ✓ Pardon me? I didn't hear you.

  While 'Pardon?' is acceptable, 'Pardon me?' is more polite, and we use the past tense 'didn't hear' for something just spoken.

Related Expressions

Practice

• ___, is anyone sitting in this chair?

  💡 A polite way to get someone's attention.

  Show answer

  Pardon me

• ___? Could you say that last part again?

  💡 Ask someone politely to repeat themselves.

  Show answer

  Pardon me