excuse me (3)

This page is about the conversational phrase excuse me (3)

Meaning

This is a polite thing to say if you have to get past somebody in a crowded space.

For example

  • A man behind me said, "Excuse me." Then he squeezed past me and got off the bus.

  • It was a really crowded shop. I must have said "Excuse me" a dozen times while I was in there.

Note:
Also "pardon me" (American English)

Quick Quiz

if you're on a crowded train, you should say "Excuse me" if

a. someone's squeezing past you

b. you're squeezing past someone

c. someone's squeezing something
a) someone's squeezing past you b) you're squeezing past someone c) someone's squeezing something

Contributor: Matt Errey