sorry to bother you

This page is about the conversational phrase sorry to bother you

Meaning

This is a polite thing to say before speaking to someone, esp. if you don't know them.

For example

  • "Sorry to bother you, but I was wondering if I could use your phone."
    "Sure, no problem. Here you go."

  • "Sorry to bother you, but do you know if there's an ATM around here?"

Quick Quiz

You can say "Sorry to bother you" just before you

a. give a student homework

b. ask a stranger a question

c. tell your friends a joke
a) give a student homework b) ask a stranger a question c) tell your friends a joke

Contributor: Matt Errey