20 Ways to Say “Sorry to Bother You” Professionally

In the bustling corridors of the professional world, communication is key, but so is respect for others’ time and space.

Saying “Sorry to bother you” is a polite way to acknowledge this respect, especially when you need someone’s attention or assistance. However, relying on the same phrase repeatedly might lessen its impact.

Here’s a list of 20 alternative ways to convey your polite interruption in a professional context, making sure your courteous approach shines through every request or question.

1. “Apologies for the interruption.”

Example: “Apologies for the interruption, but could I get your input on this report?”

Best Use Case: Perfect for when you need to momentarily disrupt someone’s work to seek their advice or opinion.

2. “Pardon my intrusion.”

Example: “Pardon my intrusion, but I was hoping to discuss yesterday’s meeting with you.”

Best Use Case: Ideal for initiating a conversation that requires revisiting a previous discussion or event.

3. “I hate to disturb you.”

Example: “I hate to disturb you, but your expertise on this issue would be greatly appreciated.”

Best Use Case: When you need someone’s specialized knowledge or expertise on a matter.

4. “Excuse this unscheduled interruption.”

Example: “Excuse this unscheduled interruption, but are you available for a quick chat about the budget?”

Best Use Case: For when an urgent matter arises that requires immediate attention or discussion.

5. “I know you’re busy, but…”

Example: “I know you’re busy, but could we take a moment to review these figures together?”

Best Use Case: Acknowledges the person’s workload before asking for their time, indicating respect for their schedule.

6. “Sorry for the out-of-the-blue question.”

Example: “Sorry for the out-of-the-blue question, but do you know when the client is expecting our feedback?”

Best Use Case: Suitable for when you need to ask something unexpectedly or without prior discussion.

7. “Hope I’m not interrupting.”

Example: “Hope I’m not interrupting, but could I borrow you for five minutes?”

Best Use Case: When asking for a brief amount of someone’s time, ensuring you’re minimizing the disruption.

8. “I realize it’s a busy time, but…”

Example: “I realize it’s a busy time, but could you help me understand this process?”

Best Use Case: Shows empathy towards the recipient’s workload while asking for assistance.

9. “Forgive my sudden intrusion.”

Example: “Forgive my sudden intrusion, but your advice would be invaluable on this matter.”

Best Use Case: When seeking advice or input in a situation that has abruptly arisen.

10. “I seek your forgiveness for this interruption.”

Example: “I seek your forgiveness for this interruption, but your immediate feedback is needed.”

Best Use Case: Highlights the necessity of someone’s input or feedback at that moment.

11. “Would now be a bad time?”

Example: “Would now be a bad time to discuss the updates on our project?”

Best Use Case: Shows consideration by allowing the person the opportunity to suggest a better time if they’re currently unavailable.

12. “I regret the disturbance.”

Example: “I regret the disturbance, but your signature is required on these documents by today.”

Best Use Case: Indicates a necessary action that needs attention, justifying the interruption.

13. “This may be out of the blue, but…”

Example: “This may be out of the blue, but have you had a chance to review my email?”

Best Use Case: Appropriate for following up on previous communication that might not have been addressed.

14. “I need a moment of your expertise.”

Example: “I need a moment of your expertise, if you can spare it.”

Best Use Case: When you’re in need of someone’s specific skills or knowledge for a quick consultation.

15. “Could I steal a moment of your time?”

Example: “Could I steal a moment of your time to go over these figures?”

Best Use Case: A polite way of requesting someone’s time for a brief discussion or question.

16. “May I have a moment?”

Example: “May I have a moment, as I need your insight on a pressing issue?”

Best Use Case: Direct and polite request for someone’s attention on an important matter.

17. “I don’t mean to impose, but…”

Example: “I don’t mean to impose, but your review on this document is urgently needed.”

Best Use Case: Conveys the urgency of a request without assuming priority over the recipient’s current tasks.

18. “At your earliest convenience…”

Example: “At your earliest convenience, could we discuss your report’s findings?”

Best Use Case: Implies flexibility on timing while indicating the need for a future discussion.

19. “Sorry to spring this on you, but…”

Example: “Sorry to spring this on you, but we need to adjust our strategy based on new data.”

Best Use Case: When you need to address unexpected changes or developments that require immediate attention.

20. “If I may disturb you for a moment…”

Example: “If I may disturb you for a moment, I have a question about our project’s timeline.”

Best Use Case: Polite preface to a question that shows respect for the recipient’s time.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of polite interruption in a professional setting is about respecting others’ time while ensuring your needs or inquiries are addressed. By varying your approach and showing consideration for the person you’re interrupting, you’re more likely to foster positive communication and maintain amicable professional relationships. These alternative phrases provide you with a toolkit to navigate these moments with grace and professionalism.