“Sorry to bother you” is one of those polite expressions we often use when we’re about to ask someone for a favor, interrupt them while they’re busy, or step into their personal space for a brief moment—and while it’s generally understood as respectful, overusing this phrase can sometimes make you sound hesitant or lacking confidence, especially in situations where a more direct or nuanced approach might leave a stronger impression.
Whether you’re reaching out to a colleague, emailing a client, or trying to start a conversation with someone during a hectic moment, having a diverse set of phrases to express consideration and tactfulness can improve the way you communicate, reduce awkwardness, and help you strike the right balance between being polite and being assertive.
This article is a detailed guide to alternative expressions you can use instead of “Sorry to bother you,” covering formal and informal options and giving clear examples and contextual meanings so you can choose the best phrasing for your needs.
Other Ways to Say “Sorry to Bother You”
1. I hope I’m not interrupting
Example: “Hi, I hope I’m not interrupting, but I needed to ask about the report.”
Meaning: This phrase signals polite awareness that the other person might be busy and shows that you respect their time.
Usage: Ideal for phone calls, messages, or in-person interactions when you’re uncertain about someone’s availability.
2. Do you have a minute?
Example: “Do you have a minute to go over this with me?”
Meaning: A direct yet respectful way to initiate a conversation while acknowledging that the person’s time is valuable.
Usage: Common in workplace settings where brief check-ins are needed.
3. I hate to impose
Example: “I hate to impose, but could I ask you for some quick help?”
Meaning: This phrase softens your request and shows humility, suggesting you are aware that you may be causing inconvenience.
Usage: Appropriate in both formal and personal contexts, especially when asking for a favor.
4. Just a quick question
Example: “Just a quick question—do you remember the deadline for the proposal?”
Meaning: A casual and non-intrusive way to approach someone, often used to suggest that the interruption won’t take long.
Usage: Informal, great for colleagues or acquaintances in everyday conversation.
5. I know you’re busy, but…
Example: “I know you’re busy, but could I borrow a moment of your time?”
Meaning: Acknowledges that the person is occupied, and expresses that your request is made with consideration.
Usage: Helpful when dealing with superiors, busy professionals, or anyone you don’t want to inconvenience.
6. I don’t mean to trouble you
Example: “I don’t mean to trouble you, but this form needs your signature.”
Meaning: Expresses politeness and caution, making it clear that your intent is not to cause stress or frustration.
Usage: Suitable in written communication or formal spoken interactions.
7. Would it be alright if I asked you something?
Example: “Would it be alright if I asked you something about the schedule?”
Meaning: This phrasing adds a tone of permission-seeking, which helps to show respect before proceeding.
Usage: Professional, courteous, and useful when communicating with authority figures.
8. I hope it’s okay to ask
Example: “I hope it’s okay to ask—are we still on for the meeting later today?”
Meaning: A polite way to make a request or raise a topic while easing any potential tension or discomfort.
Usage: Works well in both emails and casual speech.
9. Let me know if this isn’t a good time
Example: “Let me know if this isn’t a good time—I can come back later.”
Meaning: Provides the other person with the freedom to reschedule the interaction, which shows thoughtfulness.
Usage: Excellent in office settings or while approaching someone unexpectedly.
10. Pardon the interruption
Example: “Pardon the interruption, but the client has arrived.”
Meaning: A more formal and traditional way to acknowledge that you’re momentarily breaking someone’s concentration.
Usage: Ideal for professional meetings, workplace environments, or announcements.
11. If now’s not a good time, I can come back
Example: “If now’s not a good time, I can come back after lunch.”
Meaning: Shows flexibility and respect for someone else’s schedule by offering an alternative time.
Usage: Suitable for in-person workplace interactions, especially when approaching someone who seems preoccupied.
12. I’ll be brief
Example: “I’ll be brief—I just wanted to ask about the status of our order.”
Meaning: Communicates that your interruption will be short, which may make the person more willing to engage.
Usage: Effective in business settings and time-sensitive situations.
13. Mind if I ask you something?
Example: “Mind if I ask you something about the contract?”
Meaning: Casual and courteous, this phrase seeks permission and shows you value the person’s time and boundaries.
Usage: Great for workplace peers, friends, or informal emails.
14. Can I quickly run something by you?
Example: “Can I quickly run something by you before the meeting?”
Meaning: Suggests the interaction will be short and relevant, often used to test ideas or clarify small details.
Usage: Informal to semi-formal, especially in fast-paced environments like meetings or project planning.
15. I hope I’m not catching you at a bad time
Example: “Hey, I hope I’m not catching you at a bad time, but I needed to get your thoughts on this.”
Meaning: This phrase shows empathy and allows the listener to opt out if they’re too busy or not in the right headspace.
Usage: Useful in both personal and professional conversations where timing is uncertain.
16. I’ll keep it short
Example: “I’ll keep it short—just need a yes or no on this decision.”
Meaning: Offers assurance that your message or request won’t take up much time, which increases the chance of a quick response.
Usage: Perfect for meetings, check-ins, or digital communication.
17. I just wanted to check in
Example: “I just wanted to check in about the proposal we sent last week.”
Meaning: A softer approach that feels less intrusive and more like a casual follow-up.
Usage: Ideal for client communication, emails, or when following up without sounding aggressive.
18. When you have a moment
Example: “When you have a moment, could you review this file for me?”
Meaning: Puts the control in the other person’s hands and allows them to respond at their own pace.
Usage: Frequently used in emails or Slack messages in a workplace environment.
19. Just wanted to quickly flag something
Example: “Just wanted to quickly flag something I noticed in the report.”
Meaning: Makes the interruption feel helpful rather than burdensome by implying you’re providing useful input.
Usage: Works well in collaborative teams or situations that involve feedback.
20. I’ll only take a second
Example: “I’ll only take a second—I just need you to initial this form.”
Meaning: Reduces friction by presenting your request as extremely minimal in time commitment.
Usage: Effective in fast-moving environments like offices or during busy hours.
21. Don’t want to take up too much of your time
Example: “Don’t want to take up too much of your time, but could we go over the design changes?”
Meaning: A courteous way to acknowledge the value of someone’s time while still making your request.
Usage: Suitable for emails, calls, and face-to-face interactions.
22. Hope I’m not being a pest
Example: “Hope I’m not being a pest, but I wanted to follow up on my last message.”
Meaning: Light-hearted and self-aware, it expresses your concern about being too persistent.
Usage: Best used in friendly or informal contexts, where humor is acceptable.
23. I promise I’ll be quick
Example: “I promise I’ll be quick—just two questions and I’ll let you go.”
Meaning: Adds a personal guarantee that you won’t be long, which can reduce resistance to the interruption.
Usage: Helpful when time pressure is involved.
24. Could I borrow you for a second?
Example: “Could I borrow you for a second to help with this spreadsheet?”
Meaning: A friendly and relaxed phrase that frames the request in a non-threatening way.
Usage: Ideal for coworker or peer-to-peer communication.
25. Sorry to trouble you
Example: “Sorry to trouble you, but the client is waiting in the lobby.”
Meaning: A classic and polite expression used when you truly want to convey regret for the inconvenience.
Usage: Safe for almost any scenario, whether formal or casual.
When to Use Different “Sorry to Bother You” Alternatives
In Professional Settings
In professional environments where tone and clarity matter, expressions like “Do you have a minute?”, “I hope I’m not interrupting,” or “Let me know if this isn’t a good time” are great ways to show respect for someone’s time while still getting the information or assistance you need—these phrases help you sound courteous, aware, and proactive, which strengthens your credibility and professionalism.
In Casual or Friendly Conversations
When speaking with friends, colleagues you know well, or acquaintances in laid-back situations, informal options like “Mind if I ask you something?”, “I’ll be quick,” or “Just a quick question” can keep the tone light and personal without sounding overly formal or distant, which makes the exchange more relatable and authentic.
In Customer Service or Email Etiquette
When communicating through email or customer-facing channels, phrases such as “I just wanted to check in,” “When you have a moment,” or “Don’t want to take up too much of your time” can create a more professional and thoughtful tone that leaves a good impression and increases the likelihood of a positive response.
Conclusion
While “Sorry to bother you” remains a polite and widely accepted phrase, it doesn’t always reflect the nuance or tone that different social and professional situations may require—and by using more specific and varied expressions, you can tailor your communication to be more thoughtful, respectful, or efficient, depending on the setting and your relationship with the other person.
Expanding your communication toolkit with these 25 alternatives can help you become a more confident and considerate communicator, whether you’re navigating work dynamics, casual conversations, or formal email exchanges.
FAQs
What does “Sorry to bother you” mean?
It’s a polite phrase used to acknowledge that you’re interrupting someone or asking for their time, typically in a respectful way.
Is “Sorry to bother you” formal or informal?
It’s versatile and can be used in most situations, but more specific alternatives like “Do you have a moment?” or “I hope I’m not interrupting” might be more suitable in formal or professional contexts.
What’s a casual way to say “Sorry to bother you”?
Phrases like “Just a quick question” or “Mind if I ask you something?” work well in casual settings without sounding too stiff.
Can these alternatives be used in emails?
Yes—phrases like “When you have a moment” or “Don’t want to take up too much of your time” are especially useful in emails to keep things professional and polite.
