What “Sorry to Bother You” Means & When to Use It

Download Article

Learn to use this polite phrase and its variations

Co-authored by Annaliese Dunne and Maryana Lucia Vestic, MFA, M.Phil.

Last Updated: August 21, 2025 Fact Checked

Download Article

Meaning

|

Examples

|

Is it grammatically correct?

|

Variations

|

Alternatives

|

FAQs

|

Video

“Sorry to bother you” is a polite way to acknowledge that you’re interrupting or inconveniencing someone. Most people say it before asking a question or making a request. Keep reading to learn more about when and how to use “Sorry to bother you.” Our comprehensive guide also includes variations and alternative phrases you can use, plus plenty of examples to guide you.

“Sorry to Bother You” Definition

“Sorry to bother you” is a polite way to apologize for interrupting or disturbing someone. Say it before asking someone a question or requesting a favor to acknowledge that they’re taking time to help you. For example, you might say “Sorry to bother you, but do you know when the next team meeting is?” to a colleague.

Section 1 of 6:

What does “Sorry to bother you” mean?

Download Article

1
This phrase is a polite way to acknowledge that you’re interrupting someone. It’s a considerate way to apologize for disturbing them. You typically say, “Sorry to bother you” before asking the person a question or asking for a favor or a request. It shows you’re trying to be positive when speaking with someone else, especially in a professional or formal environment.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- “Sorry to bother you” is a polite way to show respect for the other person’s time. For example:
  - “I’m sorry to bother you. Have you heard back from the client yet?”
  - “Sorry to bother you, but do you have time to review this report today?”
2
“Sorry to bother you” is an idiom, so its meaning is not 100% literal. When you say “Sorry to bother you,” you’re not literally saying “sorry.” Instead, you’re politely interrupting someone when asking them a question or a favor. By doing so, you’re acknowledging any inconvenience it may cause them.
- The phrase is a “phatic” expression, which is a polite social convention used after interrupting someone or before asking them to do something.^{[2]
  X
  Research source}
- “Sorry to bother you” suggests an “I” in the statement, as in “I’m sorry to bother you.” Most English speakers omit the “I” because it’s understood.

Section 2 of 6:

Using “Sorry to Bother You” in a Sentence

Download Article

Say “Sorry to bother you” before asking for help or clarification. You can use “Sorry to bother you” in casual, formal, or professional events. Say the phrase before politely asking a question, asking for assistance, or inquiring about something you need. It’s usually used first, but you can also say “Sorry to bother you” after you’ve asked the question.
- “Sorry to bother you, but can you show me where to find the restroom?”
- “Marie, sorry to bother you, but Mr. Smith is here for his appointment.”
- “Sorry to bother you, but could I have 5 minutes of your time?”
- “Sorry to bother you, but I can’t find the doctor’s office. Can you help me?”
- “Excuse me. I’m sorry to bother you. I need to get change for $20.”
- “Sorry to bother you at this time of night.”
- “May I ask you a few more questions? Sorry to bother you.”
- “Sorry to bother you, but do you have some free time later to talk?”
- “Thanks, sorry to bother you.”
- “I can’t seem to find the exit. Sorry to bother you, but can you show me the way?”

Section 3 of 6:

Is “Sorry to bother you” grammatically correct?

Download Article

“Sorry to bother you” is grammatically correct. The phrase is a shortened version of the sentence “I am sorry to bother you” (the "I am" is assumed by English speakers). It includes the adjective “sorry,” followed by the verb “to bother” and the pronoun “you.” The verb “bother” in the phrase is used to mean “intrude upon” or “take someone’s time.”^{[3]
X
Research source}
- “Sorry to bother you” works similarly to “Sorry to disturb you” or “excuse me” as a polite apology to offer before asking for something from another person. It’s usually followed by a request or a question.^{[4]
  X
  Research source}

Section 4 of 6:

Variations of “Sorry to Bother You”

Download Article

1
“Sorry for bothering you.” This variation is used after an interaction to acknowledge that you have already caused a possible inconvenience. Here, you’re reacting to the fact that you just interrupted or disturbed the person in question. It refers to the past instead of the present.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- “Sorry for bothering you when you were trying to get work done.”
- “Sorry for bothering you with my dumb questions!”
- "Sorry to bother you" vs. "Sorry for bothering you": “Sorry to bother you” comes before an interruption, while "sorry for bothering you” comes after an interruption. For example:
  - “Sorry to bother you—do you have the time?” is a way to politely interrupt someone so you can ask them a question.
  - “Thanks again for your help. Sorry for bothering you!” is a way to politely acknowledge the interruption you've already caused.
2
“Sorry to have bothered you.” Use this variation as you would “Sorry for bothering you” since it also refers to a past incident. Here, you’re also apologizing and expressing regret for your previous action of interrupting someone. “Sorry to have bothered you” infers a past action even more so than “Sorry for bothering you,” so it’s appropriate when time has passed.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- “Sorry to have bothered you earlier this week. I was so confused about protocol.”
- “Sorry to have bothered you this morning. I couldn’t find our meeting location.”
- “I’m sorry to have bothered you about the family reunion. I know you’re really busy.”

Section 5 of 6:

Alternatives for “Sorry to Bother You”

Download Article

1
“I hope I’m not interrupting at an inconvenient time.” This is the closest alternative to “Sorry to bother you” that expresses a polite acknowledgment of an interruption, along with the detail “at an inconvenient time.” “I hope I’m not interrupting you” also works well at the beginning of a conversation or email.
- “I hope I’m not interrupting at an inconvenient time, but do you have the meeting materials ready yet?”
- “I hope I’m not interrupting at an inconvenient time—are you ready to plan our trip?”
- “I hope I’m not interrupting at an inconvenient time, but I need to find out if you can attend next week.”
2
“Let me know when is a good time to…” This phrase uses a different approach than “sorry to bother you” by directly asking the other person what a preferred time is for them to complete a task or favor for you.
- “Let me know when is a good time to get your assistance with the report.”
- “Let me know when is a good time to prepare for our meeting.”
- “Let me know when is a good time to go over the lab results.”
- Alternatives for “Sorry to bother you” can soften the interruption, request, or question that follows and make your request seem more agreeable.
3
“I apologize for reaching out again.” This phrase acknowledges the amount you’ve been in touch. Replace the “I’m sorry” with “I apologize,” which still offers a sense of regret about your question of favor. By adding “again,” you also recognize the number of times you’ve reached out.
- “I apologize for reaching out again about next week’s get-together.”
- “Just checking in about our trip next month. I apologize for reaching out again.”
- “I apologize for reaching out again. Did you get a chance to look at my manuscript?”

Section 6 of 6:

Frequently Asked Questions: “Sorry to Bother You”

Download Article

1
Is “Sorry to bother you” appropriate? “Sorry to bother you” expresses politeness in showing respect for someone else’s time. It’s appropriate when used to request information or ask a question. The phrase is used in the present tense; if you refer to bothering someone in the past, you’d say, “Sorry to have bothered you.”
2
How do you say “Sorry to bother you” politely? Other more formal ways of saying “Sorry to bother you” include “Excuse me,” “Pardon me,” and “I hope I’m not interrupting.” If you want to express yourself more clearly, you can also say, “I’m sorry for any inconvenience.” However, “Sorry to bother you” is considered a polite way to apologize before asking for something.