When you want to get someone’s attention politely, the phrase “Sorry to disturb you” is a go-to. But let’s be honest—it can sound a little overused, formal, or even apologetic when you don’t really need to apologize. Sometimes, you’re not actually disturbing the person; you’re just politely trying to speak. This is why having alternative phrases in your communication toolkit can help you sound more warm, professional, and thoughtful—without over-apologizing. Other Words To Say Instead Of “Sorry To Disturb You”.
When I first started working in a busy office, I often used the simple phrase “excuse me” to get attention. It was a widely understood and polite way to cut into a conversation without sounding too intrusive. Over time, I learned that in some settings, using pardon or a more formal phrase like “I hope I’m not interrupting at an inconvenient time” worked better. Such alternatives help you acknowledge the other person’s state, showing respect for their space and tasks while keeping the tone clear and professional.
In more professional or slightly formal situations, I often choose words that show apologies but don’t sound like I’m sorry for existing. For instance, asking, “May I ask a quick question?” or saying, “Could I briefly have a moment of your attention?” feels more direct, less bothering, and avoids the sense of imposing. These alternative expressions also show consideration, making the interaction feel smoother while keeping the flow of work intact. I’ve found this approach strikes the right balance between being respectful and still getting what you need from someone without unnecessary disruption.
1. “Hope I’m not interrupting”
This phrase feels soft and considerate without being overly apologetic.
Best Use: Casual conversations or workplace settings where you don’t want to sound too formal.
Not To Use: In very professional emails—it may sound too casual.
Other Ways To Say: “I hope this isn’t a bad time.”
Example: “Hey Sarah, hope I’m not interrupting, but I wanted to check in on the project update.”
Read More: Best Responses to “Gracias Amigo”
2. “I’ll be brief”
This shows respect for the other person’s time.
Best Use: Emails and meetings where you want to signal efficiency.
Not To Use: In social or friendly settings—it may sound stiff.
Other Ways To Say: “This won’t take long.”
Example: “Hi Mr. Khan, I’ll be brief—I just need your input on the report.”
3. “Do you have a moment?”
Simple, clear, and polite.
Best Use: Quick workplace requests.
Not To Use: When asking something urgent—it feels too soft.
Other Ways To Say: “Could I borrow a minute of your time?”
Example: “Hi Ahmed, do you have a moment to look at this draft?”
4. “May I take a moment of your time?”
Formal but thoughtful.
Best Use: Professional conversations, especially with older people.
Not To Use: With close friends—it may sound too formal.
Other Ways To Say: “Would it be okay if I ask something quickly?”
Example: “Good morning Sir, may I take a moment of your time to discuss tomorrow’s meeting?”
5. “When you have a minute”
Respectful of the person’s schedule.
Best Use: Emails and workplace chats.
Not To Use: Urgent situations—it delays urgency.
Other Ways To Say: “At your convenience.”
Example: “Could you review this file when you have a minute?”
6. “Sorry to intrude”
Gentle and considerate.
Best Use: Situations where you know someone is already busy.
Not To Use: Emails—it feels too dramatic.
Other Ways To Say: “I don’t mean to intrude.”
Example: “Sorry to intrude, but may I borrow your notes?”
7. “If now’s a good time”
Puts the choice on the listener.
Best Use: Meetings or phone calls.
Not To Use: Text messages—it sounds awkward.
Other Ways To Say: “Is this a good time to talk?”
Example: “I’d like to go over this with you, if now’s a good time.”
8. “I hope this isn’t inconvenient”
Polite and respectful.
Best Use: When requesting help.
Not To Use: In casual chat—it feels too formal.
Other Ways To Say: “I hope this doesn’t trouble you.”
Example: “I hope this isn’t inconvenient, but could you help me with the report?”
9. “Excuse me for reaching out”
Balanced between polite and professional.
Best Use: Formal emails.
Not To Use: In face-to-face talks—it sounds too heavy.
Other Ways To Say: “Please excuse the interruption.”
Example: “Excuse me for reaching out, but I wanted to confirm the schedule.”
10. “Could I quickly check with you?”
Direct yet warm.
Best Use: Workplace quick questions.
Not To Use: Long discussions—it sounds misleading.
Other Ways To Say: “Can I run something by you?”
Example: “Could I quickly check with you about the client’s feedback?”
11. “I don’t mean to bother you”
Gentle and understanding.
Best Use: Polite requests.
Not To Use: Very formal settings—it feels casual.
Other Ways To Say: “I don’t want to trouble you.”
Example: “I don’t mean to bother you, but do you know where the files are kept?”
12. “If you’re free for a moment”
Respectful of availability.
Best Use: Workplace chats.
Not To Use: Urgent conversations.
Other Ways To Say: “When you’re available.”
Example: “If you’re free for a moment, I’d like to share the update.”
13. “I wanted to ask quickly”
Signals brevity.
Best Use: Casual or semi-formal situations.
Not To Use: Formal letters—it feels too informal.
Other Ways To Say: “Quick question.”
Example: “I wanted to ask quickly about the deadline extension.”
14. “Just a quick note”
Friendly and efficient.
Best Use: Emails or text messages.
Not To Use: Serious or formal requests.
Other Ways To Say: “Just dropping a quick line.”
Example: “Just a quick note to remind you about the team call tomorrow.”
15. “Sorry to interrupt”
Polite, classic, and common.
Best Use: Meetings and calls.
Not To Use: Emails—it sounds odd.
Other Ways To Say: “Pardon the interruption.”
Example: “Sorry to interrupt, but I’d like to add something here.”
16. “At your convenience”
Respectful and professional.
Best Use: Email communications.
Not To Use: Casual talks—it sounds formal.
Other Ways To Say: “Whenever you’re available.”
Example: “Please review the attached file at your convenience.”
17. “Before I forget”
Friendly and timely.
Best Use: Informal conversations.
Not To Use: Formal settings—it lacks professionalism.
Other Ways To Say: “Just to mention.”
Example: “Before I forget, can you send me the design file?”
18. “I’ll just take a minute”
Polite time marker.
Best Use: Workplace requests.
Not To Use: If it’ll actually take longer—it sounds misleading.
Other Ways To Say: “It won’t take long.”
Example: “I’ll just take a minute to explain the update.”
19. “Would you mind if I ask something?”
Gentle and considerate.
Best Use: Professional and polite settings.
Not To Use: Quick, informal chats—it feels stiff.
Other Ways To Say: “May I ask a question?”
Example: “Would you mind if I ask something about the report?”
20. “Just reaching out”
Friendly and approachable.
Best Use: Emails or chats.
Not To Use: Very formal letters.
Other Ways To Say: “Checking in.”
Example: “Just reaching out to see if you received the files.”
21. “Hope I’m not catching you at a bad time”
Considerate and kind.
Best Use: Calls or instant messaging.
Not To Use: Emails—it sounds clumsy.
Other Ways To Say: “Is this a good time?”
Example: “Hope I’m not catching you at a bad time, but can we talk?”
22. “Forgive the interruption”
Formal and polite.
Best Use: Academic or formal situations.
Not To Use: Casual conversations.
Other Ways To Say: “Pardon me.”
Example: “Forgive the interruption, but I need your opinion on this.”
23. “I don’t want to take too much of your time”
Respectful of busyness.
Best Use: Workplace meetings.
Not To Use: Informal chats—it feels heavy.
Other Ways To Say: “I’ll keep it short.”
Example: “I don’t want to take too much of your time, but could we discuss the budget?”
24. “May I step in?”
Direct and polite.
Best Use: Group discussions.
Not To Use: Emails—it sounds odd.
Other Ways To Say: “Can I join in here?”
Example: “May I step in to share my perspective?”
25. “I’ll just be quick”
Light and respectful.
Best Use: Chats, calls, or casual emails.
Not To Use: Highly formal letters.
Other Ways To Say: “This won’t take long.”
Example: “I’ll just be quick—did you need that file by today?”
Conclusion
Being polite without over-apologizing is an art. Instead of always saying “Sorry to disturb you,” you can choose from a wide range of alternatives that fit different tones—whether formal, casual, professional, or friendly. Personally, I’ve noticed that switching up these phrases not only makes communication more effective but also helps in building respectful and warm relationships. People appreciate when you respect their time but also communicate with confidence.
The key is to pick a phrase that matches the context, tone, and relationship you share with the other person.
Editor’s Picks (Top 10 Alternatives & Why People Choose Them)
- “Do you have a moment?” – Direct yet polite; great balance.
- “I’ll be brief” – Perfect for busy professionals.
- “When you have a minute” – Flexible for workplace communication.
- “Just reaching out” – Friendly and approachable.
- “Sorry to interrupt” – Classic and widely understood.
- “If now’s a good time” – Respects the listener’s availability.
- “At your convenience” – Professional and polite for emails.
- “Hope I’m not catching you at a bad time” – Kind and considerate.
- “I’ll just take a minute” – Respectful and efficient.
- “Would you mind if I ask something?” – Gentle and thoughtful.
These alternatives are chosen because they balance politeness with confidence, avoid unnecessary apologies, and can be tailored to fit different communication styles.
