35 Other Ways to Say “Sorry to Bother You” (With Examples)

When reaching out for help or information, 35 other ways to say “Sorry to Bother You” can make your message warm and considerate without feeling intrusive. A line like I hope I’m not catching you at a bad time or When you have a moment, could we talk? Shows empathy, respects their time, and keeps the interaction friendly and genuine. Thoughtful phrasing like this helps avoid over-apologizing while still acknowledging their busy schedule.

In casual or formal settings, these alternatives allow you to express your need politely. By rephrasing your request, you can communicate empathy, acknowledge their situation, and make your message feel personal. Whether you’re asking for a small favor, checking in, or interrupting a meeting, a kind approach ensures your request feels thoughtful instead of intrusive.

What Does “Sorry to Bother You” Mean?

“Sorry to Bother You” is a polite phrase often used when interrupting someone or asking for their time or attention. It acknowledges that you might be inconveniencing the other person, and it’s typically used to soften a request or question. While it’s polite, overusing it can make you sound overly apologetic or insecure, especially in situations where the interruption isn’t a bother at all.

When to Use “Sorry to Bother You”?

You can use this phrase when you need to interrupt someone or ask for their time, especially when you feel that you might be inconveniencing them. It’s appropriate in both personal and professional situations, though some alternatives might be better suited for different contexts. If you want to sound more confident and genuine without over-apologizing, one of the alternatives listed below may be a better fit.

Is It Professional/Polite to Say “Sorry to Bother You”?

Yes, saying “Sorry to Bother You” is generally considered polite. However, it can sound apologetic or hesitant, especially in professional settings where you want to project confidence. Overusing it in situations where you’re simply making a request or offering assistance might make you seem less sure of yourself. Choosing a more confident or friendly alternative might help you maintain professionalism while still being polite.

Pros and Cons of Using “Sorry to Bother You”

Pros:

• Polite and considerate.
• Softens the impact of an interruption or request.
• Shows empathy for the other person’s time.

Cons:

• It can make you sound overly apologetic or insecure.
• Repeated use might undermine your confidence.
• It might not always be necessary, especially in professional or familiar settings.

Sorry to Bother You Synonyms:

• I hope I’m not interrupting.
• I don’t mean to take up your time.
• I hope I’m not disturbing you.
• I hope this isn’t an inconvenient time.
• I hope I’m not putting you out.
• I hope it’s a good time.
• If now’s not a good time, I can wait.
• I just need a quick second of your time.
• I don’t want to take up too much of your time.
• I know you’re busy, but…
• I don’t want to interrupt your flow.
• I just have a quick question, if you have a moment.
• I hope I’m not in the way.
• Is this a good time?
• I don’t mean to intrude.
• I’m sure you’re busy, but…
• I didn’t mean to catch you off guard.
• I realize you’re probably swamped, but…
• If you’re not too busy…
• I know you’re juggling a lot right now…
• I hope I’m not imposing.
• Would now be a good time?
• I’ll keep it brief.
• I didn’t mean to distract you.
• I don’t want to keep you from your work.
• I hope this doesn’t take too much of your time.
• I don’t mean to disturb you.
• I didn’t want to catch you at a bad time.
• I apologize for the interruption.
• I hope I’m not taking you away from something important.
• I don’t want to take you away from your task.
• I didn’t want to add to your workload.
• If it’s not too much trouble…
• I don’t want to impose on you.
• Would you mind if I asked you for a moment?

I hope I’m not interrupting.

Meaning:
A polite way to check if the other person is free without assuming you’re a bother.

Explanation:
This phrase acknowledges the person’s potential busyness while still opening the door for interaction.

Example:
When reaching out to a colleague who might be in the middle of a task.

Best Use:
Casual or semi-formal situations when you want to be respectful of someone’s time.

Worst Use:
When time is of the essence, and you need a quick response.

Tone:
Polite, considerate, respectful.

I don’t mean to take up your time.

Meaning:
Acknowledges that the person’s time is valuable and you’re aware of it.

Explanation:
This phrase lets the person know you’re conscious of their schedule, but you still need assistance or a moment of their time.

Example:
Asking a colleague a quick question during a busy day.

Best Use:
Professional or semi-formal settings, particularly when you want to be concise.

Worst Use:
When you’re not interrupting or asking for much, it may sound too apologetic.

Tone:
Respectful, self-aware, polite.

I hope I’m not disturbing you.

Meaning:
Similar to “Sorry to Bother You”, this phrase is a softer way of acknowledging that you might be interrupting.

Explanation:
It’s polite and considerate, but still light enough for casual use.

Example:
Asking for a quick favor from a friend or colleague.

Best Use:
Informal or semi-formal settings, when you’re aware someone might be busy.

Worst Use:
In professional situations where you want to sound more confident.

Tone:
Considerate, polite, and friendly.

I hope this isn’t an inconvenient time.

Meaning:
This phrase shows that you’re considerate of the other person’s time without sounding overly apologetic.

Explanation:
It allows you to check if someone has the bandwidth to talk or help without being too direct.

Example:
When reaching out to a coworker for help with a small task.

Best Use:
Professional or semi-formal contexts, when the timing might be sensitive.

Worst Use:
Casual, informal situations where the timing isn’t likely to be an issue.

Tone:
Considerate, thoughtful, polite.

I hope I’m not putting you out.

Meaning:
A gentle way of expressing that you don’t want to inconvenience the person.

Explanation:
This phrase implies you’re mindful of the person’s effort and that you don’t want to cause any trouble.

Example:
Asking a neighbor for a small favor, like borrowing something.

Best Use:
Casual or informal situations where the person may feel pressured.

Worst Use:
Formal situations or when the favor requested is minimal.

Tone:
Polite, considerate, gentle.

I hope it’s a good time.

Meaning:
A non-intrusive way of asking if the person is available without directly apologizing.

Explanation:
This is a polite way of inquiring whether the person can engage without assuming they’re too busy.

Example:
Contacting a colleague to discuss an ongoing project.

Best Use:
In professional settings, you need to ensure it’s a suitable moment to talk.

Worst Use:
When the other person isn’t likely to be busy, making the question unnecessary.

Tone:
Respectful, considerate, friendly.

If now’s not a good time, I can wait.

Meaning:
A considerate offer to wait if the timing isn’t right.

Explanation:
This phrase shows respect for the person’s time while giving them the option to decide when to engage.

Example:
Asking for help or information, but willing to wait if the person is occupied.

Best Use:
Professional or polite situations, especially if someone’s in a meeting or busy.

Worst Use:
When urgency is required, or the person is likely to be free.

Tone:
Patient, considerate, thoughtful.

I just need a quick second of your time.

Meaning:
Indicates that the request won’t take long, alleviating any potential pressure.

Explanation:
This phrase makes your request sound brief and less intrusive, helping the person feel more comfortable.

Example:
Asking a colleague for a quick clarification.

Best Use:
Casual or semi-formal contexts, especially when you’re not interrupting significantly.

Worst Use:
In situations where you might need more than a minute.

Tone:
Casual, polite, reassuring.

I don’t want to take up too much of your time.

Meaning:
Acknowledges that the person’s time is valuable while expressing your need for help.

Explanation:
This lets the person know you respect their schedule, but you’re still asking for a small favor.

Example:
Asking for a brief conversation or feedback from a colleague.

Best Use:
Professional settings, particularly when you want to be concise and respectful.

Worst Use:
Casual situations, where the person’s time is likely not as constrained.

Tone:
Respectful, considerate, polite.

I know you’re busy, but…

Meaning:
A polite way to begin a request while acknowledging the other person’s potential busyness.

Explanation:
This phrase softens your approach and shows that you respect the person’s time, but still need to ask something.

Example:
Reaching out to a manager for feedback while they’re juggling other tasks.

Best Use:
Professional environments where people are often busy, like offices.

Worst Use:
When the person isn’t busy, it might seem unnecessary.

Tone:
Respectful, understanding, apologetic.

I don’t want to interrupt your flow.

Meaning:
A considerate way to acknowledge that the person might be busy and that you don’t want to disrupt their work.

Explanation:
This phrase shows you understand the person may be in the middle of something important.

Example:
When reaching out to a coworker who’s concentrating on a big project.

Best Use:
Professional or semi-formal settings, particularly when someone’s engrossed in a task.

Worst Use:
Casual situations, where interruptions are less likely to be a problem.

Tone:
Considerate, respectful, empathetic.

I just have a quick question, if you have a moment.

Meaning:
This is a polite and clear way to indicate that your request will be brief.

Explanation:
It opens the door for the person to decide if they have time to respond.

Example:
Asking for clarification on something from a colleague during a busy period.

Best Use:
Professional and semi-formal situations where brevity is important.

Worst Use:
Casual conversations with close friends, as it might sound overly formal.

Tone:
Respectful, clear, polite.

I hope I’m not in the way.

Meaning:
A way to ask if you’re interrupting or causing any inconvenience.

Explanation:
This phrase conveys thoughtfulness and ensures the other person feels comfortable.

Example:
When approaching a colleague in the middle of a project.

Best Use:
Informal or semi-formal situations, especially when you’re asking for something.

Worst Use:
In highly formal settings, simpler phrases are more appropriate.

Tone:
Empathetic, thoughtful, considerate.

Is this a good time?

Meaning:
A direct but polite way to check if someone is available to chat or help.

Explanation:
This phrase is both casual and professional and gives the other person the option to decline if needed.

Example:
Calling a client or colleague to discuss a work matter.

Best Use:
Professional or casual settings where you want to check someone’s availability.

Worst Use:
When it’s urgent, and you need the person’s attention right away.

Tone:
Polite, professional, considerate.

I don’t mean to intrude.

Meaning:
A polite way of acknowledging that you’re entering the person’s space, either physically or mentally.

Explanation:
This phrase is often used when you’re about to interrupt a conversation or situation, and it shows your awareness of the person’s current activity.

Example:
Interrupting someone during a meeting or conversation to ask a quick question.

Best Use:
Professional environments, when you need to ask a quick question but don’t want to disrupt the flow of a meeting or conversation.

Worst Use:
In casual settings, where the formality might feel out of place.

Tone:
Respectful, self-aware, and considerate.

I’m sure you’re busy, but…

Meaning:
Acknowledging that the person may have other priorities while still making your request.

Explanation:
This is a way of showing empathy and understanding that the person’s time is valuable, but you’re still making a polite request.

Example:
When you need to ask a quick question to someone who’s in the middle of a busy day.

Best Use:
When approaching a colleague or supervisor who is likely busy.

Worst Use:
When the person has no obvious signs of being busy, it may come off as unnecessary.

Tone:
Polite, empathetic, considerate.

I didn’t mean to catch you off guard.

Meaning:
A phrase used to soften the approach if you think your request might be sudden or unexpected.

Explanation:
This phrase works well when you’re approaching someone unexpectedly or suddenly need their attention.

Example:
Reaching out to someone after a long period of no contact.

Best Use:
Informal settings are when you need to acknowledge the suddenness of your request.

Worst Use:
When the request is expected or routine, it might make the situation feel awkward.

Tone:
Understanding, apologetic, and thoughtful.

I realize you’re probably swamped, but…

Meaning:
Acknowledges the other person’s workload while introducing your request.

Explanation:
This phrase conveys empathy for the person’s current situation and signals that you’re aware of their likely busyness.

Example:
Asking a coworker to review something when they’re already handling a heavy workload.

Best Use:
In professional settings, when someone is juggling multiple tasks.

Worst Use:
In casual settings, where the other person may not feel as burdened.

 Tone:
Empathetic, respectful, considerate.

If you’re not too busy…

Meaning:
This phrase implies that you’re aware the person may be busy but still wants to make a polite request.

Explanation:
It’s a gentle way of checking in to see if the person has time, without making it feel like an intrusion.

Example:
Ask a friend if they have a moment to chat.

Best Use:
Casual settings, when the person’s availability is uncertain.

Worst Use:
In a situation where the other person is unlikely to be busy.

Tone:
Casual, polite, respectful.

I know you’re juggling a lot right now…

Meaning:
Acknowledges that the person is handling multiple things at once, and you don’t want to add to their stress.

Explanation:
This phrase shows empathy and understanding for the person’s situation, making your request feel more considerate.

Example:
Reaching out to a colleague or boss who has a heavy workload.

Best Use:
In professional settings, when you understand that the other person is likely busy.

Worst Use:
In casual settings where the person’s workload may not be as demanding.

Tone:
Empathetic, thoughtful, and understanding.

I hope I’m not imposing.

Meaning:
A polite way to express concern about overstepping or making the other person feel obligated.

Explanation:
This phrase communicates that you’re aware of the potential inconvenience and don’t want to impose it on the person.

Example:
Asking a friend or colleague for a favor.

Best Use:
Casual settings or when asking someone for help.

Worst Use:
Professional settings where a more straightforward approach would suffice.

Tone:
Considerate, respectful, and understanding.

Would now be a good time?

Meaning:
A polite way to check if the person has time to engage in a conversation or assist with something.

Explanation:
This question gives the other person the option to decline if they’re too busy, while still allowing you to make your request.

Example:
Asking a coworker if they have time to talk about a project.

Best Use:
Both professional and casual settings are used when checking someone’s availability.

Worst Use:
When urgency is required and you need to proceed quickly.

Tone:
Polite, respectful, considerate.

I’ll keep it brief.

Meaning:
A quick way to assure someone that your request won’t take long.

Explanation:
This phrase reassures the person that their time won’t be wasted and that the interruption will be minimal.

Example:
Asking a colleague for a quick clarification on a work task.

Best Use:
Professional settings, when you’re aware that the person may have limited time.

Worst Use:
In casual settings, the phrase may feel overly formal.

Tone:
Efficient, respectful, considerate.

I didn’t mean to distract you.

Meaning:
A polite way to acknowledge that you’re potentially interrupting or diverting the person’s focus.

Explanation:
This phrase is a gentle way to acknowledge that the person may be concentrating on something else.

Example:
Interrupting a colleague who’s focused on a task.

Best Use:
Professional settings where someone is busy or deep in concentration.

Worst Use:
Casual conversations, where the other person is likely less focused.

Tone:
Considerate, apologetic, respectful.

I don’t want to keep you from your work.

Meaning:
Acknowledge that the person may be busy with important tasks, and you don’t want to hinder their progress.

Explanation:
This phrase helps soften your request, giving the other person the option to decline if they need to continue with their work.

Example:
Asking a coworker to stop their task to help you with something.

Best Use:
Professional settings, when the person’s work is important, and you don’t want to hold them up.

Worst Use:
In casual settings, where the person’s work may not be as time-sensitive.

Tone:
Respectful, considerate, and understanding.

I hope this doesn’t take too much of your time.

Meaning:
A polite way to acknowledge that you’re aware the person’s time is precious and that you don’t want to occupy it unnecessarily.

Explanation:
This phrase gently assures the person that you understand their time constraints, but still need their attention.

Example:
Asking a colleague to review a document during a busy week.

Best Use:
Professional contexts, particularly when making small requests during a time-sensitive period.

Worst Use:
In situations where the other person has ample time to help, it may sound overly apologetic.

Tone:
Respectful, understanding, considerate.

I don’t mean to disturb you.

Meaning:
A softer way to introduce an interruption, showing that you’re conscious of the person’s focus.

Explanation:
This phrase communicates that you’re trying to be respectful of the person’s current activity or concentration.

Example:
Interrupting someone in a meeting for a quick clarification.

Best Use:
In professional or formal environments, especially when the person seems busy.

Worst Use:
In casual situations where the interruption isn’t a big deal.

Tone:
Respectful, empathetic, thoughtful.

I didn’t want to catch you at a bad time.

Meaning:
This phrase shows consideration for the other person’s schedule, implying that you’re aware they might be busy.

Explanation:
It’s an empathetic way to ask for someone’s time, allowing them to decline if they’re not available.

Example:
Reaching out to a manager or colleague when you know they have a lot on their plate.

Best Use:
When trying to be considerate about timing, especially in a professional setting.

Worst Use:
If the person isn’t busy, it could feel unnecessarily formal.

Tone:
Thoughtful, respectful, considerate.

I apologize for the interruption.

Meaning:
A formal and polite way of acknowledging that you’re interrupting the person’s flow of work or conversation.

Explanation:
This phrase is often used when you need to ask something important, but understand that you might be disturbing the other person.

Example:
When walking into someone’s office or interrupting a meeting for an urgent issue.

Best Use:
Professional or formal settings, particularly when the interruption is unavoidable.

Worst Use:
Casual situations where the interruption isn’t disruptive.

Tone:
Polite, formal, respectful.

I hope I’m not taking you away from something important.

Meaning:
This phrase conveys awareness that the other person may be involved in something important, but you still need their time.

Explanation:
It’s a thoughtful way to request while being mindful of the other person’s priorities.

Example:
When needing feedback from a colleague who’s in the middle of a busy project.

Best Use:
Professional settings, particularly when the person’s attention is likely divided.

Worst Use:
Casual settings, where the person may not be preoccupied with something urgent.

Tone:
Empathetic, considerate, respectful.

I don’t want to take you away from your task.

Meaning:
A way to show that you’re mindful of the person’s current responsibilities and don’t want to distract them.

Explanation:
It acknowledges the other person’s task and politely suggests that you’re aware of their workload.

Example:
Asking a colleague for a quick update while they are working on a deadline.

Best Use:
When you understand that the person is busy and wants to be respectful of their time.

Worst Use:
When the person has plenty of time, and your request is simple.

Tone:
Considerate, understanding, respectful.

I didn’t want to add to your workload.

Meaning:
A polite way to express that you understand the person may have a lot on their plate, but you still need their help.

Explanation:
This phrase softens your request by acknowledging the potential burden you might be placing on them.

Example:
Asking a colleague for assistance on a project when they already have a full schedule.

Best Use:
In professional settings, when you’re asking for help during a busy period.

Worst Use:
When the person isn’t busy, it may seem overly apologetic.

Tone:
Empathetic, respectful, considerate.

If it’s not too much trouble…

Meaning:
A polite way of indicating that you’re asking for something small and hope it won’t be an inconvenience.

Explanation:
This phrase makes your request sound more manageable and less burdensome.

Example:
Asking for a favor or a small piece of information from someone.

Best Use:
Casual or semi-formal situations when the request is light and simple.

Worst Use:
In situations where your request is time-sensitive or urgent.

Tone:
Polite, humble, considerate.

I don’t want to impose on you.

Meaning:
A phrase to indicate that you are conscious of not overstepping boundaries or causing inconvenience.

Explanation:
This phrase gently implies that you don’t want to be a burden on the other person.

Example:
Asking a friend for help with something when you know they might be busy.

Best Use:
Informal settings, when you want to acknowledge the person’s potential reluctance to help.

Worst Use:
Professional settings, where the phrase may be unnecessarily apologetic.

Tone:
Thoughtful, respectful, understanding.

Would you mind if I asked you for a moment?

Meaning:
A considerate way to request someone’s time while offering them the opportunity to decline.

Explanation:
This phrase gives the other person the option to refuse politely, which shows respect for their time.

Example:
When you need a moment of someone’s time, but aren’t sure if it’s convenient for them.

Best Use:
Professional and formal settings are used when checking someone’s availability.

Worst Use:
In casual settings where the person is already open to being interrupted.

Tone:
Polite, respectful, considerate.

Conclusion

When it comes to interrupting others or asking for their time, “Sorry to Bother You” can often feel like the polite go-to, but many alternatives can help you communicate more thoughtfully and with greater care. Whether you’re acknowledging someone’s busy schedule, offering to wait, or asking for a quick favor, the right phrase can set the tone for a positive interaction. By using these 35 alternatives, you can ensure that your communication is not only respectful and considerate but also confident and empathetic. The way you express yourself matters, and with these alternatives, you’ll leave a lasting, positive impression while fostering a connection built on understanding and kindness.