Sorry or excuse me? And how to reply to “thank you”

The rule

Say Excuse me before you disturb someone: to get attention or to pass. Say Sorry after a small mistake: Sorry I'm late. Sorry? with a rising voice means Can you say that again?

Arabic عفوًا and French pardon each cover several of these meanings, so learners mix them up. In English, timing decides: excuse me before, sorry after.

Examples

In a conversation

A: Excuse me, is this seat free?

B: Yes, it is. Oh, sorry, let me move my bag.

A: Thank you!

B: No problem.

Practice

Choose the best answer. The answers are at the end of the lesson.

1. Thanks for your help!
   • a) Welcome.
   • b) Excuse me.
   • c) No problem.
2. ___ I'm late.
   • a) Sorry
   • b) Excuse me
   • c) Pardon
3. ___ Could you say that again, please?
   • a) What you say?
   • b) Sorry?
   • c) Repeat me.

Tip

Reply to Thank you with You're welcome or No problem. Welcome! on its own greets someone who has just arrived.

Answers

1. c) No problem. Reply to thanks with No problem or You're welcome.
2. a) Sorry. Sorry comes after something went wrong.
3. b) Sorry? Sorry? with a rising voice politely asks someone to repeat.

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