Saying “sorry to bother you” is something we all do, whether we’re asking for help, starting a conversation, or just needing someone’s attention for a second. But repeating the same phrase can start to feel a bit stiff—or even annoying. That’s why finding new, polite ways to say it matters. From friendly chats at work to formal emails, a little variety can go a long way. In this guide, we’ll walk through 35 respectful and simple alternatives that still sound kind and thoughtful. Because let’s be honest—how you ask matters just as much as what you’re asking.
What Does “Sorry to Bother You” Mean?
“Sorry to bother you” is a polite expression used to acknowledge that you may be interrupting someone’s time, focus, or personal space. It’s a common phrase in both professional and personal settings, typically used when seeking help, starting a conversation, or making a request.
It conveys respect, humility, and consideration for the other person’s situation. However, repeating it too often can come across as insecure or overly apologetic, especially in cultures or contexts where directness is appreciated. That’s why finding alternative, respectful ways to express the same sentiment is valuable.
Respectful Ways to Say “Sorry to Bother You”
- I hope I’m not interrupting
- Would now be a good time
- I’ll keep this brief
- May I quickly ask
- When you have a moment
- Just wanted to touch base
- Pardon the intrusion
- Hoping I can steal a minute
- I realize you’re busy, but
- At your convenience
- I hate to disturb you, but
- Whenever you’re free
- Is this a bad time
- I won’t keep you long
- Quick question, if you don’t mind
- Just checking in
- Could I borrow your attention for a second
- Appreciate your time—can I ask one thing
- Mind if I interrupt
- Let me know if this is a good time
- Sorry to intrude, but
- I know your time is valuable
- Just a moment of your time
- Hope this isn’t a bad time
- I’ll be brief, I promise
- If I could just ask real quick
- At the risk of being a pest
- Hope I’m not catching you at a bad time
- Only if you have a second
- Feel free to let me know if now’s not ideal
- I’ll make it quick
- Just a quick heads-up
- Before I forget
- I know you’re swamped
- Just a quick ping
1. I hope I’m not interrupting
Meaning: Shows awareness that the person may be busy.
Tone: Respectful, warm.
Example: Hi Dana, I hope I’m not interrupting—do you have a moment to look over this proposal?
You might also enjoy : 35 Better Ways to Say “If Time Permits” – Smart Alternatives with Examples.
2. Would now be a good time
Meaning: Lets the other person decide if they’re available.
Tone: Professional, courteous.
Example: Would now be a good time to discuss the client feedback?
3. I’ll keep this brief
Meaning: Reassures that your request won’t take long.
Tone: Efficient, considerate.
Example: Hi! I’ll keep this brief—just need a quick answer on the invoice.
4. May I quickly ask
Meaning: Indicates a short, respectful request.
Tone: Polite, humble.
Example: May I quickly ask your opinion on this layout?
5. When you have a moment
Meaning: Defers the conversation to their availability.
Tone: Patient, professional.
Example: When you have a moment, could you check this update?
6. Just wanted to touch base
Meaning: Gently initiates or follows up on a conversation.
Tone: Friendly, low-pressure.
Example: Just wanted to touch base on our earlier conversation.
7. Pardon the intrusion
Meaning: A more formal way to recognize you’re interrupting.
Tone: Formal, apologetic.
Example: Pardon the intrusion—could I get a quick status update?
8. Hoping I can steal a minute
Meaning: Light and creative way to ask for time.
Tone: Friendly, informal.
Example: Hey! Hoping I can steal a minute—can we talk timelines?
9. I realize you’re busy, but
Meaning: Acknowledges the other person’s workload.
Tone: Empathetic, tactful.
Example: I realize you’re busy, but could I ask for a quick favor?
10. At your convenience
Meaning: Gives the recipient control over timing.
Tone: Respectful, flexible.
Example: At your convenience, could you review the brief?
11. I hate to disturb you, but
Meaning: Expresses hesitation, softens the approach.
Tone: Cautious, sincere.
Example: I hate to disturb you, but I need your help with the budget report.
12. Whenever you’re free
Meaning: Waits for their availability before proceeding.
Tone: Easygoing, considerate.
Example: Whenever you’re free, can we chat about next steps?
13. Is this a bad time
Meaning: Checks if the current moment is inappropriate.
Tone: Honest, polite.
Example: Is this a bad time to talk about the audit?
14. I won’t keep you long
Meaning: Promises the conversation will be quick.
Tone: Reassuring, respectful.
Example: Hey! I won’t keep you long—I just need an approval.
15. Quick question, if you don’t mind
Meaning: Polite way to make a small request.
Tone: Friendly, casual.
Example: Quick question, if you don’t mind: Are we still on for Friday?
16. Just checking in
Meaning: Light and polite way to follow up.
Tone: Warm, non-intrusive.
Example: Just checking in on the proposal—any thoughts?
17. Could I borrow your attention for a second
Meaning: Creative and respectful phrasing.
Tone: Light-hearted, polite.
Example: Could I borrow your attention for a second about the layout?
18. Appreciate your time—can I ask one thing
Meaning: Opens with gratitude before the ask.
Tone: Grateful, soft.
Example: Appreciate your time—can I ask one thing about the launch?
19. Mind if I interrupt
Meaning: Direct but courteous.
Tone: Professional, polite.
Example: Mind if I interrupt? There’s an urgent change.
20. Let me know if this is a good time
Meaning: Opens the door to reschedule.
Tone: Open, respectful.
Example: Let me know if this is a good time to go over the notes.
21. Sorry to intrude, but
Meaning: Formal alternative to “Sorry to bother you.”
Tone: Formal, apologetic.
Example: Sorry to intrude, but the vendor needs a reply.
22. I know your time is valuable
Meaning: Acknowledges their priorities respectfully.
Tone: Professional, appreciative.
Example: I know your time is valuable—just one quick question.
23. Just a moment of your time
Meaning: Small and respectful request.
Tone: Courteous, composed.
Example: Just a moment of your time about the design feedback.
Further reading : Express Gratitude: 35+ Ways to Say “Thank You for the Update” (With Examples).
24. Hope this isn’t a bad time
Meaning: Gently opens the conversation.
Tone: Kind, thoughtful.
Example: Hope this isn’t a bad time—need clarity on the report.
25. I’ll be brief, I promise
Meaning: Reassures speed and purpose.
Tone: Friendly, efficient.
Example: Hi Alex—I’ll be brief, I promise. Just one update.
26. If I could just ask real quick
Meaning: Casual and respectful ask.
Tone: Informal, courteous.
Example: If I could just ask real quick—what’s the latest on the client?
27. At the risk of being a pest
Meaning: Adds humor to soften the ask.
Tone: Light, self-aware.
Example: At the risk of being a pest—any news from finance?
28. Hope I’m not catching you at a bad time
Meaning: Friendly check on their availability.
Tone: Kind, polite.
Example: Hope I’m not catching you at a bad time, but we need approval.
29. Only if you have a second
Meaning: Suggests zero pressure.
Tone: Gentle, low-pressure.
Example: Only if you have a second—can I confirm this detail?
30. Feel free to let me know if now’s not ideal
Meaning: Gives the other person control of the situation.
Tone: Respectful, adaptable.
Example: Feel free to let me know if now’s not ideal—we can reschedule.
31. I’ll make it quick
Meaning: Efficient and respectful.
Tone: Friendly, casual.
Example: Hey, I’ll make it quick—just need your approval on this.
32. Just a quick heads-up
Meaning: Frames it as informative rather than disruptive.
Tone: Helpful, informal.
Example: Just a quick heads-up—team needs feedback by noon.
33. Before I forget
Meaning: A natural and casual opener.
Tone: Casual, non-demanding.
Example: Before I forget, do you have an update on the RFP?
34. I know you’re swamped
Meaning: Shows empathy for their workload.
Tone: Empathetic, soft.
Example: I know you’re swamped—just one quick thing on the slides.
35. Just a quick ping
Meaning: Friendly and light way to check in.
Tone: Playful, informal.
Example: Just a quick ping—any updates on the contract?
Conclusion
Changing how you say “sorry to bother you” isn’t just about words—it’s about showing respect and care for someone’s time. Whether you’re texting a coworker or speaking to a neighbor, these thoughtful alternatives help you stay polite without sounding repetitive. Try a few out and see what fits your style. A little extra courtesy? It often goes a long way—sometimes even further than you think.
Explore all our helpful resources and expert tips at Grammerlyze.