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Excuse Me…

Posted by Renddy Rose Rodriguez on 3/05/2009 12:50:00 AM
FOR BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE STUDENTS

There are many situations where you have to break in on someone’s solitude or on another conversation in order to ask a question or give some information. People usually pause after an initial interruption (for example: “Excuse me … (pause)… could you…”) before continuing on by asking a question or making a point. Always make sure to remember at the end of the conversation to apologize for your interruption.

Target Phrases

When interrupting
Excuse me, could you pass me the salt?
Pardon me, could you move aside for a moment?
Excuse me, do you speak English?
Pardon me, can you tell me what time it is?

After interrupting
Sorry to have bothered you.
Sorry for interrupting.
Sorry, I disturbed you.
Please continue. I didn’t mean to interrupt.

Using the Target Phrases

DIALOGUE 1
A: Excuse me, could you tell me where I can find the post office?
B: Sure. Just keep going down this street until you get to the corner.
A: OK. Thanks a lot. Sorry for interrupting.
B: No problem.

DIALOGUE 2
A: Excuse me. Is John Miller here?
B: No. He just went downstairs to get something to eat.
A: OK. Thank you. Sorry to have bothered you.
B: That’s OK.

DIALOGUE 3
A: Pardon me, I don’t mean to disturb you, but your jacket is lying on the floor.
B: Really? Oh, it is. Thanks for telling me.
A: It’s my pleasure.
B: Thanks again.

DIALOGUE 4
A: Excuse me, you look familiar. Do I know you from somewhere?
B: Maybe. Have you ever taken a class at Pagoda?
A: Yes. That’s it. I think we had a class together.
B: Yes, that’s it. I can’t remember our teacher’s name.
A: I think it was Gary.
B: Of course. Now I remember.
A: Well, I’d better get going. I’ve got to go to work. Sorry for interrupting.
B: Don’t worry about it. It was nice seeing you again.
A: Likewise.

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