Ways to Say “Excuse me”

Ways to Say “Excuse Me” in English (Polite, Natural & Real-Life Alternatives)

“Excuse me.”

Two small words. And yet, we use them dozens of times a day — sometimes to apologise, sometimes to interrupt, sometimes to ask someone to repeat something, and sometimes simply to get attention without sounding rude.

But in real English, native speakers don’t always say “excuse me.” They use a whole family of phrases depending on the situation, the tone, and how polite or informal they want to be.

In this lesson, you’ll learn natural, useful, and real-life alternatives to “excuse me”, grouped by three very common situations:

• when you want to apologise
• when you want to ask someone to repeat something
• when you want to get someone’s attention politely

This lesson is perfect for B1–C1 learners, everyday conversation, travel, work, and Cambridge speaking exams.

Let’s start with the most common one.

When you want to apologise or show regret

We often use “excuse me” to admit a small mistake, to sound polite, or to soften something we’re about to say.

Excuse me

• Am I sitting in your seat? Oh, excuse me.
• I must ask you to excuse me for being late.

My bad (informal)

Meaning: used when you admit something is your fault.

• I dropped the plate — my bad.
• “This is the wrong time to visit.” “Sorry, my bad. I’ll come later.”
• Sorry, I gave you the wrong number. My bad.

Forgive me (polite, slightly formal)

Meaning: used before saying something that may sound rude or unpleasant.

• Forgive me for forgetting your birthday. I was very busy.
• Please forgive me for saying this, but I don’t like your new boyfriend.
• Forgive me, but I think you should see a doctor.

I beg your forgiveness (very formal, serious)

• I am terribly sorry for what I’ve done, and I beg your forgiveness.

Pardon me (polite)

Meaning: used to apologise or to soften a remark.

• Pardon me for being late.
• Pardon me for saying this, but those shoes don’t really suit you.
• Pardon me, but you’ve misunderstood the instructions.

I’m sorry / Sorry

The most common and flexible apology.

• I’m sorry I can’t come to your birthday party. I have to work late.
• I’m so sorry, but I forgot your name. Could you repeat it, please?
• Sorry for interrupting you, but I need to answer this call.

My apologies (formal)

Meaning: a polite, formal way to say sorry (often in emails or at work).

• My apologies, but I’m afraid I can’t assist you today.
• Please accept my apologies for the late reply.
• Accept my sincere apologies for my behaviour.

When you want someone to repeat something

Sometimes we use “excuse me” simply because we didn’t hear or didn’t understand.

Excuse me, what did you say?

• Excuse me, what did you say? The line is bad.

Come again? (informal)

Meaning: used to ask someone to repeat or clarify.

• “His latest film is amazing.” “Come again? Which film?”
• “The opera was called Orpheus and Eurydice.” “Come again? Orpheus and…?”

Say again (informal)

• “My number is 0776…” “Say again — I want to write it down.”
• Sorry, I didn’t quite catch that. Could you say it again, please?

How’s that (again)?

• How’s that again? Could you explain it more slowly?
• How’s that? Could you show me one more time?

Could you repeat that?

• I’m afraid I didn’t hear you. Could you repeat that, please?
• “Your train has been cancelled.” “Could you repeat that? The train…?”

I beg your pardon? (polite)

• “Turn left after the supermarket.” “I beg your pardon? I didn’t catch that.”

Pardon me?

• “We met Amy Winehouse once.” “Pardon me? Did you say Amy Winehouse?”

When you want to get someone’s attention politely

We often use “excuse me” when talking to strangers, in shops, stations, or on the street.

Excuse me…

• Excuse me, do you know when the next train to London leaves?

Pardon me… (more polite, slightly formal)

• Pardon me, could you tell us where the nearest restaurant is?

“Excuse me” is a wonderful phrase — but it’s only one tool in a big, useful toolbox. The more alternatives you know, the more natural, polite, and confident your English will sound in real life.

And in English, as in life, how you say something often matters just as much as what you say.

Learn different ways to say “thank you”