Interrupting Someone Briefly
Someone unintentionally interrupts another person mid-sentence or in the middle of a conversation and quickly apologizes for the interruption.
Dialogue7
So, I was thinking about...
Excuse me, sorry to interrupt. Was that for me?
Oh, no, no, I was just talking to myself actually. What's up?
My bad. I thought you were addressing me. I just wanted to ask if you've seen my keys?
Keys? No, I haven't. Sorry.
No worries. Thanks anyway. Sorry again for cutting you off.
No problem at all!
Vocabulary6
- interrupt
To interrupt means to stop someone from speaking or doing something, often by speaking yourself. Use it when you accidentally break into a conversation.
- excuse me
'Excuse me' is a polite phrase to get someone's attention or apologize for a small interruption. It's very common in everyday English.
- my bad
'My bad' is an informal way to apologize for a small mistake, like misunderstanding something. It's casual and used among friends.
- addressing
Addressing someone means speaking directly to them. Use it when you think a comment is meant for you.
- cutting off
Cutting someone off means interrupting them suddenly, like stopping their sentence. It's a phrasal verb for brief apologies in conversations.
- no worries
'No worries' means 'it's okay' or 'don't worry about it.' It's a relaxed way to accept an apology.
Key Sentences5
- 1
Excuse me, sorry to interrupt.
This sentence is a polite way to apologize for breaking into someone's talk. It's useful for brief interruptions; 'excuse me' gets attention, and 'sorry to interrupt' shows regret. Use it in casual or formal settings.
- 2
My bad. I thought you were addressing me.
'My bad' admits a small error informally. The full sentence explains the mistake. It's practical for quick apologies when you misunderstand; no complex grammar, just simple past tense.
- 3
No worries. Thanks anyway. Sorry again for cutting you off.
This combines acceptance ('no worries') with gratitude and another apology. Useful for polite conversations; 'anyway' softens the response. Practice for smooth, natural English flow.
- 4
No problem at all!
A friendly way to say an apology is accepted. It's emphatic with 'at all' for extra reassurance. Use it to end interactions positively; simple structure, no special grammar.
- 5
I was just talking to myself actually.
This clarifies a misunderstanding casually. 'Actually' adds emphasis or correction. Helpful for explaining situations; present continuous tense shows ongoing action.