Confused Words: Excuse Me vs. Sorry

Hello learners! Today, let’s dive into the usage of two important expressions in English: “Excuse Me” and “Sorry.” These expressions are frequently used but often misunderstood, especially for beginners. Let’s go ahead and clear up any confusion!

Excuse Me

“Excuse Me” (IPA: /ɪkˈskjuːz miː/) is a polite expression used to get someone’s attention, to indicate that you didn’t hear something, or to get past someone.

Here are 10 examples:

1. Excuse me, could you tell me the time? (Asking for information)
2. Excuse me, could you repeat that? (Didn’t hear something)
3. Excuse me, could I get past, please? (Need to move past someone)
4. Excuse me, you dropped this. (Getting someone’s attention)
5. Excuse me, could I have a glass of water? (Politely requesting something)
6. Excuse me, could you help me with this bag? (Asking for assistance)
7. Excuse me, is this seat taken? (Inquiring about availability)
8. Excuse me, do you know where the station is? (Asking for directions)
9. Excuse me, I think you’ve got my coat. (Politely pointing out a mistake)
10. Excuse me, could I speak to the manager? (Requesting to speak with someone)

Sorry

“Sorry” (IPA: /ˈsɒri/) is an expression used to apologize for a mistake, to express sympathy, or to politely ask someone to repeat something.

Here are 10 examples:

1. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to bump into you. (Apologizing for a mistake)
2. I’m sorry, could you say that again? (Politely asking for repetition)
3. I’m really sorry, but I can’t come to your party. (Apologizing for not being able to do something)
4. I’m sorry for your loss. (Expressing sympathy)
5. I’m sorry, but I disagree with you. (Polite disagreement)
6. I’m sorry, I lost the book you lent me. (Apologizing for losing something)
7. I’m sorry, I forgot to call you back. (Apologizing for forgetting)
8. I’m sorry, but we’re out of that item. (Apologizing for not being able to provide something)
9. I’m sorry, I’m late. (Apologizing for lateness)
10. I’m sorry, I didn’t understand that. (Requesting clarification)

Conclusion

In summary, we use “Excuse Me” when we want to get someone’s attention, request something, or pass by someone. On the other hand, we use “Sorry” when we want to apologize, express sympathy, or ask for repetition. Practice makes perfect, so try to use these expressions in your daily conversations!