Pearl
"Excuse me"

When do native speakers use "excuse me"?  Do Americans often use "Excuse me"? 

Oct 26, 2014 11:26 AM
Comments · 4
7

In the US we use "excuse me" to interrupt someone in a conversation or when they're doing something else. For example, if there's a store clerk folding clothing, you might say, "Excuse me, where is the shoe section?"  We also use "excuse me" if we bump into someone or if we need someone to move so we can pass.

October 26, 2014
4

You'd say excuse me before you do something and sorry afterwards.

For example if you are on the metro and need to get past someone you'd say excuse me. If you accidentally tread on their toes, it would be good manners to say sorry.

October 26, 2014

Excuse me
Oh will you excuse me
I'm just trying to find the bridge... Has anybody seen the bridge?

<em>-Led Zeppelin "The Crunge"</em>

December 1, 2015

Susan gave you the American style, and Viktoria gave you the way it should be said (formal).

 

BUT, Americans use excuse me and sorry much less often than we should. We have had a cultural shift over the last 40 years.

 

SO, if you are using excuse me and sorry, no one will think you are from 'Mars,' but do not be surprised if Americans seldom use excuse me or sorry as they deal with you.

 

Wayne

December 1, 2015