Excuse me

Say it clearly and with a slight rising tone if asking a question. If you are moving through a crowd, say it firmly but kindly. At a restaurant, catch the server's eye and say it softly. You can also use it if you sneeze or cough in public. It is very versatile. Just don't shout it unless there is an emergency!

You should use it when you need to ask for directions. Use it if someone is blocking the supermarket aisle. Use it if you accidentally bump into someone's shoulder. It is perfect for starting a conversation with someone you don't know. If you are in a meeting and need to leave the room, this is your go-to phrase. It makes you look like a pro at social etiquette.

Do not use it for big mistakes. If you break someone's phone, Excuse me is too weak. You need I'm so sorry for that. Also, avoid using it with a sarcastic, loud tone. That makes it sound like an insult! Don't use it to interrupt your boss while they are mid-sentence in a serious speech. Timing is everything, even when you are being polite.

In English-speaking cultures, personal space is very important. Excuse me helps bridge the gap when you must enter that personal space. It dates back hundreds of years to the idea of 'exonerating' oneself. Today, it is less about legal blame and more about social harmony. In places like London or New York, it is the difference between being a 'rude tourist' and a 'welcome guest.'

You might hear Pardon me in very formal settings. Some people just say Sorry when passing by, but Excuse me is more proactive. In the UK, you might hear Sorry, could I just... which is a very polite way to move past someone. If you are texting, you might see Excuse me? used to show surprise at something rude someone said.