30 Other Words To Say Instead Of “Sorry To Disturb You”

When reaching out to someone, the phrase “Sorry to disturb you” is common, but sometimes it can feel overused or awkward. Finding the right alternative can make your message sound polite, professional, and thoughtful. Whether you’re sending an email, text, or making a quick call, using other words to say sorry to disturb you can help you express respect for someone’s time while keeping the tone friendly and approachable.

In this article, we’ll explore 30 effective alternatives, giving you options that feel natural, courteous, and easy to use, so your communication always leaves a positive impression.

Best Responses Sorry To Disturb You”

Hope I’m Not Bothering You
Just a Quick Question
I Appreciate Your Time
May I Ask…
Pardon the Interruption
I Don’t Mean to Intrude
When You Have a Moment
I’d Love Your Input
If It’s Not a Bad Time
Quick Favor
Would You Mind…
Excuse Me for Reaching Out
Just Checking In
I Hope You’re Doing Well
Forgive the Interruption
May I Borrow a Moment of Your Time?
Hope I’m Not Intruding
Wanted to Run Something by You
Hope You’re Not Busy
Could I Ask a Favor?
I’d Like Your Advice
Could You Spare a Minute?
Allow Me to Take a Moment
I Hope This Isn’t a Bad Time
Can I Grab a Moment?
Would It Be Okay If…
I Don’t Want to Take Up Too Much Time
If You Have a Minute
Just Wanted to Touch Base
Appreciate Your Attention

1. “Hope I’m Not Bothering You”

You’re about to message a colleague who’s usually busy, and you don’t want to sound intrusive. Saying “Hope I’m not bothering you” sets a considerate tone before your request. It’s friendly yet professional, making your outreach feel less demanding.

Example: Hope I’m not bothering you, but could you review the report I sent earlier?

Best Use: Casual emails, text messages, or informal check-ins with colleagues or friends.

Explanation: This phrase shows respect for the recipient’s time while keeping your message approachable and polite.

2. “Just a Quick Question”

Sometimes you need an answer fast, but you don’t want to pressure the recipient. “Just a quick question” signals that your message is brief and to the point, encouraging prompt replies.

Example: Just a quick question—do you have the latest figures for the sales report?

Best Use: Ideal for email, chat messages, or quick clarifications in professional or informal settings.

Explanation: It conveys urgency without being pushy and reassures the recipient that responding won’t take long.

3. “I Appreciate Your Time”

When reaching out to someone with a busy schedule, “I appreciate your time” adds gratitude to your message. It communicates respect and professionalism, while still allowing your request to be clear.

Example: I appreciate your time and guidance on this matter; could you please review the document?

Best Use: Formal emails, client correspondence, or professional follow-ups.

Explanation: This phrase highlights the value you place on their time, increasing the likelihood of a positive response.

4. “May I Ask…

“May I ask…” is polite and formal, making it suitable for professional emails, calls, or face-to-face interactions. It sets a respectful tone before your request.

Example: May I ask if you have the updated marketing strategy draft?

Best Use: Reaching out to senior colleagues, clients, or anyone in a formal setting.

Explanation: It softens the request and demonstrates courtesy, making your communication professional yet approachable.

5. “Pardon the Interruption”

When you need to speak during a meeting or phone call, “Pardon the interruption” signals politeness and awareness. It allows you to interject without seeming rude or abrupt.

Example: Pardon the interruption, but could we clarify the deadline for this task?

Best Use: Live meetings, conference calls, or collaborative discussions.

Explanation: It maintains etiquette while ensuring your voice is heard at the right moment.

6. “I Don’t Mean to Intrude”

You’re entering someone’s space, whether physically or digitally, and want to avoid seeming intrusive. “I don’t mean to intrude” is gentle and considerate, softening the approach.

Example: I don’t mean to intrude, but may I give some feedback on your draft?

Best Use: Personal or professional interactions where you’re aware the other person may be busy.

Explanation: It communicates respect and reduces any potential annoyance your message may cause.

7. “When You Have a Moment”

You want to ask for help but don’t want to rush anyone. “When you have a moment” gives the recipient control over timing and shows patience. It communicates respect without adding urgency.

Example: When you have a moment, could you review my presentation slides?

Best Use: Email or chat messages where timing flexibility is appreciated, especially with busy colleagues or clients.

Explanation: This phrase shows consideration for the other person’s schedule while keeping your request polite and professional.

8. “I’d Love Your Input”

Seeking advice or feedback is easier with “I’d love your input”. It frames your request positively, making the recipient feel valued and respected.

Example: I’d love your input on the new project plan before we finalize it.

Best Use: Team collaborations, brainstorming sessions, or creative discussions.

Explanation: It encourages engagement and makes your request collaborative rather than demanding.

9. “If It’s Not a Bad Time”

You’re aware the person may be busy, so “If it’s not a bad time” is a gentle way to start your message. It balances courtesy with the need to communicate.

Example: If it’s not a bad time, could we discuss the client feedback?

Best Use: Phone calls, live conversations, or chat messages where timing sensitivity matters.

Explanation: It signals respect for the recipient’s current workload while still allowing you to ask your question.

10. “Quick Favor”

Sometimes you need to ask for help informally. “Quick favor” makes your request concise, approachable, and friendly.

Example: Quick favor—could you proofread this email before I send it?

Best Use: Casual emails, messaging apps, or workplace chats among colleagues or friends.

Explanation: This phrase communicates brevity and politeness, showing that the task won’t take long.

11. “Would You Mind…”

“Would you mind…” is a classic polite way to request assistance. It’s respectful, soft, and professional, making it suitable for nearly all situations.

Example: Would you mind reviewing the draft before the meeting?

Best Use: Professional emails, formal requests, or courteous in-person interactions.

Explanation: It gently frames your request as optional, respecting the other person’s autonomy.

12. “Excuse Me for Reaching Out”

When you want to acknowledge that your message might be unexpected, “Excuse me for reaching out” is perfect. It balances politeness with assertiveness.

Example: Excuse me for reaching out, but I wanted your opinion on this matter.

Best Use: Professional emails or messages to new contacts or clients.

Explanation: It communicates awareness of the intrusion while keeping your request polite and professional.

13. “Just Checking In”

If you’re following up without pressuring, “Just checking in” is friendly and non-intrusive. It keeps communication light and approachable.

Example: Just checking in to see if you had a chance to review the proposal.

Best Use: Follow-up emails, casual chats, or ongoing projects.

Explanation: This phrase communicates patience and interest without sounding demanding.

14. “I Hope You’re Doing Well”

Before asking a question, opening with “I hope you’re doing well” softens your approach. It adds warmth and friendliness to professional or personal messages.

Example: I hope you’re doing well! Could you advise on the next steps for our project?

Best Use: Emails, messages, or calls where you want to combine politeness with a personal touch.

Explanation: It builds rapport and shows empathy, making your request more likely to be received positively.

15. “Forgive the Interruption”

Sometimes you’re entering a conversation or workspace unexpectedly. “Forgive the interruption” signals politeness while acknowledging the potential disruption.

Example: Forgive the interruption, but I wanted to clarify a point from the meeting.

Best Use: Meetings, calls, or when interrupting someone in-person.

Explanation: It shows respect for the person’s time and softens your entry into the conversation.

16. “May I Borrow a Moment of Your Time?”

When you need a bit of someone’s attention, “May I borrow a moment of your time?” is formal yet approachable. It’s professional without being overbearing.

Example: May I borrow a moment of your time to discuss the quarterly report?

Best Use: Professional meetings, client interactions, or formal emails.

Explanation: It conveys respect and emphasizes that you only need a brief amount of their time.

17. “Hope I’m Not Intruding”

Similar to other polite alternatives, “Hope I’m not intruding” is ideal when entering a private or busy space. It’s gentle and considerate.

Example: Hope I’m not intruding, but could I get your advice on this proposal?

Best Use: Email, message, or in-person requests where the person may be occupied.

Explanation: This phrase reassures the recipient that your intention is not to impose, making your approach courteous.

18. “Wanted to Run Something by You”

This casual phrase shows collaboration and respect. “Wanted to run something by you” indicates that you value the recipient’s opinion.

Example: Wanted to run something by you regarding the new marketing strategy.

Best Use: Team discussions, emails, or informal chats seeking input.

Explanation: It frames your request as a consultation rather than an obligation, encouraging positive engagement.

19. “Hope You’re Not Busy”

When messaging someone, starting with “Hope you’re not busy” is considerate. It acknowledges their schedule and sets a polite tone.

Example: Hope you’re not busy—could you take a look at the draft I sent?

Best Use: Quick emails, chat messages, or casual professional communication.

Explanation: It reduces the risk of appearing demanding while making the recipient more open to responding.

20. “Could I Ask a Favor?”

“Could I ask a favor?” is simple, friendly, and direct. It works well when seeking help or advice.

Example: Could I ask a favor? Can you review my presentation slides?

Best Use: Informal and professional contexts where you need a small task done.

Explanation: It sets expectations clearly while remaining polite and approachable.

21. “I’d Like Your Advice”

When looking for guidance, “I’d like your advice” shows respect and value for the other person’s opinion. It’s courteous and professional.

Example: I’d like your advice on the upcoming project deadlines.

Best Use: Mentorship, colleague consultation, or client communication.

Explanation: It positions your request as seeking wisdom rather than imposing a task.

22. “Could You Spare a Minute?”

“Could you spare a minute?” is polite and time-conscious. It signals brevity and urgency without being pushy.

Example: Could you spare a minute to discuss the updated project timeline?

Best Use: Emails, chat, or quick in-person requests.

Explanation: It conveys that your request is short and manageable, making the recipient more likely to respond promptly.

23. “Allow Me to Take a Moment”

This phrase is courteous when entering a discussion or giving an update. “Allow me to take a moment” shows respect while being assertive.

Example: Allow me to take a moment to explain the new process.

Best Use: Team meetings, presentations, or formal conversations.

Explanation: It balances politeness with confidence, ensuring your message is heard without seeming abrupt.

24. “I Hope This Isn’t a Bad Time”

Before reaching out, “I hope this isn’t a bad time” is considerate and shows awareness of the recipient’s schedule.

Example: I hope this isn’t a bad time—can we discuss the budget updates?

Best Use: Emails, calls, or in-person communication where timing sensitivity matters.

Explanation: It softens your request and increases the likelihood of a receptive response.

25. “Can I Grab a Moment?”

A casual, friendly approach, “Can I grab a moment?” works well in professional or informal settings. It’s concise and approachable.

Example: Can I grab a moment to discuss your feedback on the design draft?

Best Use: Quick discussions in the office, messages, or informal meetings.

Explanation: It’s polite, short, and effective for initiating brief conversations.

26. “Would It Be Okay If…”

Using “Would it be okay if…” is soft, respectful, and professional. It frames your request as optional.

Example: Would it be okay if I shared my thoughts on the proposal?

Best Use: Emails, meetings, or polite in-person conversations.

Explanation: It respects the recipient’s autonomy while communicating your request clearly.

27. “I Don’t Want to Take Up Too Much Time”

When mindful of someone’s schedule, “I don’t want to take up too much time” signals respect and brevity.

Example: I don’t want to take up too much time, but could you review the document?

Best Use: Professional emails, chat messages, or quick in-person requests.

Explanation: It reassures the recipient that your request is concise and manageable.

28. “If You Have a Minute”

Similar to other polite phrases, “If you have a minute” offers flexibility. It’s casual, friendly, and considerate.

Example: If you have a minute, could you provide feedback on the draft?

Best Use: Quick chats, informal emails, or casual office communication.

Explanation: It respects the recipient’s time while making your request approachable.

29. “Just Wanted to Touch Base”

“Just wanted to touch base” is common in professional settings for checking progress or updates. It’s polite, casual, and friendly.

Example: Just wanted to touch base on the status of the client report.

Best Use: Emails, chats, or team meetings where a light follow-up is needed.

Explanation: It keeps communication open without pressure, maintaining professionalism.

30. “Appreciate Your Attention”

Ending with a polite, professional note, “Appreciate your attention” shows gratitude while signaling the importance of your message.

Example: Appreciate your attention to this matter; please let me know your thoughts.

Best Use: Formal emails, client correspondence, or professional updates.

Explanation: It expresses thanks and respect while emphasizing the need for a response.

Conclusion

Using alternatives to “Sorry to disturb you” helps you communicate politely, professionally, and confidently. Phrases like “Hope I’m not bothering you”, “Just a quick question”, or “If you have a minute” convey respect while avoiding over-apologizing. By varying your wording, you create friendly, engaging, and professional interactions that leave a positive impression and maintain strong relationships.