Saying “sorry to bother you” every time you need something from someone gets old fast — for you and for them. Varying how you open a request helps you sound more natural, shows awareness of the other person’s time, and often makes them more willing to help. Here are 27 genuinely useful alternatives, with notes on when each one works best.
When You Want to Sound Polite but Not Overly Apologetic
These work well in professional emails, workplace conversations, and messages to people you don’t know well.
1. “I hope I’m not catching you at a bad time.”
This is warmer than the original. It shows you’re thinking about their schedule without sounding overly self-deprecating. Good for phone calls or dropping by someone’s desk.
2. “Do you have a moment?”
Short and respectful. It gives the other person an easy out if they’re busy, which actually makes people more likely to say yes. Works in almost any situation.
3. “Apologies for the interruption.”
More formal than “sorry to bother you” and slightly more sincere-sounding. Use this when you’re genuinely cutting into someone’s work, like stopping someone mid-task in a meeting or during a focused work period.
4. “I’ll keep this brief.”
This one does double duty — it acknowledges that their time matters and it sets expectations. People appreciate knowing upfront that you won’t take long.
5. “I know you’re busy, so I’ll be quick.”
Similar to the above, but slightly more personal. Better for people you know at least a little.
6. “Excuse me for a moment of your time.”
Old-fashioned but still works well in formal contexts. If you’re reaching out to someone senior or someone you’ve never contacted before, this doesn’t feel out of place.
7. “I hate to interrupt, but…”
This works when you’re physically interrupting someone — in a meeting, in a conversation, or mid-task. The phrase acknowledges the awkwardness without making it a big deal.
When You’re Asking for Help or Information
These are good for emails, messages, or conversations where you need something specific.
8. “Would you mind helping me with something?”
Polite and open. It works because it frames the request as optional, which people tend to respond well to even when helping is expected.
9. “I was hoping to get your input on something.”
This is particularly strong when you’re asking for an opinion or expertise. It makes the other person feel valued rather than put upon.
10. “Could I ask you something when you get a chance?”
No urgency implied, which is considerate if the matter isn’t pressing. Better in writing than in person since in person it can make people nervous waiting to find out what you want.
11. “I have a quick question for you.”
Straightforward and common. The word “quick” signals you won’t take much of their time. Just make sure the question actually is quick, or this comes across as misleading.
12. “I’d appreciate your help with something.”
This expresses gratitude before they’ve even said yes, which is a small but genuine gesture. Works well in emails.
13. “If you have a minute, I could use some guidance.”
The “if you have a minute” part is key — it’s genuinely conditional and shows respect. Good for reaching out to someone more experienced than you.
“Sorry to Bother You” When You’re Following Up on Something
Following up without sounding annoying is its own skill. These help.
14. “Just circling back on this.”
Widely used in workplace settings. It’s neutral and doesn’t place blame or guilt. Avoid using it too often with the same person, or it loses its casual tone.
15. “Wanted to check in on this when you have a chance.”
Gentle and unpressured. Works well when you’re genuinely not in a rush.
16. “I don’t want to pester you, but I wanted to follow up.”
The honesty here actually works in your favor. You’re naming the thing you’re worried about (being a pest) before the other person thinks it, which tends to disarm the situation.
17. “I realize you’re likely juggling a lot — just wanted to nudge this along.”
Empathetic and self-aware. This is good for following up with someone who you know is genuinely swamped.
When You’re Contacting a Stranger or Someone Senior
First contacts or messages upward in a hierarchy need more care.
18. “I appreciate you taking the time to read this.”
A solid opening for cold emails or messages to people with no obligation to respond. It acknowledges that their attention is a gift, not a given.
19. “I hope this message finds you well.”
Overused in some circles, but still appropriate in formal correspondence. Keep it if the relationship or context is formal; drop it if you’re writing to a colleague you see daily.
20. “I wouldn’t reach out unless I thought it was worth your time.”
Confident without being arrogant. This works when you genuinely have something valuable to offer or ask, and you want to signal that upfront. Not right for casual requests.
21. “Thank you for making time for this.”
Best used when someone has agreed to a meeting or call. It opens the conversation on a note of appreciation.
Ways to Say “Sorry to Bother You” For Text Messages and Casual Conversations
Sometimes “sorry to bother you” is just too formal for the situation.
22. “Hey, got a sec?”
Casual, fast, and to the point. Works with coworkers, friends, or anyone in a relaxed setting. Sounds normal.
23. “Not trying to be a pain, but…”
Friendly and self-aware. The humor undercuts any awkwardness. Good for messages between people who know each other.
24. “Hope this is okay to ask…”
Gentle and a little uncertain, which can actually be endearing in the right context. Works in messages to friends or friendly acquaintances when you feel slightly awkward about the request.
25. “Hate to bug you, but…”
Informal, warm, and common. Very natural in texts or spoken conversation with people you’re comfortable with.
When the Timing Might Not Be Ideal
Sometimes you know your timing isn’t great, and naming it is the most considerate move.
26. “I know this might not be the best time, but…”
Acknowledging the timing shows good judgment. It doesn’t demand an immediate response and gives the other person permission to come back to you later.
27. “Whenever you get a chance — no rush.”
This one removes urgency entirely. It’s genuinely considerate when the matter really can wait. Don’t use it when there actually is a deadline, or you’ll create confusion.
Choosing the Right One
The phrase you pick depends on three things: how well you know the person, the formality of the situation, and how urgent your request actually is.
For formal emails or messages to people you don’t know, go with something like “I appreciate you taking the time” or “I hope I’m not catching you at a bad time.” For colleagues and everyday work conversations, “do you have a moment” or “I’ll keep this brief” tend to land well. For friends and informal messages, “hey, got a sec?” or “hate to bug you” feel more natural.
One thing worth noting: constantly apologizing at the start of every message — whether it’s “sorry to bother you,” “I know you’re busy,” or any version of it — can start to undermine how you come across. Use these phrases when they genuinely fit, not as a reflex. If you have a reasonable question, you’re allowed to ask it without a long preamble.
A Note on Tone
Several of these phrases sound nearly identical in meaning but carry different weight depending on context. “Apologies for the interruption” in a spoken meeting sounds composed and professional. The same phrase in a casual text to a friend would sound oddly stiff. Pay attention to the medium — spoken, written, formal, casual — before choosing.
Also, phrases that include “I know you’re busy” or “I hate to interrupt” can come across as slightly passive if used too often. They work when they’re genuine. When they become habit, they stop sounding sincere.
Read also:
29 Other Ways to Say “Got It, Thank You”
How to Wish Someone Good Luck Professionally (22+ Natural Ways)
34 Other Ways to Say “It’s My Pleasure to Help”
I write clear, practical English lessons for everyday use. On Lingotexting, I break down grammar, vocabulary, and word types into simple ideas you can apply quickly. My focus is accuracy, real examples, and helpful visuals, so learners build confidence, improve writing, and communicate naturally in school, work, and daily life.