Better ways to say “sorry to bother you”
Why it can fall flat
“sorry to bother you”
The apology makes a normal request sound like an imposition and implies your time matters less. Leaving out the actual ask also forces them to guess what you need, so a clear, polite question works better.
Say this instead
- 01
Do you have two minutes today? I need your steer on the vendor timeline before I reply to them.
Boss · Chat
Use this with a boss when you need a decision, since it names the reason and the small time cost up front.
- 02
Quick question when you have a moment: where is the latest version of the shift rota saved?
Coworker · Chat
Try this with a coworker because they can answer when it suits them, with no apology and no pressure.
- 03
Quick question on the invoice: could you confirm the PO number? I'd like to process it today.
Client · Email
Send this to a client when you want a specific request with a reason for the timing, which makes it easy to answer.
- 04
Do you have a minute? I'd like to check where the Friday report stands.
Someone you manage · Chat
Choose this with someone you manage because it sounds friendly rather than demanding, and you owe no apology.
- 05
Thanks for your help so far. Could you share an update on the timeline for the next round when you have a chance?
Recruiter / HR · Email
Gratitude comes first and then a clear ask, which suits a recruiter follow-up when you're waiting on news.
- 06
Hi Sneha, this is Reese from the repair desk. Your laptop is ready to collect after 2 pm today. Just reply here if you have questions.
Customer · SMS
Customers get useful news first and an easy way to reply, which suits an update they didn't request.
- 07
Following up on my note from Tuesday about the budget sheet. Could you send your numbers by Thursday noon? Thanks in advance.
Coworker · Email
Pick this reminder when a first request went unanswered, since the clear deadline keeps it polite but firm.
Examples
Hi Daniel, I have one quick question about the Q3 schedule. Could you confirm whether the review meeting is still on the 14th? I'd like to book the room today if so. Thanks very much, Maya
Hi Euan, do you have a minute? I need to check which template to use for the client summary before I send it this afternoon.
What to avoid
- Stacking apologies, such as “so sorry, I know you're busy, feel free to ignore this”.
- Opening with “sorry” and then burying the actual question at the end.
- A vague “Can I ask you something?” that makes the person wait for a reply before you say what it is.
- Downplaying a request that matters with words like “just” or “only”.
- Leaving out a deadline or reason when the request is time-sensitive.