A0 Expressions & Patterns 15 min read Easy

Polite Essentials: Excuse Me, Sorry & Thank You

Polite words build bridges: use Excuse me, Sorry, Thank you generously.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'Excuse me' to get attention, 'Sorry' to apologize for mistakes, and 'Thank you' to show gratitude.

  • Use 'Excuse me' before asking a stranger a question. Example: 'Excuse me, where is the bus?'
  • Use 'Sorry' after you make a mistake or bump into someone. Example: 'I am sorry I am late.'
  • Use 'Thank you' whenever someone helps you or gives you something. Example: 'Thank you for the coffee.'
🙋‍♂️ (Excuse me) + 🙇‍♂️ (Sorry) + 🙏 (Thank you) = 🤝 (Politeness)

Overview

Being polite is very important. Use these words every day.

These words show you care about other people.

Say Excuse me first. Say Sorry after mistakes. Say Thank you for help.

Use these words correctly. They help you talk and move easily.

How This Grammar Works

These words never change. Use them as they are.
They show people what you want. They help you act well.
Saying Sorry is an apology. Saying Thank you is giving thanks.
Everyone knows these words mean respect. They are easy for beginners.
These words are simple but very strong.
Excuse me helps you move. Sorry fixes a small problem.
Thank you makes people happy. It helps you make friends.

Formation Pattern

1
These words stay the same. Do not change the letters.
2
| Phrase | How to use | Notes |
3
|:----------------|:--------------|:--------------------------------------------|
4
| Excuse me | Fixed phrase | Always two words, always together. |
5
| Sorry | Single word | Can be used alone or with qualifiers. |
6
| Thank you | Fixed phrase | Always two words, always together. |
7
Only say Excuse me or Thank you. Do not change them.

When To Use It

Using the right word is important. The wrong word confuses people.
This list shows you how to use each word.
1. Excuse me
Say Excuse me to get attention. Use it before you move past someone.
  • To gain someone's attention: When you need to speak to someone who is not currently addressing you, Excuse me is the polite way to initiate contact. This is crucial for asking questions, requesting assistance, or interrupting a conversation respectfully.
  • Excuse me, is this seat taken? (To a stranger on a bus)
  • Excuse me, can you help me find the library? (To a passerby for directions)
  • In a professional setting, like a virtual meeting, you might type or say, Excuse me, may I ask a question?
  • To request passage: When you need to move past someone in a crowded area, Excuse me signals your intention to move and politely requests that they make way. It acknowledges their presence and avoids an abrupt physical interaction.
  • Excuse me, I need to get off the train. (To someone blocking the exit)
  • Excuse me, excuse me. (Repeated softly while trying to navigate a dense crowd)
  • When reaching for an item blocked by someone in a shop, you might say, Excuse me, could I just reach for that?
  • To acknowledge a minor, unintentional bodily function: If you burp, sneeze, or cough in public, Excuse me is the customary, polite acknowledgement. It signals that you are aware of the sound and intend no disrespect.
  • (After a quiet cough) Excuse me.
  • If you accidentally yawn loudly during a lecture, you might murmur, Excuse me.
  • In a casual group setting, if you suddenly need to step away, you could say, Excuse me for a moment.
  • To politely interrupt: If you need to interject into a conversation or stop someone from speaking, Excuse me introduces your interruption as respectful, even if it is an intrusion.
  • Excuse me, but I think you have my bag.
  • In a discussion, you might say, Excuse me, but I have a different perspective.
2. Sorry
Say Sorry after a mistake. Use it if you feel bad.
  • To apologize for a mistake or inconvenience caused: This is the most common use. Sorry acknowledges that you have done something wrong, even if minor, and expresses regret. This helps to repair social friction.
  • (After accidentally bumping into someone) Oh, sorry!
  • (If you are late for an appointment) Sorry I'm late.
  • If you miss a text message from a friend, you might reply, Sorry, just saw this!
  • To express sympathy or sadness for another person's misfortune: When you hear bad news or someone is experiencing difficulty, Sorry conveys empathy and concern. It shows you acknowledge their pain or struggle.
  • I'm sorry to hear about your job.
  • Sorry that happened to you.
  • On social media, if a friend posts about a difficult exam, you might comment, So sorry, hope it went okay!
  • To ask for repetition or clarification (when you didn't hear or understand): Used with a rising intonation, Sorry? functions as a polite way to ask someone to repeat what they said. It implies "I'm sorry, I didn't hear you."
  • Sorry? Could you repeat that, please?
  • Sorry, what did you say?
  • In a phone call with poor reception, Sorry, I didn't catch that last part.
3. Thank you
Say Thank you after someone helps you. It shows you are happy.
  • To express gratitude for a favor, gift, or service: This is the core function of Thank you. It is essential to acknowledge acts of kindness, both large and small.
  • (When someone holds a door open for you) Thank you.
  • (Receiving a present) Thank you, this is lovely!
  • After an email exchange where someone has provided helpful information, you might conclude with, Thank you for your assistance.
  • To accept an offer politely: When someone offers you something (food, drink, help), saying Thank you indicates acceptance while also expressing appreciation for the offer.
  • Would you like some coffee? – Yes, thank you.
  • Can I help you with those bags? – Thank you, that would be great.
  • When someone offers to share their screen during an online collaboration, you might say, Thank you, that's very helpful.
English speakers say Thank you often. It is very polite.

Common Mistakes

Do not mix these words up. Each word has one job.
1. Confusing Excuse me and Sorry
This is perhaps the most frequent error for A0 learners. The core difference lies in their temporal orientation and intent:
  • Excuse me is typically pre-emptive or anticipatory. You use it before you perform an action that might cause a minor disturbance (like interrupting or passing) or to gain attention. It asks for permission or forbearance.
  • Sorry is typically reactive or reparative. You use it after you have caused a mistake or inconvenience, expressing regret for an action already performed.
Mistake Example: Saying Sorry, where is the bus stop?
Do not say Sorry to ask a question. Asking is okay.
Say Excuse me, where is the bus? This gets attention first.
Mistake: Saying Excuse me! after you hit someone.
This is wrong. Say Sorry for a bump. Excuse me is too small.
Say "Oh, sorry!" or "I am so sorry!" for a mistake.
2. Omitting 'you' from Thank you in formal or new contexts
You can say "Thanks." But "Thank you" is always better for beginners.
  • Thank you is always polite and suitable for all situations, from casual to formal.
  • Thanks is more informal and best reserved for friends, family, or very casual settings where you have an established rapport.
Mistake Example: Ending an email to a university professor with just Thanks.
Why it's wrong: In academic or professional contexts, Thanks can be perceived as overly casual or even impolite. It lacks the full measure of respect conveyed by Thank you.
Say "Thank you for your time" or "Thank you for your help."
3. Over-apologizing
Some learners, in an effort to be polite, may use Sorry excessively, even when no apology is warranted. This can diminish the impact of genuine apologies and sometimes imply a lack of confidence.
Mistake Example: Saying Sorry if someone else bumps into you.
Why it's wrong: You are apologizing for an action that was not yours. If someone bumps into you, they should be the one to apologize. You do not need to assume blame for others' actions.
If someone says sorry, you can say "No worries."
4. Using Sorry when Excuse me is needed for clarification
Say "Excuse me?" if you did not hear the person.
Mistake Example: Constantly saying Sorry? in a conversation when you repeatedly don't hear someone.
Do not say "Sorry?" too much. It sounds like you are wrong.
Say "Can you say that again?" or "Sorry, what was that?"

Real Conversations

Understanding how these polite essentials integrate into real-world communication is vital. The following scenarios illustrate their application in various social contexts, from informal daily interactions to more structured environments, highlighting how native speakers deploy them naturally.

S

Scenario 1

Navigating a Crowded Space (Informal)

You are in a busy supermarket, trying to reach a specific item on a shelf, but someone is standing directly in front of it.*

Y

You

Excuse me, may I just reach for the milk?
S

Stranger

Oh, sure. Go ahead. (Steps aside)
Y

You

Thank you.

Later, as you turn with your basket, you slightly brush against someone else's arm.*

Y

You

Oops, sorry!
S

Stranger

No problem.
A

Analysis

Excuse me effectively signals your intent to intrude on the stranger's space before you act, securing permission. Thank you acknowledges their cooperation. Oops, sorry! is a quick, minor apology for an accidental, small physical contact, demonstrating immediate awareness and regret.
S

Scenario 2

University Classroom Interaction (Semi-Formal)

During a lecture, you need to ask your professor a question, but they are mid-sentence.*

Y

You

Excuse me, Professor, I have a quick question about that last point.
P

Professor

Yes, what is it?
Y

You

Could you clarify the definition of 'syntax'?
P

Professor

Certainly. Syntax refers to the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences.
Y

You

Ah, thank you. That's much clearer.
A

Analysis

Excuse me, Professor is a polite and appropriate way to interrupt someone in authority, indicating respect for their ongoing speech. Thank you expresses gratitude for the clarification provided. This demonstrates respectful academic discourse.
S

Scenario 3

Digital Communication (Casual/Professional Blend)

You receive a text from a friend about meeting up, but you're delayed.*

Friend (text): Hey, running late. Be there in 10.

You (text): Oh, sorry! Just saw this. I'll be another 15 min. Traffic is bad.

Later, your friend sends you a link to an interesting article.*

You (text): Thanks for sending that! Looks really interesting.

A

Analysis

Oh, sorry! is an immediate apology for a perceived delay in response and for your own lateness, demonstrating consideration for your friend's time. Thanks (informal Thank you) is appropriate for a casual text among friends, expressing appreciation for the shared article.
S

Scenario 4

Customer Service Interaction (Formal/Polite)

You are at a café counter, and the barista hands you the wrong order.*

B

Barista

Here's your latte.
Y

You

Excuse me, I ordered a cappuccino, not a latte.
B

Barista

Oh, I'm so sorry! My mistake. I'll get that fixed right away.
Y

You

Thank you.
A

Analysis

Excuse me is used here to politely correct an error. It signals a discrepancy without being accusatory. The barista's I'm so sorry! is a stronger apology appropriate for a service error. Your Thank you acknowledges their commitment to rectify the mistake.

Quick FAQ

These notes help you use "Excuse me," "Sorry," and "Thank you."
  • Q: Can Excuse me and Sorry be used together?
  • A: Yes, occasionally, especially to emphasize regret for a very minor accidental physical contact. For instance, if you lightly brush past someone, you might say, Oh, excuse me! Sorry! This combination intensifies the apologetic tone, signaling both awareness (Excuse me) and regret (Sorry). It's less common for pre-emptive uses.
  • Q: Is Pardon me interchangeable with Excuse me?
  • A: Largely, yes, in terms of function. However, Pardon me is generally considered slightly more formal or, in some contexts, a bit old-fashioned compared to the more common Excuse me. For A0 learners, Excuse me is the more universally applicable and modern choice. Both can be used to gain attention, request passage, or acknowledge a minor bodily function.
  • Q: When should I use I'm sorry instead of just Sorry?
  • A: I'm sorry is a slightly stronger and more formal apology than a simple Sorry. While Sorry is perfectly adequate for minor transgressions (e.g., Oops, sorry!), I'm sorry is often preferred for more significant mistakes, when expressing deeper sympathy, or in more formal contexts. For A0 learners, starting with Sorry is fine, but recognize I'm sorry adds a touch more emphasis.
  • Q: Is it ever rude not to say Thank you?
  • A: In most English-speaking contexts, yes. Omitting Thank you after someone has done something for you, given you something, or offered assistance can be perceived as ungrateful, rude, or taking someone's actions for granted. While there might be rare, highly informal situations among very close friends where it's implied, it's a fundamental rule of politeness to express thanks. When in doubt, always say Thank you.
  • Q: Can Sorry be used if I didn't understand something, like Pardon??
  • A: Absolutely. Sorry? (with a rising intonation) is a very common and polite way to indicate that you did not hear or understand what was said and would like the speaker to repeat it. It implies,

Common Variations of Polite Phrases

Phrase Informal Neutral Formal
Gratitude
Thanks!
Thank you.
I am very grateful.
Apology
My bad / Sorry!
I'm sorry.
I apologize sincerely.
Attention
Hey! (Careful)
Excuse me.
Pardon me / I beg your pardon.
Declining
No thanks.
No, thank you.
I'm afraid I must decline.

Common Contractions and Slang

Full Form Contraction Slang/Text
I am sorry
I'm sorry
Sorry / My bad
Thank you
n/a
Thanks / Thx / Ty
Excuse me
n/a
Scuse me

Meanings

These are 'social lubricants'—fixed phrases used to maintain politeness, show respect, and manage interactions with others.

1

Attention Seeker

Using 'Excuse me' to start a conversation or ask for space.

“Excuse me, is this seat free?”

“Excuse me, I need to get past.”

2

Apology

Using 'Sorry' to express regret for an action.

“I'm sorry I broke the glass.”

“Sorry for the noise.”

3

Gratitude

Using 'Thank you' to acknowledge a gift, service, or kindness.

“Thank you for the gift.”

“Thanks for your help.”

4

Softening a 'No'

Using 'Sorry' or 'No, thank you' to politely decline an offer.

“No, thank you, I'm full.”

“I'm sorry, I can't come tonight.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Polite Essentials: Excuse Me, Sorry & Thank You
Situation Phrase to Use Example
Getting attention
Excuse me
Excuse me, where is the bus?
Making a mistake
I'm sorry
I'm sorry I'm late.
Receiving help
Thank you
Thank you for the help.
Walking through a crowd
Excuse me
Excuse me, sorry, coming through.
Bumping into someone
Oh! Sorry!
Oh! Sorry! I didn't see you.
Saying 'No' politely
No, thank you
No, thank you. I don't want tea.
Asking for a favor
Excuse me, could you...
Excuse me, could you open the door?

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Excuse me, would you mind if I sat here?

Excuse me, would you mind if I sat here? (Public transport)

Neutral
Excuse me, is this seat taken?

Excuse me, is this seat taken? (Public transport)

Informal
Is this free?

Is this free? (Public transport)

Slang
Can I crash here?

Can I crash here? (Public transport)

The Politeness Triangle

Polite English

Before Action

  • Excuse me To start

After Mistake

  • Sorry To fix

After Help

  • Thank you To finish

Excuse Me vs. Sorry

Excuse Me
Proactive Before you do it
Attention Hey, look at me
Sorry
Reactive After you did it
Regret I feel bad

Which phrase should I use?

1

Did you make a mistake?

YES
Use 'Sorry'
NO
Next question
2

Do you need someone to look at you?

YES
Use 'Excuse me'
NO
Use 'Thank you' if they helped!

Politeness by Context

✈️

Travel

  • • Excuse me, platform 9?
  • • Thank you, officer.
  • • Sorry, wrong gate.
🍴

Dining

  • • Excuse me, the bill please.
  • • Thank you, it was delicious.
  • • Sorry, no onions please.
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Examples by Level

1

Excuse me, where is the station?

2

I am sorry, I don't understand.

3

Thank you for the water.

4

No, thank you.

1

Excuse me, could you help me with this bag?

2

I'm sorry for making a mistake.

3

Thanks a lot for your advice.

4

Sorry, I'm busy right now.

1

Excuse me, I think you dropped your wallet.

2

I'm so sorry to keep you waiting.

3

I'm really grateful for everything you've done.

4

Excuse me, but I don't think that's correct.

1

Excuse me for interrupting, but we have a deadline.

2

I owe you an apology for my behavior yesterday.

3

I'd like to express my sincere thanks to the team.

4

I'm sorry to bother you, but do you have a moment?

1

I beg your pardon, I didn't quite catch that.

2

We regret to inform you that your application was unsuccessful.

3

Your assistance has been invaluable; thank you.

4

Excuse my ignorance, but how does this system work?

1

I must apologize; I seem to have overstepped the mark.

2

I'm terribly sorry, but I simply cannot acquiesce to those terms.

3

Words cannot express the depth of my gratitude.

4

Excuse me, but your logic appears somewhat flawed in this instance.

Easily Confused

Polite Essentials: Excuse Me, Sorry & Thank You vs Excuse me vs. Sorry

Learners use 'Sorry' to get attention because in some languages, the word for 'pardon' is the same for both.

Polite Essentials: Excuse Me, Sorry & Thank You vs Thanks vs. Thank you

Learners often say 'Thanks you' or 'Thank'.

Polite Essentials: Excuse Me, Sorry & Thank You vs Excuse me vs. Pardon me

Learners think 'Pardon' is the only way to ask someone to repeat something.

Common Mistakes

✗

Sorry, where is the bank?

✓

Excuse me, where is the bank?

Use 'Excuse me' to get attention. 'Sorry' is for mistakes.
✗

Thank you for help.

✓

Thank you for the help.

You need an article or a gerund after 'for'.
✗

I am excuse me.

✓

Excuse me.

'Excuse me' is an imperative phrase, not a state of being.
✗

Thanks you.

✓

Thank you. (OR) Thanks.

Do not put an 's' on 'Thanks' if you use 'you'.
✗

I'm sorry to late.

✓

I'm sorry I'm late. (OR) I'm sorry for being late.

Use a clause or a gerund after 'sorry'.
✗

Excuse me, can you repeat?

✓

Excuse me, could you repeat that? (OR) Sorry?

Adding 'that' and using 'could' is more natural.
✗

Thank you very much for your help me.

✓

Thank you very much for helping me.

Use the -ing form after 'for'.
✗

I apologize for be late.

✓

I apologize for being late.

Formal apologies still require the gerund.
✗

I beg your pardon? (Used when you disagree)

✓

I'm sorry, I don't quite agree.

'I beg your pardon' is usually for not hearing, or very sharp indignation.

Sentence Patterns

Excuse me, where is the ___?

I am sorry for ___.

Thank you for ___.

Excuse me, could you ___?

Real World Usage

Ordering Food constant

Excuse me, can I have the menu? Thank you.

Texting a Friend very common

Thanks for the link! Sorry for the late reply.

Job Interview occasional

Thank you for this opportunity. I'm sorry, could you repeat the question?

Public Transport very common

Excuse me, I need to get off at this stop. Sorry!

Shopping very common

Excuse me, how much is this? Thank you.

Social Media common

Thanks for the follow! Sorry I missed your DM.

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🎯

The 'Sorry' Sandwich

If you are very late, use a 'Sorry' sandwich: 'I'm so sorry I'm late. [Reason]. I'm really sorry.' This shows extra sincerity.
⚠️

Don't just say 'Excuse'

Always say the full 'Excuse me.' Saying just 'Excuse' sounds like a command and can be very rude.
💬

Responding to Thanks

In the US, 'You're welcome' is standard. In the UK and Australia, 'No worries' or 'That's okay' is very common.
💡

Softening Requests

Add 'please' to your 'Thank you' and 'Excuse me' sentences to sound even more like a native speaker. 'Excuse me, please' is very polite.

Smart Tips

Combine 'Excuse me' and 'Sorry' to move through. Say 'Excuse me, sorry, excuse me' as you walk.

Hey! Move! → Excuse me, sorry, could I just get past?

Use 'No problem' instead of 'You're welcome' to sound more modern and casual.

You are welcome. → No problem!

Wait for a tiny pause, then say 'Excuse me' with a soft, rising tone.

I have a question! → Excuse me, may I ask a quick question?

Add 'really' or 'so much' to your thank you.

Thank you. → I really appreciate it, thank you so much.

Pronunciation

/ɪkˈskjuːz mi/

The 's' in Excuse

In 'Excuse me' (the verb/expression), the 's' sounds like a /z/.

/θæŋk juː/

The 'th' in Thank

Place your tongue between your teeth for a soft 'th' sound. Do not say 'Sank' or 'Tank'.

Rising Intonation for Questions

Excuse me? ↗

Used when you didn't hear someone or are surprised.

Falling Intonation for Statements

Thank you. ↘

Conveys sincere gratitude.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

EST: Excuse me (Start), Sorry (Stop/Fix), Thank you (Terminate/End).

Visual Association

Imagine a 'Social Shield'. 'Excuse me' is the handle you grab to start, 'Sorry' is the polish to fix scratches, and 'Thank you' is the shine at the end.

Rhyme

Before you ask, 'Excuse me' say. After help, 'Thank you' is the way. If you're wrong, 'Sorry' saves the day.

Story

I walked into a shop and said 'Excuse me' to find a gift. I accidentally dropped a vase and said 'Sorry!' The clerk helped me clean it, so I said 'Thank you' before I left.

Word Web

Excuse meSorryThank youThanksPardonApologyGratefulWelcome

Challenge

Go through your day and find 3 times to say 'Thank you' and 1 time to say 'Excuse me' (even if you are just practicing in your head!).

Cultural Notes

British people use 'Sorry' constantly, even if they didn't do anything wrong. If you bump into a British person, they will often say 'Sorry' to you first!

Americans are very direct with 'Thank you' and often follow it with 'You're welcome' or 'No problem.' 'Excuse me' is used loudly to get through crowds.

Australians often use 'No worries' as a response to both 'Sorry' and 'Thank you.' It is a very versatile polite phrase.

'Excuse' comes from the Latin 'ex-causa' (out of a cause/charge). 'Sorry' comes from the Old English 'sarig' (full of sorrow/pain). 'Thank' comes from the Proto-Germanic 'thancjan' (to think/thought).

Conversation Starters

“

Excuse me, do you know where the nearest cafe is?

“

I'm so sorry I'm late! The traffic was terrible.

“

Thank you so much for inviting me to your party!

“

Excuse me, I'm afraid I didn't catch your name.

Journal Prompts

Write about a time you had to say 'Sorry' to someone. What happened?
Write a thank-you note to a friend who gave you a birthday gift.
Describe a situation where you had to use 'Excuse me' to get help in a foreign country.
Discuss the importance of politeness in your culture compared to English-speaking cultures.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Choose the best phrase to get a waiter's attention. Multiple Choice

___, can I have the bill?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Use 'Excuse me' to get someone's attention politely.
Fill in the blank with the correct word.

Thank you ___ the delicious dinner.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
We use 'for' after 'Thank you' to give a reason.
Find the mistake in the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

I am sorry for be late.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: c
It should be 'being' (the -ing form) after 'for'.
Match the situation to the phrase. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Sorry is for accidents, Thank you for gifts, Excuse me for starting a conversation.
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
'Excuse me' usually comes at the start of the question.
Which is the most informal way to say thank you? Multiple Choice

I want to thank my best friend.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: c
'Thanks' is the informal version of 'Thank you'.
Complete the dialogue.

A: Here is your coffee. B: ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: c
You say 'Thank you' when someone gives you something.
You didn't hear what the teacher said. What do you say? Multiple Choice

___, could you say that again?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
'Excuse me' is used to ask for repetition or clarification.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Choose the best phrase to get a waiter's attention. Multiple Choice

___, can I have the bill?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Use 'Excuse me' to get someone's attention politely.
Fill in the blank with the correct word.

Thank you ___ the delicious dinner.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
We use 'for' after 'Thank you' to give a reason.
Find the mistake in the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

I am sorry for be late.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: c
It should be 'being' (the -ing form) after 'for'.
Match the situation to the phrase. Match Pairs

1. Bumping into someone | 2. Receiving a gift | 3. Asking for directions

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Sorry is for accidents, Thank you for gifts, Excuse me for starting a conversation.
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Reorder

me / where / excuse / is / library / the / ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
'Excuse me' usually comes at the start of the question.
Which is the most informal way to say thank you? Multiple Choice

I want to thank my best friend.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: c
'Thanks' is the informal version of 'Thank you'.
Complete the dialogue.

A: Here is your coffee. B: ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: c
You say 'Thank you' when someone gives you something.
You didn't hear what the teacher said. What do you say? Multiple Choice

___, could you say that again?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
'Excuse me' is used to ask for repetition or clarification.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Complete the polite phrase to thank someone. Fill in the Blank

___ you for holding the door for me!

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Thank
Correct the mistake when apologizing for a small accident. Error Correction

Excuse me, I spilled a little water.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Sorry, I spilled a little water.
Select the correct way to get a waiter's attention. Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Excuse me, a glass of water, please.
Translate into English: 'Perdón, ¿puedes repetir eso?' Translation

Translate into English: 'Perdón, ¿puedes repetir eso?'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["Sorry, can you repeat that?","Excuse me, can you repeat that?"]
Put the words in order to form a polite request. Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Excuse me, could you pass, please?
Match each situation with the most appropriate polite phrase. Match Pairs

Match the situations with the correct phrase:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched
Choose the best word for expressing regret. Fill in the Blank

I'm so ___ to hear about your bad day.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: sorry
Identify and correct the incorrect use of a polite phrase. Error Correction

Thank you, I need to get off the train.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Excuse me, I need to get off the train.
Pick the most polite way to accept an offer of help. Multiple Choice

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Thank you, that would be great.
Translate into English: 'Disculpe, ¿puedo pasar?' Translation

Translate into English: 'Disculpe, ¿puedo pasar?'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["Excuse me, may I pass?","Excuse me, can I get past?"]
Unscramble the words to form a proper apology. Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Sorry for the mistake.
Match the polite phrase to its primary purpose. Match Pairs

Match each phrase to its use:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched

Score: /12

FAQ (8)

No, you must say `Excuse me`. Saying just `Excuse` is grammatically incomplete and sounds like a command, which is rude.

Not at all! `Thanks` is perfect for friends, family, and casual situations like buying a newspaper. Use `Thank you` for more formal settings.

People will still understand you, but it sounds a bit strange. It makes it seem like you are apologizing for existing rather than just asking a question!

The most common responses are `You're welcome`, `No problem`, or `Anytime`.

`I'm sorry` is slightly more formal and sincere. `Sorry` is a quick, casual apology for minor things.

Yes, if you say it with a very sharp, loud tone, it can sound like you are angry. Tone of voice is very important!

Use `Pardon?` or `I beg your pardon?` when you didn't hear someone. It is more formal than `Sorry?` or `What?`.

Yes! Always say `No, thank you`. Just saying `No` sounds very blunt and unfriendly in English.

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In Other Languages

Spanish high

Perdón / Gracias / Disculpe

English strictly separates 'Excuse me' (proactive) and 'Sorry' (reactive).

French high

Pardon / Merci / Excusez-moi

English uses 'Excuse me' much more frequently than 'Pardon'.

German moderate

Entschuldigung / Danke / Es tut mir leid

German has one word for both attention and apology; English has two.

Japanese low

Sumimasen / Arigatou

English requires specific words for specific social functions, whereas Japanese uses one versatile word.

Arabic moderate

Afwan / Shukran / Asif

English 'Excuse me' is never used as a response to 'Thank you'.

Chinese moderate

Bùhǎoyìsi / Xièxiè / Duìbuqǐ

English 'Sorry' is used much more casually and frequently than 'Duìbuqǐ'.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

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`I'd Like...` — Ordering & Polite Requests
Next
Where Is...? — Asking for Locations

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