Pardon me for doing something Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Apologizing Act Used to show you're aware your action might cause slight inconvenience or annoyance. Pardon me for being late; the traffic was terrible. Pro Tip 2/3Polite Interruption Use this phrase to interject respectfully in a conversation or gathering. Pardon me for interrupting, but could we return to the previous topic? Pro Tip 3/3Softening Questions Preface potentially personal or intrusive questions with this phrase to soften them. Pardon me for prying, but may I ask how you know the host?