Polite interruptions
Asking for permission to interrupt
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Sorry to bother you (MP), but have you
A) busy?
Is this
B) a word?
Sorry to
c) got a minute
I was wondering if
d) disturb you (MP).
Are you
e) a good time?
Can I have
f) I could see you for a moment(MP)
Refusing permission to interrupt (busy, against, tied, time, pushed)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Sorry, (Tina), this isn’t a good ______ .
I’m really up ______ it at the moment. (under pressure to hit a deadline)
I’m afraid I’m a bit _____ up just now. (be busy/occupied)
I’m rather ______ for a time right now. (be busy/in a hurry)
I’m really rather ______ right now.
We often use “I’m afraid” to sound more polite when refusing permission
Tip + If we are refused permission, we often say : Don’t worry, it’s not
important? It can wait/ It’s not urgent? I’ll catch you later/some other time.
When would be a good time/ a better time/ more convenient (more
formal)?
+ When we want to give permission to the person interrupting us, we often
say:
Yes, of course. What can I do for you? How can I help? What’s the problem?
Or What’s up? (informal)
Ex 6 face to face Unit 6D Ex 6