Polite Interruption - GE 9 Unit 6

POLITE INTERRUPTION

Asking for permission to interrupt	Refusing for mission to interrupt
Sorry to bother you, but have you got a minute? Is this a good time? Sorry to disturb you. I was wondering if I could see you for a moment. Are you busy? Can I have a word?	Sorry (Joan), this isn’t a good time. I am really up against it at the moment. I am afraid I am bit tied up just now. I am rather pushed for time right now. I am really rather busy right now.

Tips

if we are refused permission, we often say:

Don’t worry, it is not important.

Don’t worry, it can wait.

Don’t worry,  it is not urgent.

Don’t worry, I will catch you later.

Don’t worry, some other time.

When would be a good time.

When would be a better time.

When would be more convenient.

Want to give permission to the person interrupting us:

Yes, of course!

What can I do for you?

How can I help?

What’s the problem?

What’s up ? (informal)

Example :

- Sorry to disturb you.

+ I am really rather busy right now.

- Is this a good time?

+ I am really up against it at the moment.

- I was wondering if I could see you for a moment.

+ Sorry, this isn’t a good time.

- Are you busy?

+ I am rather pushed for time right now.

- Can I have a word?

+ I am afraid I am bit tied up just now.

- Sorry to bother you, but have you got a minute?

+ Yes, of course! How can I help?

+ Yes, of course! What can I do for you?

--

+ Excuse me. I was wondering if I could see you for a moment.

- I am sorry, I am really up against it at the moment.

+ When would be a good time.

- How about 3.30 ?

+ Sorry to disturb you. Can I have a word?

- Er, I am afraid I am bit tied up right  now.

+ Don’t worry. It can wait.

- Sorry to disturb you, but have you got a minute?

+ I am rather pushed for time right now.

- Ok, I will catch you later.

-

- Hello. Are you busy?

+ I am a bit. Sorry,  this isn’t a good time.

- That is OK. It is not important. When would be more convenient.