Getting Attention
Sample phrases (from formal to informal)
- A: Pardon me/Excuse me, Dr. Scott.
B: Yes? What can I do for you?
- A: Waiter?
B: Yes? Can I help you?
- A: Hey, Ben.
B: Yeah?
Interrupting a Conversation
Sample phrases (from formal to informal)
- A: Pardon the interruption/Pardon me/Excuse me, but...
B: What can I do for you?
- A: I don't want to/hate to interrupt you, but...
B: It's all right. How can I help?
- A: I'm sorry, but...
B: It's OK.
See also:
- Greeting People and Responding to Greetings
- Making and Responding to Introductions
- Saying Goodbye
- Making, Accepting and Refusing Invitations
- Thanking People and Responding to Thanks
- Apologizing and Responding to Apologies
- Complimenting and Responding to Compliments
- Asking for Information and Giving Directions
- Making and Responding to Requests
- Offering to Help and Responding
- Expressing Sympathy and Responding
- Expressing Opinions
- Agreeing and Disagreeing
