Is the Phrase' Excuse Me Me I Pass' is the Right Phrase to Say?
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I always used this phrase excuse me when i want to pass through in the middle of the crowd where no other way to go through. But most people here in uk. Seems upset or got rude reaction. Why? As experience is so many wherever i go, shop , school, etc.
I always say 'excuse me' and don't notice any untoward reaction. Can't think of any other way of passing through. Say it with a smile and then 'thanks ' as you pass and I don't think you will go far wrong. If they are still rude or upset it is their problem, not yours.
I reckon if you’re getting a bad reaction to a polite request, it’s most likely that you’re catching people off guard - most people these days are in their own ‘zone’, so your request, no matter how polite and sweet, will get a less than desirable reaction. Just shrug it off - people are just people sometimes
In my view, your expression 'I pass' may be misunderstood.
Passing through a crowd, use Excuse me, followed by 'let me through' or 'make way'
In a crowded lift or tube train, use Excuse me followed by 'make room' or 'make space'
Try saying:
1. Excuse me, please....(followed by...)
2. Excuse me. Please let me through (followed by...)
3. Thank you
The first statement simply attracts attention, and gives people a chance to focus on your second statement - which is about what you want them to do.
Note the first two statements both include the very important word please. It is hard to take offence when people use the words please and thank you. And, as lynnibis says, a smile helps enormously.
In the UK, the phrase Excuse me can be used in at least three different ways:
a) It can mean 'Please move out of the way / make some space for me'.
b) It can be a polite apology for an interruption.
c) It can be used in a similar way to the phrase 'pardon me', asking someone to repeat a remark that you have not heard or understood. (It is more commonly used this way in North America).
Some people on hearing your first Excuse me will realise immediately that you want to pass through and move out of the way.
Other people will interpret your first 'Excuse me' as a polite apology for an interruption, and wait for what you have to say next, such as "Please can you direct me the nearest bus stop?"
Whether you repeat the phrase 'Excuse me' at the beginning of Statement 2, is up to you. If you've got their full attention straight way with Statement 1, you probably don't need to repeat it.
I suggest you ask an English friend to also explain the different tones to use when using the phrase Excuse me and to practice them with you. The tone and volume you use will help people understand immediately whether your Excuse me, means a, b, or c!
You are right? Even u say that in a polite way, may be its their attitude that do not want to moved where they stand of what. So strange, but when you are on a rush with two kids that very difficult to pass through
Johnny ? Thanks mate, these are very helpful to answer my confuseness on this matter, as i always wonder why?, i had watch some tv shows that they use 'excuse me' when they are asking something upsetly. So this are some come up to my mind that, this phrase had different meanings and it depends on how you use it in different situations. Copy this mate. So i will not be miss understood always. But i always smile and say thank you when i said this.
"Excuse me, I pass." is open to interpretation.
I'd personally say "Excuse me, can I pass?" but it's not as if I'm just gonna stand there waiting, anyway.
I always say 'excuse me please' or if theres a few people 'can I just squeeze past you there?' And thank them when they do.
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