In what situations would "excuse me" and "pardon me" be used?
I would like to explain this to my children better. They are 12, 8, and 4.
2007-06-15 02:20:55 · 13 answers · asked by ▒♥▒♥▒♥▒♥▒™ 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
There is a great Emily Post site on line with a game for children to play to learn manners. In addition, there is a book suited for children, "Emily's Everday Manners."
Your children are lucky to have you as their guide. I was fortunate to have an English teacher who taught several of us what manners were. While the statements are virtually interchangeable, I love the more formal "Pardon me."
Excuse me
1. Used to acknowledge and ask forgiveness for an action that could cause offense.
2. Used to request that a statement be repeated.
Pardon me
1. please repeat what you just said. Pardon me — what did you say your name was?
2. I am sorry for what I just did. Oh, I beg your pardon! I didn't see your foot there!
3. May I please have your attention?. Pardon me, does this train go to Oakland?
4. I do not agree with what you just said. Pardon me, but I think you've got it backwards.
2007-06-15 02:41:41 · answer #1 · answered by Beach Saint 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Good for you! I wish more parents would teach their children proper etiquette.
According to Emily Post, you use "Excuse me" when there is no physical contact. For instance, you can use "Excuse me" when trying to pass around someone in the store, but you haven't bumped into them.
If you make physical contact, you should say "I beg your pardon." According to Emily Post, you should NEVER say "Pardon me." Apparently, that can come out sounding much too harsh.
Hope this helps!
2007-06-15 02:40:10 · answer #2 · answered by retropink 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
When you have rude bodily functions (belching, passing wind)
When you bump into someone
When you need to go by someone (either or "may I pass?" would be fine)
When you are excusing yourself from someone's company for a short time
When attempting to gain a person's attention
When asking for a restatement of something not quite understood ("I beg your pardon?" is also appropriate)
When passing people to leave or enter a theater (people who are in their seats to get to or from yours)
When leaving a dinner table while people are still sitting (though children will usually ask to be excused)
When ever you are imposing upon someone, usually
2007-06-15 02:38:07 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am fairly articulate, and think the two words are totally interchangeable in American English; however, if I were going to make a rule I would use "pardon me" when I was asking to get past someone, if I did not hear what they said, or if I was astounded by what they said and wanted to put emphasis on that fact. I use use "excuse me" if I bumped someone, interrupted someone in conversation, walked in front of someone, etc.
2007-06-15 02:36:19 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
"Excuse Me" would be used when you need to be excused from a situation, ie: the dinner table. Alternatively, it can be used to approach a stranger and ask a question, ie: "Excuse me, but could you please give me directions to the shop which sells dictionaries?". It can also be used to request permission to pass by someone else who is blocking your way.
"Pardon me" would be used either as a request for someone to repeat what they have just said if you did not hear it correctly, or alternatively as a subtle way to plead forgiveness for your own inappropriate conduct, ie: farting at the dinner table when there is no dog to blame.
2007-06-15 02:31:40 · answer #5 · answered by martinowens5173 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Pardon me when u want someone to repeat what they say
or u can even say excuse me, then excuse me if maybe i want to pass or i want their attention.
2007-06-15 02:32:49 · answer #6 · answered by winnie m 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When you block a person's view from what-ever; "Excuse me." or if you bumb into someone or step on their toe...
When you don't understand what a person has just said; "Pardon me?" or when you need to bump into someone to get somewhere.
2007-06-15 02:32:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
In my opinion.. one will use the term "excuse me" when they want to pass through others... In the other hand "pardon me" is used when you want somebody to repeat hi/her question...
Ummm, I'm not sure..hehehe
2007-06-15 02:27:30 · answer #8 · answered by someone 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I use excuse me when I fart during a board meeting and pardon me when I am running thru people to get to the bathroom
2007-06-15 02:29:34 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
I say excuse me when I give out a weak fart lol j/k
But that is up to you. Everyone has different levels of manners.
2007-06-15 02:28:30 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋