Meaning
例如，當你需要同事幫你看一份文件時，你可以這樣說：「I'm sorry, but can you take a look at this document for me?」這樣的說法讓對方感受到你的尊重和禮貌，因為你先表示了歉意，然後才提出請求。
使用「I'm sorry, but can」可以讓你的請求聽起來不那麼唐突，特別是在需要他人協助時，這樣的開場白可以讓對話更順利地進行。這是日常英語交流中一個非常常見且實用的表達方式。
Today's Sentences
- I’m sorry, but can we reschedule our meeting?
- I’m sorry, but can we meet next time?
- I’m sorry, but can you help me?
- I’m sorry, but can I leave work early today?
- I’m sorry, but can I request another teacher?
- Writer's Note
01
I’m sorry, but can we reschedule our meeting?
Situation 1
Hello, the company would like to confirm your appointment for today?
I’m sorry, but can we reschedule our meeting?
Of course.
When would you like to book another meeting?
您想要在什麼時候預約下一次會議？
Perhaps this Thursday at 2pm?
Situation 2
I’m sorry, but can we reschedule our meeting?
Sure.
Is everything ok?
一切都還好嗎？
Things are great.
I just double booked today, I apologize.
今天我只是預約重疊了，抱歉。
No problem.
Let me know when you have time.
有空的時候告訴我。
02
I’m sorry, but can we meet next time?
Situation 1
Where should we go for lunch?
I’m sorry, but can we meet next time?
Is everything ok?
I’m just not feeling so well today.
Situation 2
I’m sorry, but can we meet next time?
Of course. Is something wrong?
I got called into work today.
That’s too bad. Let’s reschedule!
03
I’m sorry, but can you help me?
Situation 1
Are you ok?
I’m sorry, but can you help me?
Do you want me to call emergency?
Yes, please. I can’t seem to move at all.
Situation 2
I’m sorry, but can you help me?
Gladly! How can I help?
I just need someone to help me across the street.
I can get you across, no problem.
04
I’m sorry, but can I leave work early today?
Situation 1
I’m sorry, but can I leave work early today?
Sure.
Did something happen?
發生了什麼事嗎？
Yes actually,
I have a family emergency.
我家裡有緊急狀況。
Don’t worry about work,
be with your family.
多陪伴家人。
Situation 2
Do you think I can get that report from you?
I’m sorry, but can I leave work early today?
Oh, is everything alright?
I’ve been sick since lunch and I think I need to go home.
05
I’m sorry, but can I request another teacher?
Situation 1
How are your classes coming along?
Good. But..
Good. But..
Do you have something to ask?
I’m sorry, but can I request another teacher?
Situation 2
I’m sorry, but can I request another teacher?
May I ask why?
The teacher I have now speaks a little too quickly for me.
Ok, let me see who else is available and I’ll get back to you.
Writer's Note
We can also use "sorry" to politely interrupt somebody or to politely get somebody's attention. We often use this before we make a request similarly to "excuse me" (if you don’t want to use "sorry").
- I’m sorry, but could I borrow your pen?
- We’re sorry, but is this seat taken?
- I’m sorry, but can you please speak more slowly?
- I’m sorry, but can you move your bag? It’s blocking the seat.
- I’m sorry, but can I get a different size? This one’s too small.
- I’m sorry, but can you explain that again? I didn’t quite catch it.
- I’m sorry, but can you wait just a few more minutes?
- I’m sorry, but can we talk later? I’m in a meeting right now.
Practice using the example sentences, then write new ones that match your situation. Creating sentences based on your own context helps you learn faster.
