DISCULPARSE AL INICIO DE UN EMAIL:

Five “Sorry To Bother You” Alternatives

1. Thank you.
Rather than opening an email with an apology, you can thank the recipient(s) for their
help and time. This way, you won’t inadvertently admit fault or guilt, but instead, show
your appreciation.
Sorry to bother you with all these questions.
↓
Thank you for your help with all these questions.

Additionally, thanking the recipient is also an alternative to another common email

phrase, sorry for the delayed response.
2. I apologize for reaching out again.
There are times when you may find yourself emailing someone a lot: whether it be for
help, clarification, or any other reason. In this case, if you feel the need to apologize for
being incessant, you can say I apologize for reaching out again.
Sorry to bother you, but I need clarification on this, please.
↓
I apologize for reaching out again, but I need clarification on this, please.

3. I hope I’m not interrupting at an inconvenient time.

This phrase is as close as a direct synonym to sorry to bother you as you can get.
Sorry to bother you, but I would like to know the status of the report.
↓
I hope I’m not interrupting at an inconvenient time, but I would like to know the status
of the report.

4. Let me know when is a good time to…

Often, people use the phrase sorry to bother you because it precedes a tedious and
burdensome task or request. If you find yourself in this situation, you can instead ask
the recipient(s) when is a good time to thoroughly discuss the task or request.
Sorry to bother you, but I need your help with a few things.
↓
Let me know when is a good time to go over a few things I need help with.

To add to this alternative, you can also use:

If you have a moment, I need your help with a few things.
or
If you have time, I need your help with a few things.
5. [Jump straight to the point of the email.]
Sure, plenty of people expect some formalities in emails. But you’d be surprised how
many people also appreciate direct, to-the-point communication that doesn’t waste time.
If you’re familiar with the recipient(s) and know they value their time, you can skip
the sorry to bother you and go straight to the point of the email.
Sorry to bother you, but have you heard anything about the new clients coming in?
↓
Have you heard anything about the new clients coming in?

Let Me Know When It’s a Good Time To Write Flawless Emails