Excuse me is a phrase that is related to an American's personal space (see previous post). If you pass in front of an American within 30 cm to almost a meter's distance, you should say "Excuse me". For example, if you pass in front of an American in a supermarket who is looking at the shelves full of food stuffs, you should say excuse me, as you are passing between this individual and the shelves, blocking their view momentarily.
If you don't say anything and just pass by, it is considered rude, because you have entered their personal space. If the American is within a meter of the shelf and viewing it, you should consider walking behind them to pass by. That is the best option.
If you don't say anything and just pass by, it is considered rude, because you have entered their personal space. If the American is within a meter of the shelf and viewing it, you should consider walking behind them to pass by. That is the best option.
If you are at the dinner table and you reach in front of an American to get the salad bowl rather than ask him or her to pass the salad to you, you have invaded his or her personal space (see post on personal space). If you insist on reaching in front of them for the salad bowl, you should say excuse me. In American culture, it is customary to ask the person near the plate of food to pass it to you, adding a "please" (see post on please).
It is considered very bad manners to reach across someone's plate to get the salad, potatoes or whatever. They just might get the urge to bite your arm if you do this, indicating to you that your arm is in the wrong place! If you happen to bump into someone or step on a toe or when walking by them you brush shoulders, it is customary to say "excuse me" or "pardon me" or even "sorry", in this case.
It is considered very bad manners to reach across someone's plate to get the salad, potatoes or whatever. They just might get the urge to bite your arm if you do this, indicating to you that your arm is in the wrong place! If you happen to bump into someone or step on a toe or when walking by them you brush shoulders, it is customary to say "excuse me" or "pardon me" or even "sorry", in this case.
If you are within earshot of anyone when you belch or accidently pass gas you should say "excuse me", unless you think that you cannot be identified by the crowd or group around you and you would like to remain anonymous.
So, as a rule of thumb, you cannot go wrong if you say excuse me in these cases or any situations where you invade their personal space, or might make them feel uncomfortable, uneasy or embarrassed. Americans will love you for it!
You are on your way to speaking impressive American English!
You are on your way to speaking impressive American English!
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