Meaning
The phrase pardon sb for doing sth means to forgive or excuse someone for an action they have done—often something slightly rude, awkward, or inappropriate.
Structure
The standard grammatical structure is:
pardon + [someone] + for + [verb-ing]
Examples:
- I must pardon him for interrupting.
- She asked us to pardon her for being late.
- Could you pardon me for asking?
Usage Notes
This phrase is often used in polite or formal contexts. It can also be used ironically or sarcastically in informal speech.
Note: In American English, “excuse” is more commonly used than “pardon” in everyday conversation.
Common Alternatives
Excuse sb for doing sthForgive sb for doing sth(more serious or emotional)