The difference between “sorry” and “excuse me”

Sorry and Excuse

To get someone’s attention
Excuse me, do you know where the Metro is?  (much more common for strangers)
Sorry, do you happen to have the time?

To interrupt someone
Excuse me, everyone, the meeting is starting in five minutes.
Sorry, Shelly, can I get your thoughts on a gift idea?

To ask someone to move
Excuse me, may I please get past? Thanks!
Sorry about that. It’s really crowded in here!

To ask someone to repeat
Sorry, I didn’t hear that. Can you say it again?
Excuse me, can you speak a little louder? We can’t hear you in the back of the room.

I’m sorry

To tell someone that we regret something we did that affected the person in a bad way.​
I’m so sorry for damaging your camera.

To share unpleasant news.​
I’m sorry but all the rooms this weekend are taken.

Or to refuse an offer or request​.
Sorry but I won't make it to dinner. I have to work late!

Excuse me
Politely tell someone that we are leaving a place​.​
Excuse me for a minute. I need to make a phone call.

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