crowded bus

[Meja]

If you were on a crowded bus and had a few bags and an umbrella in your hands, and your things hit someone (someone's legs) a few times while the bus was moving, how would you say sorry to that person in a polite way? Is "I am sorry that my bags hit you." good enough?

 

[Tarheel]

Just "Sorry!" is sufficient.

 

[Meja]

If that has happened a number of times, and I want to say that on getting off the bus, I need to explain why I am saying sorry.

 

[Tarheel]

You have reached your stop, and you are getting off the bus. And you want to explain why you said "Sorry!"? You'll miss your stop! No! Get off the bus!

 

[Meja]

If that has happened a number of times during the journey, and I realize shortly before getting off the bus that it must have been a nuisance for the other person and want to say sorry, I need to explain why I am saying sorry.

When I say "on getting off the bus", does that mean that I am stepping out of the bus at that very moment or can it also mean that I am getting ready to get off the bus (like moving towards the door)?

 

[Tarheel]

If you absolutely have to explain why you said "Sorry!" then do so. However, in my opinion it would be better just to repeat the expression.

 

[Meja]

Actually my main dilemma about this situation was which verb I could use. What could I say instead of "hit" to describe what my bags or things or a backpack did to someone in such a situation?

 

[emsr2d2]

Sorry my bags kept hitting you.
Sorry my bags kept bumping against your legs.
Sorry about my bags swinging against you.

Really - worry less about the verb and more about the apology!