Basic apologies
Common Phrases:
- I’m sorry: The classic apology phrase used for everyday mistakes.
- Sorry about that: A friendly and casual way of acknowledging an error.
- My bad: A more relaxed, conversational way of taking responsibility.
- Oops, sorry!: Used when you’ve made a minor mistake, often with a lighthearted tone.
Examples:
- “I’m sorry I forgot your birthday.”
- “Sorry about that, I must have missed your email.”
- “Oops, sorry, I didn’t see your bag there.”
How to say sorry in English: Advanced apologies
Common Phrases
- I apologize: A more formal way of saying “sorry.”
- Please forgive me: Used when you’ve done something that requires a heartfelt apology.
- I didn’t mean to: Expresses that your actions were unintentional.
Examples:
- “I apologize for the delay in sending the documents.”
- “Please forgive me for not being honest with you.”
- “I didn’t mean to offend you with my comment.”
Apologizing by promising future change
You can also apologize by assuring that the mistake won’t happen again:
“It won’t happen again; I assure you.”
Learn more: Follow the tips in the article on how to improve English vocabulary and level up your English skills.
How to say sorry in English? Formal apologies
In a work environment, apologies need to be professional, especially when addressing a manager, client, or colleague. Here are some phrases that work best in formal settings, particularly in emails or official conversations.
Common phrases:
- Please accept my sincere apologies: Perfect for starting a formal email when acknowledging a mistake.
- I owe you an apology: Acknowledges that you are at fault and wish to make amends.
- I take full responsibility: Shows that you’re owning up to the error and are committed to fixing it.
- There is no excuse for: A strong way to admit fault, without trying to justify your mistake.
Examples:
- “Please accept my sincere apologies for the misunderstanding.”
- “I take full responsibility for the delay in the project.”
- “There is no excuse for my tardiness, and I sincerely apologize.”
For even more formality, you can add adverbs like “deeply” to express remorse:
- “I deeply regret any frustration this situation has caused.”
Bonus: Tips for apologizing in emails
Emails are often used to communicate apologies in professional environments. Here’s a great template for a formal apology:
- Subject: Apology for [specific issue]
- Body:
Dear [Recipient],
Please accept my sincere apologies for [specific issue]. I take full responsibility for the error and will ensure it does not happen again. I deeply regret any inconvenience this may have caused.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Conclusion
Apologizing is an essential communication skill. Whether you’re in a casual conversation with friends or sending a formal email at work, how you say “sorry” matters. By mastering these basic, advanced, and formal ways of apologizing, you can ensure your message is received sincerely and effectively.