How to express apologies in English?
The English Language is the most spoken official language in the world. The most recent international information and breakthroughs, the most significant scientific debates, and the many artistic mediums—such as books, movies, and music—are first or only accessible in English. We need to be equipped with the language to contribute to and benefit from this created pool of information.
The written English used on computers and iPhones is also the language of technology. No matter where we live, English is a part of our daily lives. Today’s nations are becoming more and more diverse. Communication, which is incredibly difficult without a shared language, is sometimes all that stands between people and brings them to a place of understanding, acceptance, and peace.
Different expressions are used to say the same things in the English language. This is one of the most beautiful parts of the language.
Today, we will learn how to express an apology in English.
Saying Sorry
There are various situations where we could wish to apologize. Still, we might use a different phrase depending on whether we accidentally broke a coffee mug, offended someone, or made a mistake at work. Some sayings are more easygoing and informal, while others are more serious.
1. Sorry about that
This phrase is used commonly for trivial everyday matters. Usually, the entire situation is described, and then the speaker can end by apologizing using this expression.
For instance, “I know I was supposed to return the books, but I forgot. Sorry about that, brother!”
“Sorry about that” can express regret for insignificant errors or problems that are simple to fix. This phrase would not be used to describe something that injured or inconvenienced someone.
For instance, “I lost the book you lent me. Sorry about that! “
- I am really sorry.
We say “I am really sorry” in grave situations or when we offer condolences or regrets about someone’s death or a big loss.
We frequently use phrases like “I’m so/very/really/sorry” to convey our understanding that we contributed to the problem or did something a little more terrible when the issue is more serious. It is also used when we feel bad for the person who underwent a troublesome situation.
For instance, “I am extremely sorry for your loss. Nobody can replace your mother’s presence in your life.”
3. Oops!
In everyday situations, “Oops” is the most commonly used expression.
We use the words “oops” and “whoops” to acknowledge insignificant mistakes that don’t do any damage. This statement usually pops out of the tongue spontaneously when something breaks, or someone trips over something.
“Oops! My coffee spilled over my clothes.”
4. I take complete responsibility/I am responsible for this.
This expression is used when you feel apologetic because of something that happened wrong, and you contributed to it. It is brave to use this expression as the speaker accepts their mistake in this expression, which is also the ultimate objective behind apologizing.
The considerably more formal expression “I take full responsibility” is used when you need to acknowledge that you are to blame for the issue in a commercial or professional setting.
For instance, “I take complete responsibility for the failure of this project as I submitted the report later than the deadline.”
5. I messed up.
“I’m shocked that I missed your birthday. I was wrong. Sorry, I messed up, bro.”
“I messed up” and “I screwed up” are colloquial idioms meaning doing something incorrectly. These are usually used with friends or people with whom we converse informally.
6. My apologies.
“My apologies for” and “I apologize for” are frequently used in business and professional settings. This is something we always hear in a casual yet business situation. Such expressions make it simpler to advance the discussion when someone tries to do so.
“My apologies! I am running late. We will talk sometime later.”
7. I am ashamed of…
We use this expression when we wish to convey an apology sincerely. Ideally, this expression can be used in unhappy situations or when apologizing to an adult or someone of a higher designation. This expression communicates that the speaker is very sorry for what happened and intended not to repeat the mistake.
“I am ashamed of our previous conversation. I don’t know why I said what I said. Please accept my apology.”
“I am ashamed of my behavior in the classroom. Please excuse me, teacher.”
8. I truly regret
This expression is also used to convey regret when something goes wrong. It also communicates that the speaker is truly sorry for whatever happened and is willing to make amends.
“I truly regret what happened at the party yesterday. I should not have done that.”
Another way to convey that you feel awful about what you did and wish you had done something different is to say, “I truly/really/sincerely regret,” like in the example above.
9. I won’t do it again.
Like the previous two expressions, it also conveys extreme remorse, but this time, it also allows the speaker to add a promise that the same mistake will not be repeated.
“I promise I won’t misuse my social media again.”
This statement conveys that the speaker is sorry for how he has used his social media.
10. How can I make up for this?
These words might be used to pledge to act differently in the future.
I’m sorry I missed our date because I had to stay late at work. How can I make amends for this?
How can I make it up to you? It is a question that asks what you can do to “compensate” for your error and restore the other person’s positive feelings.
You now have a broad selection of choices for how to say “Sorry” in English, including how to say it in professional and casual contexts, for small and big issues, and when you want to draw attention to something or show sympathy.
Catch you soon,
Janet