We say sorry when we do something wrong, when we have upset someone, when we want to sympathize with someone, when we are about to disturb someone and even when someone else disturbs us! Have you ever stepped on someone’s foot and the other person says sorry before you? I suppose they feel sorry that their foot was in your way!
So what is the best way to apologize in English?
There are many different ways to say sorry in English depending on the situation, who you are apologizing to and how you are feeling. You may have already learnt this vocabulary in your English classes; however, I have listed 10 common expressions to say you’re sorry below:
This is a very common, simple apology and there are many situations we can use it in. For example:
- When we bump into someone on the street (“Sorry!”)
- When we want to get someone’s attention (e.g. to go past them on a train. “Sorry, excuse me”)
- When we are sympathizing with someone (e.g. “I’m sorry to hear that”)
- When we know we have done something wrong (e.g. “Sorry I’m late”)
This is a weak apology so don’t use it if you have done something very wrong – it won’t sound strong enough!
I’m so / very / extremely / terribly sorry.
This is similar to “sorry” but adding an extra word makes the meaning stronger. For example:
- “I’m so sorry I didn’t come to your party yesterday.”
- “I can’t believe I forgot the tickets. I’m terribly sorry!”
How careless of me!
This phrase is used when we criticize ourselves for making a mistake. For example: “I just broke a glass, how careless of me! I’ll buy you a new one.”
I shouldn’t have…
We use this when we realize that we have done something that we shouldn’t have done and now we regret it. For example: “I shouldn’t have shouted at you last night. I didn’t mean what I said.”
It’s all my fault.
We use this phrase when we want to take responsibility for something. For example: “It’s all my fault we missed the train. I should have woken up earlier.”
Please don’t be mad at me.
This is quite an informal phrase, which we use when we’ve done something wrong and we don’t want the other person to be angry with us. For example: “Please don’t be mad at me but I have to cancel our plans this weekend.”
I hope you can forgive me / Please forgive me.
We use this to ask forgiveness from someone when we do something to upset them. For example: “I acted awfully last night and I know I embarrassed you. I hope you can forgive me.”
I cannot say/express how sorry I am.
This is a very strong way of saying sorry. We use this when we know we have done something very wrong and we cannot find the right words to apologize. For example: “I cannot express how sorry I am for telling James your secret. I had no idea he would break up with you.”
I apologize for… / I’d like to apologize for…
This is a more formal way of saying sorry. You usually hear it in formal/business situations or emails. For example: “I apologize for the delay in replying to your email.”
Please accept my (sincere) apologies.
This is a very formal way of apologizing, especially when the word ‘sincere’ is included. It is usually used in formal letters. For example: “Please accept my sincere apologies for the mistake. We will refund the money to your account immediately.”
Being polite and knowing how to apologize are important in all languages and cultures. After all, everyone makes mistakes! Hopefully now you will know how to say sorry in any situation…
Source: http://bloomsburyinternational.wordpress.com/2013/10/18/how-to-apologise-in-english/ with small adaptation (words deletion and addition, and also style change)
After I posted some continuous posts about translation, I think that it is a good time to come back down to earth by posting a lighter article here.
As I could see in my blog stats, people landed here to look for “easy English” or “basic English” such as English for Junior High School or English for Senior High School, some expressions, and fun English activities. So now, I am going to post an article that must be suitable for both junior and senior high school students’ English learners: POSSESSIVE EXPRESSIONS. If you are waiting for or looking for such this article, then congratulation, you do find it right here. Read more…
Part 3 (Expression of Curiosity)
Let’s continue our 2 previous parts (expression of possibility and expression of regrets). And today, we will talk about “Curiosity”, a feel that happen when we really want to know about something. Usually “curiosity” happens when we see something strange or something new. Let’s describe it as follow:
Sarah : “I’m so curious about the new student.”
Farhan : “Yeah, me too. Let’s wait for her. She loves coming to the library during the break.”
Khadis : “You look so happy. I’m interested to know what happen to you.”
Sarah : “Sure, Dad. I got the highest score for math again.”
Khadis : “Really? So, congratulation.”
Sarah : “Why are you staring me like that?”
Farhan : “I wonder why you could be smarter than me.”
Sarah : “Because I’m your sister, hehe..…”
Have you already understood, then?
Part 2 (Expression of Regrets)
Continuing the first part, today I will try to talk about “regrets”. Have you ever feel regret? When did you feel it? Of course, when you did an “accidental” mistake, you would feel regret and then say sorry that you didn’t mean that.
Well, then how and what phrase / sentences we should use to express regret? Some phrases and samples below will show you about this material:
- I’m regret of doing …..
- I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean that.
- I do apologize.
- Much to my regret. I had to …..
Sample in daily conversation:
Khadis : “Sarah, did you break the vase?”
Sarah : “Yes, Dad. I broke it this morning. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean that.”
Khadis : “It’s OK. Just be careful when you play in the living room.”
Sarah : “Farhan, I do apologize that I couldn’t come to your birthday party yesterday.”
Farhan : “No problem. I know you were so busy in your boarding house.”
Sarah : “Yeah, I got so much paper to finish.”
Farhan : “It’s alright.”
The words “It’s OK” and “No problem” are the samples of responding to someone who express his / her regret about something.
So, is it quite simple for you?
Actually, expression of regret is used when you did something nasty, naughty, embarrassing, and other unintentionally acts and then you feel uneasy, and you say sorry. Expression of regret is just the same as expression of asking and giving apologizes. But “regret” has deeper meaning than ordinary “sorry”.
Part 1 (Expression of Possibility)
I never guess that this month, my blog has reached more than 6000 visitors (thanks for all visitors). Hope you and all visitors could take benefit from this blog.
Well, to make this blog “consistent” as its first mission (as a place to learn English, not only for publishing my writing about my interests or my experience in doing something), today I post some materials related with “language focus”. For this part, some materials here could be applicable for 3rd grade (year XII) students.
OK. First, I will tell you about “Expression of Possibility”. This expression is used to express whether something could happen or not. For example:
- Is it possible that we can win that competition?
- Is there any possibility of finishing these assignments tomorrow morning?
- Do you think that the school will dismiss earlier today?
The phrases in bold are phrases that commonly used to express possibility. Then, what about responding a possibility? To respond a possibility sentence, we can use phrases below:
- Maybe / perhaps / possible / of course.
- It could be so / I think so / I don’t think so.
- That’s possible.
- I’m sure.
- I’m optimistic.
For the daily speaking that using this kind of expression, could be like these:
In the bus stop
Sarah: “What time the bus will arrive, Dad?”
Khadis: “At 9 o’clock.”
Sarah: “Is it possible that the bus will arrive sooner?”
Khadis: “I don’t think so. The bus is always on time, here.”
Sarah: “Dad, do you think that we can plant some roses in the garden today?”
Khadis: “Yes, of course. We can do that this afternoon.”
Sarah: “What possibility is there if I mix potassium and calcium?”
Farhan: “I’m not sure about what will happen.”
Sarah: “And, is there any chance to make it explode?”
Farhan: “I have no idea.”