Apologizing

How to say you are sorry when something bad has happened to someone you care about

• I was wrong about that.

• My bad

• My deepest sympathies.

• Sorry, can I get by?

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

How to say sorry to someone you have hurt

• My condolences.

• I feel terrible, I’m so sorry.

• Pardon me!

• I beg your pardon.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

How to apologize when you have made a small mistake (that did not hurt anyone).

• I screwed up.

• I’m sorry to bother you.

• I hope you can forgive me.

• I didn’t mean to hurt you.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

How to apologize when you bump into someone by accident, or you want to get past someone blocking the way

• Sorry, I didn’t hear you.

• I owe you an apology.

• I feel so wrong about this.

• I’m so sorry!

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

How to apologize when you need to ask someone to repeat something

• It was my bad.

• Sorry, I didn’t catch what you said.

• Ever so sorry.

• How can I make it up to you?

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

How to ask for forgiveness

• Sorry, I won’t do it again. Please forgive me.

• I feel so wrong about this.

• Sorry for the late reply.

• Oopsie-daisy!

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

How to say sorry in a professional, formal or business environment

• I’m sorry that happened to you.

• Sorry for the inconvenience caused.

• I’m sorry, that was my fault.

• I beg your pardon

Tags

CCSS.SL.11-12.6

CCSS.SL.9-10.6

CCSS.W.11-12.1D

CCSS.W.11-12.2E

CCSS.W.9-10.2E

How to express regret

• Oh no! How awful!

• Sorry, could you move, please?

• I apologize for the confusion.

• I didn’t mean to hurt you.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

The followings are tips for saying sorry with sincerity in English, EXCEPT ...

• Make eye contact.

• Be cruel.

• Avoid excuses.

• Don’t be defensive.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

Write an expression of saying sorry in English.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6