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How to Apologize in English: Polite Ways to Say Sorry

Learn different ways to apologize in English, from casual to formal settings, and make amends with confidence.

Hello, wonderful learners!

Today, we’ll explore how to apologize or say sorry in English. Knowing how to apologize is essential for maintaining good relationships,

whether in personal or professional situations. Let’s explore several ways to say sorry, along with phrases for different situations.

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Casual Apologies

These are perfect for everyday situations, such as bumping into someone or being late:

  • “Sorry about that!”

  • “Oops, my bad!” (Very casual)

  • “I didn’t mean to do that.”

More examples:

  • “Sorry, I didn’t see you there.”

  • “My bad, I forgot to text you back.”

Polite or Formal Apologies

Use these phrases in professional settings or when you need to be more polite:

  • “I apologize for the inconvenience.”

  • “I’m really sorry about the delay.”

  • “Please accept my apologies.”

More examples:

  • “I sincerely apologize for any misunderstanding.”

  • “Sorry if I caused you any trouble.”

Apologizing for a Big Mistake

When you’ve made a serious mistake, it’s important to show sincerity and responsibility:

  • “I’m truly sorry—I didn’t mean for that to happen.”

  • “Please forgive me. I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

  • “I take full responsibility for what happened.”

More example:

  • “I deeply apologize for what I said earlier.”

Responding to Apologies

Knowing how to respond to an apology is just as important. Here are polite responses:

  • “No worries!”

  • “That’s alright.”

  • “I appreciate your apology.”

More example:

  • “It’s okay. Just be more careful next time.”

Extra Tip: Express How You’ll Fix the Issue

To make your apology more meaningful, explain what you’ll do to fix the situation. For example:

  • “I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

  • “Let me make it up to you.”

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That’s it for today! Practice using these phrases in different situations to feel more confident when saying sorry. Remember, a sincere apology can go a long way toward building better relationships.

Until tomorrow, happy learning!

Warm regards,

ESL Expert, ESLA

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