Ten Expressions to Use In
Speaking And Writing
1.
2.
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10.
Sorry.
I'm (so / very / terribly) sorry.
Ever so sorry.
How stupid / careless / thoughtless of
me.
Pardon (me)
That's my fault.
Sorry. It was all my fault.
Please excuse my (ignorance)
Please don't be mad at me.
Please accept our (sincerest) apologies.
How To Use These Phrases In
Your English
1. Phrase 1 is a general short apology. We
use this when we bump into people on
the street. At other times, it sounds too
weak.
2. In phrase 2, we use 'so', 'very' and
'terribly' to make the meaning stronger.
'Terribly' is the strongest. If we use one
of the words in brackets, it is stressed.
3. Phrase 3 is quite formal but it's a
stronger apology than just 'sorry'.
4. We use phrase 4 to criticise ourselves
and the mistake that we have just made.
5. We use phrases 6 and 7 to take all the
responsibility for what happened. Phrase
7 is a little stronger.
6. We use phrase 8 to apologise for our
lack of knowledge or ability. We can
replace the word in brackets with other
nouns, e.g. carelessness, forgetfulness.
7. Phrase 9 is asking the other person not to
get angry. The tone is quite informal.
8. Phrase 10 is often used in formal letters.
The word 'sincerest' makes the apology
very strong and very formal.
Examples:
I must apologize to Isabel for my late arrival.
I'd like to apologize for my trouble making.
Trains may be subject to delay on the northern line. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.
Here are some expressions you can use to make and respond to apologies
Making apologies:
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I do apologize for...
I must apologize for...
I apologize for...
I'd like to apologize for...
I am so sorry for...
I shouldn't have...
It's all my fault.
I'm ashamed of...
Please, forgive me for...
Excuse me for ...
I'm terribly sorry for...
Pardon me for this...
Please, forgive me for my....
Please, accept my apologies for...
Accepting apologies:
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That's all right.
Never mind.
Don't apologize.
It doesn't matter.
Don't worry about it.
Don't mention it.
That's OK.
I quite understand.
You couldn't help it.
Forget about it.
Don't worry about it.
No harm done.