Phrases for Apologizing
Sorry.
This Phrase is a general short apology. We use this
when we bump into people on the street. At other times, it sounds too weak.
I'm (so /
very / terribly) sorry.
In this phrase, 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.
Ever so
sorry.
This Phrase is quite formal but it's a stronger
apology than just 'sorry'.
How stupid /
careless / thoughtless of me.
We use this phrase to criticise ourselves and the
mistake that we have just made.
Pardon (me)
That's my
fault.
Sorry. It
was all my fault.
We use these phrases to take all the responsibility
for what happened. The latter Phrase is a little stronger.
Please
excuse my (ignorance)
We use this phrase to apologise for our lack of
knowledge or ability. We can replace the word in brackets with other nouns,
e.g. carelessness, forgetfulness.
Please don't
be mad at me.
This Phrase is asking the other person not to get
angry. The tone is quite informal.
Please
accept our (sincerest) apologies.
This Phrase is often used in formal letters. The word 'sincerest' makes the apology very strong
and very formal.