Lesson: Making and Accepting Apologies
📚 Definition
To apologize is to tell someone that you are sorry for having done something that has caused him inconvenience or unhappiness.
💬 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:
✅ Accepting Apologies
Use these expressions when someone apologizes to you:
- 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.
- No harm done.
🙏 Making Apologies
Use these expressions when you want to apologize:
- 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...
💡 Tip: The tone of your apology is very important. Make sure to sound sincere and use appropriate body language when apologizing in person.
📝 Practice Exercise
Complete these dialogues with appropriate apologies or responses:
- A: "I'm sorry I'm late for the meeting."
B: "___________"
- A: "___________"
B: "That's all right. These things happen."
- A: "I must apologize for breaking your vase."
B: "___________"