How to Apologize in English

Today we are going to learn how to apologize in English with the help of some examples from different contexts and situations.

These are some of the most common expressions that people use to apologize in English

#1I am sorry
#2I am so sorry
#3I apologize for any convenience
#4I am deeply sorry

Now let’s check some of the most common expressions to apologize in English and examples to use those expressions correctly



How to Apologize Properly

These are the four steps that you should follow to apologize properly

Express Remorse for a Mistake: Every apology should start with two magic words: “I am sorry” and “I apologize”

  • I’m sorry for being so rude.
  • I’m sorry for sending the wrong order.
  • I apologize for being late.
  • I apologize for sending the wrong information.

Admit Responsibility. Let the person know that you admit responsibility for your actions and behavior

  • I know that I hurt your feelings yesterday.
  • I know I didn’t do the right thing last night.
  • I understand that my mistake caused a lot of delays.

Make Amends: Take action to make the situation right:

  • If there’s anything that I can do to make this up to you, please just ask
  • Is there anything to make it up to you?
  • Can I ship the correct item today?
  • Let me talk to Mike, maybe he can help us
  • Let’s go to Walmart and buy some tools

Promise That It Won’t Happen Again so you can rebuild the relationship:

  • From now on, I’m going to manage my stress better.
  • From now on, I will study harder.
  • From now on, I will be careful with the processing of all shipments.

Common Expressions to Apologize in English

These are some of the most common expressions to apologize in English

I am so sorryI am sorry
My bad My Mistake
My FaultI apologize for
I apologize for any convenienceSorry about that
I am deeply sorryIt was my fault
I take full responsibility I messed up
I screwed upMy apologies for
I owe you an apologyI truly regret

These are some examples of apologies in English

  • I owe you an apology, I said some horrible things to you.
  • I take full responsibility for the mess my children made.
  • It was my fault that we didn’t get to the airport on time.
  • They got the wrong email, my bad.
  • I really want to apologize for my behavior.
  • I would like to apologize for my actions.
  • I sincerely apologize for my bad performance this month.
  • I apologize for any trouble I have caused.

These are some short conversations to understand more about apologies.

AYou guys sent me the wrong logo
BI am so sorry about that, I just sent you the right one
AYou guys didn’t pay me the right amount
BThat was my fault, I will send you the pending amount soon
AThe image has the wrong background
BMy mistake, don’t worry, it is a quick fix
AMy server is down
BI am sorry to hear that, I will restart it soon

How to Accept Apologies in English

These are some expressions useful to accept apologies in English

#1That’s all right.
#2Never mind.
#3Don’t apologize.
#4It doesn’t matter.
#5Don’t worry about it.
#6Don’t mention it.
#7That’s OK.
#8I quite understand.
#9You couldn’t help it.
#10Forget about it.
#11Don’t worry about it.
#12No harm done.
#13No need to apologize

These are some examples to show you how to accept apologies

AI’m sorry my son broke your window.
B That’s alright. I’m sure it was an accident.
ASorry about all the noise, I made last night
BDon’t mention it.
AI am sorry. I forgot to pay you back for lunch.
BDon’t worry about it!
AI’m sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused.
BNo harm done.

Remember this when Making Apologies

When making apologies using “I am sorry for” and “I apologize for”, we use the continuous form of the verb.

  • I am sorry for breaking your window
  • I am sorry for screaming at you
  • I am sorry for being late
  • I apologize for closing your steam account
  • I apologize for breaking your coffee mug
  • I apologize for deleting your files

Video: Ways to Apologize in English

This is a good video to learn about different ways to apologize in English


I hope that you have found what you needed about how to apologize in English

These are some posts that you might find useful

  1. How to Introduce Yourself in English
  2. How to Order Food in English
  3. How to Make, Accept, and Decline Invitations
  4. How to Give Directions in English
  5. How to Express Opinions in English
  6. How to Ask for Clarification in English
  7. How to Express Feelings in English
Manuel Campos, English Professor

Manuel Campos

I am Jose Manuel, English professor and creator of EnglishPost.org, a blog whose mission is to share lessons for those who want to learn and improve their English