Speaking Lesson: Apologizing in English
Table of Contents
Introduction
Apologizing is one of the most important skills in English communication. Whether you arrive late, interrupt someone, or make a mistake, knowing how to express an apology in English will help you sound polite and respectful. In this lesson, you’ll learn common apology phrases in English and how to respond to them naturally.
What Is Meant by Apologizing?
To apologize is to tell someone that you are sorry for having done something that has caused them inconvenience or unhappiness.
Examples:
- I must apologize to Isabel for my late arrival.
- I’d like to apologize for any trouble I’ve caused.
- 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
1. Making apologies in English
- 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…
💡 Notes on Use
- “Sorry” → casual, everyday situations.
- “I do apologize” → very formal, used in professional settings.
- “Excuse me” → for small interruptions (e.g., walking past someone, asking a question).
2. Accepting apologies:
- 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.
Cultural Note: Apologizing in English
Apologizing in English is not always the same as in other languages or cultures. In English-speaking countries, people often say “sorry” for very small things, such as:
- Accidentally bumping into someone.
- Asking a stranger to move aside.
- Even when the mistake is not really their fault.
However, it’s important to know that over-apologizing can sometimes sound unnatural or insincere. In many cases, a simple “thank you” works better than “sorry.” For example:
- Instead of saying: “Sorry, I’m late.”
- You can say: “Thank you for waiting.”
This makes your response sound more positive and polite.
Things to Remember
- “I’d like to apologize” is the short form of “I would like to apologize.”
- Sometimes “thank you” works better than “sorry.”
- Instead of: “Sorry, I’m late.”
- Say: “Thank you for waiting.”
- Be careful not to over-apologize; in English, too many apologies may sound unnatural.
Sample Dialogue: Expressing Apology in English
Situation: Sarah arrives late to meet her friend Mark at a café.
- Sarah: Hi Mark, I’m so sorry for being late. The bus was delayed.
- Mark: That’s all right. Don’t worry about it.
- Sarah: I should have left home earlier. It’s my fault.
- Mark: Really, it doesn’t matter. I understand.
- Sarah: Thanks for being patient.
- Mark: No problem. Let’s order something to drink!
Gap-Fill Exercise: Expressing Apology in English
Fill in the blanks with the correct phrase from the box.
Word Bank:
I’m sorry – Excuse me – Please forgive me – Don’t worry about it – I must apologize – That’s OK – Never mind
- _________, I forgot to send you the email yesterday.
- _________ for interrupting, could you repeat that?
- A: _________ for being late to the meeting.
B: _________. It happens. - A: _________, I broke your pen.
B: _________. I have another one. - A: _________ for the mistake in the report.
B: _________. We can correct it quickly. - A: _________ for my rude comment.
B: _________. I understand. - A: _________, could you tell me the way to the station?
2. Excuse me / I must apologize
3. I must apologize / That’s OK
4. I’m sorry / Never mind
5. Please forgive me / Don’t worry about it
6. I must apologize / That’s OK
7. Excuse me
