Learn ways to say ‘sorry’ in English. Saying sorry and admitting fault phrases are crucial for developing your English vocabulary and improving your English speaking skills. Learn formal and informal ways to say ‘sorry’ in English.
Learning how to apologise after making a mistake is challenging but important for everyday conversations. Learn better English vocabulary phrases to sound like a native speaker. Enhance your English with these phrases and boost your confidence in daily communication.
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Speaking Expressions
Ways To Say ‘Sorry’ In English
Harry
So, today we have an advanced English lesson. We’re focusing on expressions related to apologising and admitting fault.
Instead of providing examples, I’ll demonstrate how to use these formal and informal phrases in daily English conversations. Like always, you’ll need to practice them to get a feel for their usage. I’ve selected 10 expressions, and I’ll guide you through each one, followed by an example. Let’s work through them together.
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I do apologise, it was my fault entirely
Meaning: use it if you want to take full responsibility for the mistake or issue
Examples:
I do apologise for the confusion earlier. It was my fault entirely for not providing clear instructions. I’ll make sure to be more explicit next time.
I do apologise, it was my fault entirely for being late to the meeting.
“I do apologise, it was my fault entirely,” I said, bending down to pick up the jar of pickles I accidentally knocked over.
I’m sorry – that wasn’t very tactful of me
Meaning: when you want to apologise for saying something insensitive
Examples:
I’m sorry – that wasn’t very tactful of me to comment on your outfit. I didn’t mean to offend you.
Oh, you look as if you’ve put on a few pounds. Oops, I’m sorry – that wasn’t very tactful of me.
Ways To Say ‘Sorry’ In English
I don’t know what came over me
Meaning: when you want to apologise for behaviour that you can’t explain or understand
Examples:
I’m really sorry for yelling at you. I don’t know what came over me. It won’t happen again.
Where is that bloody report? Oh, I don’t know what came over me. I’m sorry; I’ve been so uptight about this report.
I had no right to take it out on you
Meaning: when you want to apologise for unfairly expressing your emotions or frustrations at someone
Examples:
I’m sorry for being upset earlier. I had no right to take it out on you.
I’m sorry. I had no right to take it out on you. I was angry with the boss, not you.
it was inexcusable of me
Meaning: when you want to apologise for unacceptable behaviour
Examples:
It was inexcusable of me to use those words in front of you. I hope you can forgive me.
I’m sorry for missing our appointment. It was inexcusable of me, and I understand if you’re upset.
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I was out of line
Meaning: when you want to apologise for behaving inappropriately
Examples:
I was out of line. That’s not my way of dealing with things. I shouldn’t have said it.
I’m really sorry. I was out of line. I shouldn’t have said that. I know you’re there to help.
I guess I overreacted
Meaning: when you want to apologise for reacting too strongly or emotionally
Examples:
I’m sorry for getting upset about the small issue. I guess I overreacted, and I didn’t mean to make a big deal out of it.
I guess I overreacted. I was a little bit tense. The boss is waiting for this report. It won’t happen again.
Ways To Say ‘Sorry’ In English
I’m such a tool/idiot
Meaning: (informal) when you want to say sorry in a more casual and joking way, making fun of yourself
Examples:
I’m sorry for spilling coffee on your shirt. I’m such an idiot sometimes. Let me help you clean it up.
I broke the vase. I’m such a tool. I’ll buy a new one to make up for it.
you can blame me for that
Meaning: when you want to take responsibility for a mistake or problem
Examples:
You can blame me for that. I meant to get the report in today. I forgot all about it.
I forgot to lock the door, and now the cat is out. You can blame me for that.
how can I make it up to you?
Meaning: when you want to apologise and express a willingness to make things right
Examples:
I’m sorry I forgot your birthday. How can I make it up to you?
I really didn’t mean for that to happen. How can I make it up to you?
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more information
For more information on English grammar rules, English collocations and English idioms, check out the links below:
Other ways to ask for HELP in English
Advanced adjectives for TRAVEL
You can always study English advanced level at Learning English with the BBC and British Council Learn English.
