Different Ways to Say Sorry in English: How to Apologize

The ability to communicate in English is crucial for everything from politeness to deep remorse. A sincere apology is a vital component of effective communication, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers.

Following the cultural norms of each country, most of us understand what is expected of us in each context in our native language and/or country. Since there are differences among cultures, it is essential to learn when and how to say sorry in English.

In this article, we’ll check out the most frequent expressions for apologizing, learn how to remember them using LiveXP, and examine the nuances of usage in various situations. Do not worry; you will be able to admit your mistakes in no time!

Common ways to say sorry in English

Ahead of discerning among the countless different ways to say “I’m sorry,” we’ll see some typical expressions. This way, you’ll have a few expressions on hand that can be used whenever needed.

The most common phrases that can be used when you want to say “I’m sorry” are:

1. I’m sorry. This is the most commonly used phrase. It can be applied in almost any situation, from expressing regret and remorse to showing empathy. From forgetting to buy ice cream to losing a client, “I’m sorry” is the most versatile phrase, and while it isn’t particularly heartfelt or formal, it can be employed in virtually any situation.
2. I apologize – the most formal and/or heartfelt of the list. Used in professional and formal settings if you did something really serious to someone else, or if you acknowledge someone’s feelings.
3. Excuse me. It is often used to interrupt someone or grab attention. “Excuse me” is not an apology in itself. Instead, it is a courteous way to navigate through the congestion or signal to someone that you want them to move.

As you’ll discover, apologies come in many forms. There are different ways to say “I’m sorry.” Don’t use apologize when seeking directions, nor use “excuse me” in the face of tragedy. Each situation calls for its own expression.

Depending on the conditions, there are quite a few forms of apologies and other ways of saying sorry. Let’s go over the most common scenarios in which you might be expected to use a specific phrase.

Situations when “sorry” could be needed

From heartfelt apologies for wrongdoing to casual expressions of remorse for minor mishaps, there are quite a few occasions when we would need to say sorry. The key is to be genuine and always aware of how the person you are talking to might be feeling about the situation, severe or not.

Below are some specific situations that could call for one or another way to say I’m sorry:

• Making a minor slip and wishing to apologize for it.
• Hurting someone’s feelings or breaking their trust.
• Crossing boundaries or causing inconvenience.
• Forgetting important dates or commitments.
• Pushing someone when trying to pass through.
• Trying to grab someone’s attention.
• Having missed or misheard something during a conversation.
• Being polite in a typical interaction.
• Offering condolences, fostering empathy and/or sympathy.
• Having made a mistake in a professional or academic setting.

Beyond the aforementioned scenarios, there are many—actually countless—other reasons why a situation calls for an apology. Whether it be bridging a gap or healing grave relationship wounds, let’s go over some common situations that call for an apology.

How to say sorry in different ways and circumstances

Choosing the right word when you want to divulge your feelings can make or break a situation. And, of course, the phrases vary. In reality, the question “How do you say sorry in English?” does not have a single, simple answer. Let’s look at the different kinds of phrases you can use in each context.

Saying sorry for a minor mistake

The most common situations in which we may find ourselves wondering how to say sorry in English are linked to minor mishaps and mistakes. Each of us makes minor slips and mistakes on a daily basis: picking up the wrong brand of pasta from the store, elbowing a sibling while playing, spilling water on the floor—there are hundreds of harmless, little mistakes we may make.

In these cases, you don’t actually need to apologize for anything. Still, it is common courtesy to say something that means you are sorry, like:

• Sorry (about that). | The MO.
• Oops! | Acknowledging that something went wrong; slang.
• My bad! | Accepting responsibility for a small mistake; slang/informal.
• My mistake. | Accepting responsibility for a small mistake.
• My fault. | Accepting responsibility for a small mistake. It is better to use in formal situations.
• I messed up (on this one) | Acknowledging a small mistake that might be a little more serious for someone else.
• I screwed up | Acknowledging a small mistake; slang.
• (I) didn’t mean to do that, sorry | For unintentional, minor mistakes.

Saying sorry for politeness

On occasion, “sorry” is not associated with a situation where you actually apologize. Apologies aren’t required for seeking information, ordering food, or signaling someone to move aside. Still, it can be outright rude if you just start commanding someone in the middle of their work or just standing there. For that reason, you can use the appropriate phrases.

Some phrases you can use to avoid being considered rude are:

• Excuse me! | Used to capture someone’s attention, interrupt them, or ask them to step aside.
• Sorry, can I pass through? | A more direct form of excuse me as you wade through.
• (I’m) sorry! | Used if you pushed someone when passing through.

Saying sorry to be empathetic

When you care about someone, you sometimes share their pain as if you were the one suffering. Validating someone’s feelings can be really important in fostering strong bonds and relationships.  Apology phrases may be used in these situations as well.

For example:

• My (deepest) condolences. | Expressing empathy for the loss of a person close to someone; formal.
• My (deepest) sympathies. | Expressing empathy for the loss of a person close to someone; formal.
• Sorry for your loss. | Expressing empathy for the loss of a person close to someone; informal.
• (I’m) sorry to hear that. | Expressing empathy to someone who suffered something unpleasant or bad; formal

Saying sorry to apologize for breaking trust

Well, at some point, you are guaranteed to do something—voluntarily or not—that will hurt someone. On the one hand, that’s life; we all “screw up” now and then. On the other hand, the right thing to do is to take the blame and ask for forgiveness.

The simplest way to do this is by saying “I’m sorry for” or “I apologize for.” There are also some other ways of saying sorry:

• I’m sorry, I feel terrible/awful. | Expressing how you feel about what you did.
• That was awful on me/on my behalf. | Assuming responsibility for your actions.
• I was (so) wrong about that. | Assuming responsibility for your actions.
• I was out of line. | Taking the blame for your actions.
• What can I do to make it right? / How can I make it up to you? | Ask for a way to earn someone’s forgiveness.

Saying sorry in a professional environment

There is no way that, at some point in our career, we won’t make mistakes, minor or major ones. How we respond with tack to these mistakes is what actually matters.

While informality may be “ok” in some cases (like when talking to a coworker), sometimes a formal, professional way to say sorry is needed. For example:

• I am to blame (for that mistake). | Assuming responsibility for a mistake.
• Sorry for the inconvenience. | Apologizing for a disturbance.
• Sorry to bother you. | Apologizing for bothering someone with something.
• Please forgive the delay / late reply. | Apologizing for a late reply or delay.
• I would like to (formally) apologize for my reaction/behavior. | Formal/serious apology in a business setting.

How can I memorize all these apology phrases?

Knowing the various ways to say sorry in English is extremely useful in everyday life. Still, there are a lot of them. The best way to get to know them is to memorize and apply these apology phrases in real life. For that reason, you can use LiveXP’s Word Trainer to memorize phrases through a meticulous spaced repetition method.

Of course, you can always opt in for 1-on-1 lessons on LiveXP’s platform, where English tutors will help you learn and master all the expressions listed above, among others! Leveraging the Personalized Path can also help you focus on learning systematically by following a specific, tailored plan just for you!