We all make mistakes. It's just a part of life. Knowing how to apologize when we do though, is an important skill to have. It helps us maintain and strengthen relationships with others.
Here we'll introduce you to common ways of both forming and accepting apologies. With help from these phrases you'll be prepared for any situation involving apologies. Have a look at the tables below and start improving your English!
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Relax with the Sounds of Nature: River
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Here we'll introduce you to common ways of both forming and accepting apologies. With help from these phrases you'll be prepared for any situation involving apologies. Have a look at the tables below and start improving your English!
Making an Apology
There are many different ways to form apologies. In the table below you'll find several examples that will help you. Have a look and get prepared for the next time you need to apologize!I'm sorry that I'm late
By using the sentence pattern I'm sorry that + ACTION you can apologize for doing something. Another example using this sentence pattern is: I'm sorry that I forgot your birthday. Alternatively, you can also use the following sentence pattern to do the same thing: I apologize that + ACTION. As in: I apologize that I was late. There are many ways someone could react to an apology, for example somebody might simply say this: That's okay.
I'm sorry for hurting your feelings
One way to apologize for doing something is to use the sentence pattern: I'm sorry for + ACTION. A further example of this pattern is: I'm sorry for forgetting your birthday. Alternatively, you could also use: Excuse me for + ACTION or I apologize for + ACTION. In response to an apology like this, somebody might say something like: I accept your apology.
Pardon me for cutting ahead
Pardon me is a bit more formal than Excuse me, I'm sorry, and I apologize. Use the sentence pattern Pardon me for + ACTION when you want to be extra polite or if you are in a formal situation like a business meeting. Another example using this pattern is: Pardon me for saying that. A response to this expression might be something like: It's no problem.
I'm sorry for stepping on your toes
To step on somebody's toes is an English idiom that means to insult or offend somebody. Usually this is caused by getting involved in something that is the responsibility of someone else. Here is another example of how you could use this idiom: I just wanted to help him with his work, but I ended up stepping on his toes. A typical response to an apology using this idiom might look something like this: That's okay. I know you were just trying to help.
Accepting an Apology
When others apologize to you, you'll want to be able to respond. Here we'll introduce you to phrases that you can use to do this. Take a look!It happens to the best of us
This is a sentence that you might say to somebody who is apologizing for something minor that they did, like coming late to class, oversleeping, or forgetting to call back. It means something along the lines of We've all done it before, so don't worry. Somebody could respond to this phrase in many different ways, for example like this: I'm still very sorry!.
Relax while Listening to the Phrases
Keep calm and learn English! Listen to the phrases again with relaxing background music. This will help you improve your listening skills and remember the phrases. Choose your favorite style, then kick back and relax!
Relax with Meditative Music
Relax with the Sounds of Nature: River
Relax with the Sounds of Nature: Wind
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Practice & Record a Dialogue
Take the next step and use what you’ve learned! Check out this topic’s dialogue unit and practice the phrases in a variety of exercises. Test your knowledge and get ready for real life conversations!
I'm sorry I'm late today. My car broke down this morning.en
Don't worry, it's alright. Maybe next time you could call though and let me know you are running late. So we don't have to wait for you.en
Of course! I was stressed about my car and simply forgot.en
