Hello English learners! Today, we’re going to learn about something very important in everyday English: apologising. Knowing how to say sorry is a key part of good communication and helps us to be polite and respectful in English.

Why is it important to apologise?

When we make a mistake or do something that might upset someone, it’s important to say sorry. Apologising shows that you understand you did something wrong and that you care about other people’s feelings. It helps to make things right and keep good relationships with friends, family, and people you meet.

For English speaking learners, learning to apologise correctly is not just about grammar; it’s about showing you are a considerate and polite communicator in English.

Basic Ways to Say Sorry in English

Let’s start with the most common and simple ways to apologise. These are perfect for beginners and everyday situations:

• “I’m sorry.” – This is the most basic and useful phrase. You can use it in almost any situation.
• “Sorry.” – This is a shorter, more informal way to say “I’m sorry.”
• “Excuse me.” – We use this to apologise for small things, like bumping into someone or interrupting.

Examples:

• If you accidentally step on someone’s foot, you can say: “Oh, sorry!”
• If you are late for class, you can say to your teacher: “I’m sorry I’m late.”
• If you need to get past someone in a crowded place, you can say: “Excuse me.”

How to Use “I’m Sorry” in Different Situations

“I’m sorry” is a very versatile phrase. Let’s look at some more examples of how you can use it in different situations:

For being late:

If you are late meeting a friend:

Friend: You’re late!

You: I’m so sorry I’m late. The bus was delayed.

For making a small mistake:

If you spill someone’s drink:

You: Oh no! I’m really sorry! Let me get you another one.

For interrupting someone:

If you need to interrupt someone talking:

You: Excuse me, but can I ask a quick question?

For bigger mistakes (using “I’m sorry for…”):

Sometimes you might need to be more specific about what you are sorry for. You can use “I’m sorry for…” followed by what you did.

• “I’m sorry for shouting.”
• “I’m sorry for breaking your pen.”
• “I’m sorry for the mistake.”

These phrases help you to be clear about your apology and show you understand what you did wrong. This is important for clear spoken English communication.

More Polite Ways to Apologise (Slightly More Formal)

For slightly more formal situations, or when you want to show you are very sincere, you can use these phrases:

• “I apologise.” – This is more formal than “I’m sorry.” Use it when you want to be very polite.
• “Please forgive me.” – This is a stronger apology, asking for forgiveness.

Examples:

• To your boss for a mistake at work: “I apologise for the error in the report.”
• To a friend after a big argument: “I apologise for what I said. Please forgive me.”

These phrases are useful for improving your English vocabulary and sounding more fluent in different situations.

What to Say After Apologising

Just saying “sorry” is sometimes not enough. It’s also good to show you want to make things better. Here are some things you can say after apologising:

• “It won’t happen again.” – This shows you learned from your mistake.
• “How can I make it up to you?” – This shows you want to fix the problem.
• “Is there anything I can do?” – This offers help to the person you upset.

Example:

You: I’m so sorry I broke your vase.

You: It was an accident. It won’t happen again. How can I make it up to you?

Let’s Practice!

Now, let’s practice using these phrases! Fill in the blanks with the best way to apologise in each situation.

1. You arrive late to meet your friend for coffee. You say: “_______ I’m late!”
2. You accidentally bump into someone on the street. You say: “_______”
3. You forgot to bring your homework to class. You say to your teacher: “_______ for not bringing my homework.”
4. You made a big mistake at work and your boss is angry. You say: “_______ for my mistake.” (Formal)
5. You want to get past someone in a line. You say: “_______”

Answers:

1. Sorry I’m late!
2. Excuse me / Sorry
3. I’m sorry for not bringing my homework.
4. I apologise for my mistake.
5. Excuse me

Great job! Practicing these simple phrases will make you more confident in spoken English and help you communicate effectively in everyday situations. Remember, everyone makes mistakes, and knowing how to say sorry is a valuable skill in any language, especially when you learn English grammar and practical phrases.

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Learning how to apologise is a key part of English for beginners and more advanced learners alike. Keep practicing, and you will become more comfortable and confident in using these important phrases in your everyday conversations!