Ever wanted to apologise but didn't know how to? Here are six common expressions for apologizing in English that will help to expand your vocabulary and apologise correctly.
New Delhi,UPDATED: Aug 19, 2019 14:22 IST
We're all human, and we all make mistakes. But what's important is what we do about it. We clean it up with a well-chosen apology.
Have you had to apologise recently and haven't known what to say? In this post, I'm going to share 6 common expressions for apologizing in English (other than I'm sorry) that will help to expand your vocabulary and apologize correctly -- with friends, family, colleagues or anyone else.
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1. I apologise
I apologise is a way to formally admit that you did something wrong, whether you feel 'sorry' about it or not. So while you might formally admit that what you did was wrong, you might not actually feel remorse for your actions.
Examples
- I apologise for the delay in replying to your email.
- I apologise for badgering you about your mother.
- I apologise for coming by at such a late hour.
- I apologise for the delay in sending the agenda.
2. Pardon/pardon me/I beg your pardon
Pardon is a verb which means to allow as a courtesy. Pardon me asks the offended or wronged person to excuse your mistake.
Examples
- Pardon my ignorance, but what is a 'duplex'?
- Pardon me for interrupting you.
- Pardon me; I didn't mean to offend you.
Pardon used alone is a shortened form of 'I beg your pardon.' In that instance, pardon is a noun that means forgiveness or tolerance.
Example
I beg your pardon - I thought you were speaking to me.
3. Mea Culpa
In Latin, mea culpa means 'through my fault.' In modern English, it's usually a noun referring to an acknowledgment of one's own error or an acceptance of guilt. It's often used to describe an elaborate apology, especially one that is apparently heartfelt.
Examples
- If there's something wrong with that then mea culpa.
- The witness wrote a statement of mea culpa after he was caught lying in court.
4. My bad
'My bad' is a slang phrase that some people use as a light apology. It's like 'Sorry!' but more casual.
Examples
- Susan: "Jerry, I asked you to do the dishes an hour ago, and they're still piled in the sink!" Jerry: "Oops, my bad, honey. I'll do them right now."
- My bad. It won't happen again.
5. Forgive me
It is used in speech as a polite way of starting to say something that may seem rude or unpleasant.
Examples
- Forgive me (for saying so), but I don't think you understood my point.
- Forgive me, but something has come up and I have to leave right away.
- Forgive me for asking, but how much did you pay for your bag?
6. Whoops
Used typically to express mild apology, surprise, or dismay.
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Examples
- Whoops! I nearly dropped it.
- Whoops! I broke your coffee mug.
- Whoops! That's the second time I've spilled coffee today.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to be sincere when saying you’re sorry.
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Published By:
karishma
Published On:
Aug 19, 2019
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I'm an expert in linguistics and language usage, with a deep understanding of the nuances and intricacies of the English language. My expertise is grounded in a comprehensive study of language patterns, grammatical structures, and contextual appropriateness. I have a wealth of experience in analyzing and explaining language-related topics, ensuring a thorough and accurate exploration of various linguistic concepts.
Now, diving into the content you provided, the article discusses six common expressions for apologizing in English, aimed at helping individuals expand their vocabulary and apologize correctly. Let's break down the concepts used in the article:
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I apologise:
- Explanation: This phrase is a formal way to admit wrongdoing, irrespective of whether genuine remorse is felt. It emphasizes the acknowledgment of an error or mistake.
- Example: "I apologise for the delay in replying to your email."
-
Pardon/pardon me/I beg your pardon:
- Explanation: "Pardon" is used as a verb meaning to allow as a courtesy. "Pardon me" or "I beg your pardon" is a polite way of asking for forgiveness or excusing a mistake.
- Example: "Pardon my ignorance, but what is a 'duplex'?"
-
Mea Culpa:
- Explanation: Derived from Latin, "Mea Culpa" translates to 'through my fault.' In modern English, it's a noun indicating an acknowledgment of one's own error or guilt, often used in elaborate apologies.
- Example: "The witness wrote a statement of mea culpa after he was caught lying in court."
-
My bad:
- Explanation: A slang phrase serving as a casual way to apologize. It's equivalent to saying 'Sorry' but in a more informal manner.
- Example: "Oops, my bad, honey. I'll do them right now."
-
Forgive me:
- Explanation: Used as a polite preface before expressing something that might be perceived as rude or unpleasant. It serves as a courteous way to approach a potentially sensitive topic.
- Example: "Forgive me (for saying so), but I don't think you understood my point."
-
Whoops:
- Explanation: Typically used to express mild apology, surprise, or dismay. It's a light-hearted way of acknowledging a mistake.
- Example: "Whoops! I nearly dropped it."
The article encourages sincerity when apologizing and offers a range of expressions suitable for various social contexts. These expressions provide individuals with options beyond the common "I'm sorry," allowing for a more nuanced and versatile approach to apologizing in English.
