How to Apologise in English: Natural Ways to Say “Sorry”
Apologising in English is not just about saying sorry. The words you choose depend on the situation, the relationship, and the seriousness of the mistake. Native speakers rarely use the same apology in every context — and neither should you. In this lesson, you will learn natural ways to say “sorry” in English, from everyday conversations to polite emails and more formal situations. The expressions are grouped by tone and use, making them easy to remember and safe to use in real life, exams, and writing tasks. How to Apologise in English
Everyday apologies (neutral and safe)
I’m (really / so) sorry
This is the most common and versatile apology. It works in most everyday situations and sounds natural in both speech and informal writing.
- I’m so sorry to keep you waiting — traffic was awful.
- I’m really sorry about the confusion.
- Sorry, I didn’t realise you were still on the call.
Tip for learners: adding really or so makes the apology warmer and more sincere.
My bad / My mistake (informal)
These phrases are used for small, unintentional mistakes, especially in spoken English.
- Oh, my bad — I thought the meeting was tomorrow.
- Sorry, my mistake. I sent you the wrong file.
Avoid these in formal emails or exams — they are very informal.
Polite and formal apologies (emails, work, exams)
I apologise / Please accept my apologies
These phrases are more formal and polite, often used in emails, letters, or professional situations.
- I apologise for the delay in replying.
- Please accept my sincere apologies for the inconvenience.
- Martin sends his deepest apologies for missing the meeting.
Cambridge tip: I apologise works well in formal letters and reports.
I regret / I sincerely regret
Use I regret to sound formal and serious. It often appears in written English rather than in conversation.
- I regret any inconvenience this may have caused.
- We sincerely regret the error in the final document.
This is ideal for formal writing tasks, but sounds stiff in everyday speech.
Apologising before you speak (softening phrases)
Forgive me
Use this phrase to apologise before saying something awkward, critical, or interrupting.
- Forgive me if I’m mistaken, but I think there’s an error here.
- Forgive me for interrupting, but may I add something?
This is polite, not dramatic — and very useful in discussions.
Taking responsibility for a mistake
I should have / I shouldn’t have
These phrases are used to admit that something you did was wrong.
- I should have told you earlier.
- I’m sorry — I shouldn’t have spoken like that.
Great for speaking exams when reflecting on past actions.
I take full responsibility
This phrase sounds formal and serious. It’s often used in professional or official contexts.
- We take full responsibility for the delay.
- I take full responsibility for the misunderstanding.
Promising change
It won’t happen again
Use this phrase to apologise and reassure the other person.
- I’m sorry about the noise — it won’t happen again.
- We apologise for the error and assure you it won’t happen again.
Excellent for complaint replies and formal emails.
Stronger and advanced apologies (use with care)
To make amends
This phrase means trying to correct a mistake by doing something positive.
- I don’t know how to make amends for what I said.
- He tried to make amends by helping her with the project.
To atone (advanced, rare)
This verb is formal and uncommon in everyday English. Use it mainly in written or literary contexts.
- He tried to atone for his mistake by working overtime.
B2 learners should recognise this word, not actively use it.
Final tip for learners
In exams and real life, the best apology is the appropriate one. Using a very strong phrase for a small mistake — or an informal phrase in a formal email — can sound unnatural.
Choose your apology based on the situation, the relationship and the level of formality
Get this right, and your English will sound calm, polite, and confidently natural.
If you really want to learn English but don’t know how or where to start, don’t hesitate to contact us. Book an online English lesson with one of our certified and experienced English teachers and take a test and consultation! Tap the banner to learn more!
Discover more from My Lingua Academy
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
1 Comment
Ways to Apologise in English - My Lingua Academy · 1 Sep 2024 at 11:55 am
[…] Click here to learn different ways to say “I’m sorry” in English […]