Stop saying I'M SORRY: More ways to apologize in English

Summary

In this video, Emma explains how to apologize in English, covering informal and formal ways to say 'I'm sorry'. She highlights common situations where apologies are needed, such as being late or making a mistake, and provides examples of different expressions like 'I apologize' and 'I'm sorry for'. Additionally, Emma discusses how to express regret, using phrases like 'I shouldn't have', and explains how tone and context play a role in delivering a sincere apology. The video is a comprehensive guide to improving your apologizing skills in English.

Takeaways

• 😀 Apologies are used for many reasons, such as being late, making a mistake, or causing an accident.
• 😀 'Sorry' is an informal way to apologize, while 'I apologize' is more formal and used in professional settings.
• 😀 Adding 'for' after 'I'm sorry' helps explain the reason for the apology, e.g., 'I'm sorry for being late.'
• 😀 In formal situations, such as at work, you might use the phrase 'Please accept my sincerest apologies' to convey a more serious apology.
• 😀 Common expressions like 'I didn't mean to' and 'It was an accident' help explain that the mistake was unintentional.
• 😀 'It's my fault' is used to take responsibility for a mistake, while 'It's your fault' places the blame on someone else.
• 😀 Regret is expressed through phrases like 'I shouldn't have' followed by the past participle of a verb, e.g., 'I shouldn't have said that.'
• 😀 To express regret about a mistake, you can say 'I shouldn't have' followed by the past participle of the verb, e.g., 'I shouldn't have been late.'
• 😀 In serious situations, asking 'How can I make it up to you?' shows a desire to repair the situation after a mistake.
• 😀 When someone apologizes, common responses include 'That's okay', 'No worries', and 'It's all right' for small mistakes, and 'I forgive you' for more serious ones.
• 😀 Tone and body language are crucial in conveying sincerity when apologizing. A sincere apology should match the level of the mistake.

Q & A

What are some common situations where we say 'I'm sorry'?

Some common situations where we say 'I'm sorry' include being late, accidentally breaking something, saying something rude or impolite, or having a strong-smelling lunch that affects others (e.g., tuna with onions). We also apologize to be polite, even if we aren't at fault, such as when receiving the wrong food at a restaurant.

What is the difference between saying 'Sorry' and 'I apologize'?

'Sorry' is informal and often used in casual settings with friends or family, whereas 'I apologize' is more formal and typically used in professional settings or when addressing a more serious issue.

What does the phrase 'Please accept my sincerest apologies' indicate?

'Please accept my sincerest apologies' is a very formal way to apologize, often used in professional or customer service contexts when making a serious apology. It conveys a deep sense of regret and responsibility.

How do you use the phrase 'I'm sorry for' correctly in a sentence?

The phrase 'I'm sorry for' is used to explain the reason for the apology. It is followed by a verb in the 'ing' form, such as 'I'm sorry for being late,' 'I'm sorry for breaking your iPad,' or 'I'm sorry for not calling you.'

What does 'I didn't mean to' express when apologizing?

'I didn't mean to' is used to express that the action or mistake was unintentional. It conveys that you didn’t plan or want the bad outcome, but it happened anyway. For example, 'I didn't mean to hurt you' or 'I didn't mean to break your cup.'

How can 'I shouldn't have' be used to express regret?

'I shouldn't have' is used to express regret about something you did in the past. It implies that, in hindsight, you wish you hadn't taken a certain action. For example, 'I shouldn't have said that,' 'I shouldn't have been late,' or 'I shouldn't have eaten all the cake.'

What does the expression 'How can I make it up to you?' mean?

'How can I make it up to you?' is a way of asking how you can fix a mistake, especially when it has caused harm or inconvenience. It's often used in more serious situations where a simple apology might not be enough.

What are some informal responses to an apology?

Some informal responses to an apology include 'That's okay,' 'No worries,' 'No problem,' 'It's all right,' and 'It's cool.' These responses are often used in casual settings to let someone know that you forgive them or that the issue is not a big deal.

When is it appropriate to say 'I forgive you' in response to an apology?

'I forgive you' is a more serious response to an apology, typically used when the apology is for a significant mistake. It conveys that you are willing to let go of any negative feelings and move past the issue.

Why is tone important when apologizing?

Tone is crucial when apologizing because it conveys sincerity. A genuine apology should be delivered with a tone that reflects your true regret and empathy. If the tone is wrong, the apology may come across as sarcastic or insincere, even if the words are appropriate.