Ways to say sorry

 Ways to say sorry

1. Basic & Common Ways

Phrase	Use Case
I’m sorry.	General apology
I’m really sorry.	More sincere apology
I’m so sorry.	Deep regret
Sorry about that.	Minor mistake or accident
I apologize.	Formal version of “sorry”

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2. Casual or Friendly Ways

Phrase	Use Case
My bad.	Informal – admitting fault
Oops, sorry!	Small mistake or bumping into someone
Sorry, I didn’t mean to.	When the action was unintentional
I didn’t mean that. Sorry.	After saying something hurtful by mistake

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3. Formal or Professional Ways

Phrase	Use Case
I sincerely apologize.	Formal, strong apology
Please accept my apologies.	Very formal situation
I take full responsibility for this.	Owning up to a serious mistake
I regret what happened.	Expressing deep regret

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4. Asking for Forgiveness

Phrase	Use Case
Please forgive me.	Asking someone to forgive
I hope you can forgive me.	Gentle, emotional apology
I know I hurt you — I’m sorry.	Apologizing for emotional pain

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5. Cultural/Polite Additions

1. “I’m sorry if I upset you.”
2. “I didn’t mean to hurt you — I’m truly sorry.”
3. “Sorry for the inconvenience.” (Used in public or business settings)

 

Additional Ways to say sorry in different situation

1. Apologizing for a Mistake or Accident

• General:

1. I’m sorry for the mistake.
2. Sorry about that!
3. My apologies for the error.

• Minor accident (bumping into someone, small spill):

1. Oops, sorry!
2. Sorry about that!
3. I didn’t see you there, sorry!

• Serious mistake:

1. I sincerely apologize for what happened.
2. I take full responsibility and I’m truly sorry.

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2. Apologizing for Being Late

1. Sorry for being late.
2. I apologize for the delay.
3. Thank you for waiting — I’m sorry for keeping you.
4. My apologies for arriving late.

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3. Apologizing for Hurting Someone’s Feelings

1. I’m really sorry if I hurt you.
2. I didn’t mean to upset you — I apologize.
3. Please forgive me for what I said/did.
4. I hope you can forgive me.

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4. Apologizing in a Professional or Formal Setting

1. Please accept my sincere apologies for the inconvenience.
2. I regret any trouble caused.
3. I apologize for the oversight.
4. We apologize for the delay and appreciate your patience.

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5. Apologizing for Not Being Able to Help or Attend

1. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there.
2. Sorry for not getting back to you sooner.
3. I regret that I’m unable to attend.
4. Apologies for not being able to assist.

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6. Apologizing for Forgetting Something

1. Sorry, it completely slipped my mind.
2. I apologize for forgetting.
3. My apologies, I should have remembered.
4. Sorry for the oversight.

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7. Apologizing for Interrupting

1. Sorry to interrupt, but...
2. I apologize for the interruption.
3. Sorry for cutting in.
4. Excuse me for interrupting.