Knowing how to apologise (and accept an apology!) is an important tool for being polite and maintaining relationships. So in this lesson we’re going learn how to say sorry in English in a natural way.
Informal ways to say sorry
First here are some nice informal phrases for saying sorry and accepting the apology:
I shouldn’t have borrowed your jacket without asking. I’m sorry about that.
Don’t worry. It doesn’t matter.
(Note how we say ‘sorry about’ not ‘sorry for’)
I can’t believe I forgot your birthday. What am I like? Can you forgive me?
Yeah of course, it’s an easy mistake to make! Don’t worry about it!
Formal ways to say sorry
This next one is much more formal and you can see the second person has accepted the apology but isn’t too happy about it:
The company hasn’t made a profit this year so I’m afraid there won’t be any bonuses. Apologies for that.
It can’t be helped I suppose.
Below you can see the type of formal apology you might see in a celebrity or politician’s statement:
I truly regret my actions and I am deeply sorry for the pain I have caused
Apologising for big mistakes
Now we have an apology for an important mistake between friends or family and there’s a nice idiom in the reply that means we can’t change the past:
I’m so sorry I hurt your feelings. It won’t happen again I promise.
Ok, let’s forget about it and try to move on. It’s water under the bridge now.
Here’s another one for a big apology. When you’re saying sorry, you can ask how you can make it better. There’s a nice expression in this reply too:
I really messed up. How can I make it up to you?
It’s alright. I’m not one to hold a grudge.
How to say sorry in a text message
If you just want to apologise for something little via a message, here are a couple of nice examples:
Can’t make it to the pub tonight. Sorry about that!
No worries. See you next time.
(Note – ‘Sorry about that’ is a really common, informal phrase. Don’t use it for big apologies though as it doesn’t sound sincere then)
Oh, sorry I forgot to call you this morning.
No biggie. We can speak tomorrow!
Question for you….
Which of these phrases for saying sorry or accepting the apology was your favourite? Let me know in the comments below 👇😊
By the way, if you liked this lesson on ‘how to say sorry in English’, you might like these ‘polite phrases for saying no‘.
14 Responses
Very useful ♡♡♡
Glad you found these phrases useful Abinaya 😊
Hi Nicki, I’m sorry for not having the time to reply you later but I have been working in my son-in-law’s house these days. But I’m sure your’re not one to hold a grudge !😄
Thanks for all these interesting apology expressions.
For my part 🙁 no biggie) and (it’s water under the bridge now) are my favorites.
Have a nice day Nicki !🥰
Haha, you’re right Francis! I’m not one to hold a grudge 🙂
Glad you found some phrases you like! Thanks for the comment and enjoy the time with your son!
Hi Nicki,
A very interesting lesson yet (is it correct ?) thanks
Sorry I forgot sometimes how to use yet ? Can you forgive me for me mistakes (s). I suppose you’ll answer 😉 it’s an easy mistake to make, don’t worry about it !
“biggie” (I did’nt know”) , “don’t worry” are short and natural for me, but I also enjoy “it’s water under the bridge now”.
have a nice day.
See you soon
Anne
Hmm, that’s not quite the correct use of yet…maybe you mean ‘another interesting lesson’ 🤔
But the rest of your comment makes perfect sense! I’m pleased you found an idiom you like 😊
Hi Nicki!
All your lessons and emails have to be learned by heart.
The most interesting phrases for me are:
1. I’m afraid my English isn’t good enough. Can you correct my mistakes?
2. “let’s forget about it and try to move on. It’s water under the bridge now.”
3. “I really messed up. How can I make it up to you?
It’s alright. I’m not one to hold a grudge.”
4. All others.
Ah, thank you for the lovely comment Kalinka 🥰 I’m really happy that you came across so many useful phrases in this lesson!
Hello! I liked all your phrases for saying sorry but my favourite phrase is: I’m sorry I hurt your feelings. It won’t happen again I promise
Yes, that’s a great one for a big apology! Thanks for the comment Nataliia 😊
The phrase that i like the most is
“ Let’s forget about it ………. now it’s Water under the bridge “
Yes, that’s such a nice image, isn’t it?! 😊
I want to stick all this vocabulary in my head ! but my favorite is « Let’s forget about it … it’s water under the bridge now. »
Haha, it’s tough to remember it all but I hope this one will ‘stick in your head’ at least Martine! 😁