At B2 level, we can use various structures to apologize, express regret, or acknowledge mistakes. Below are some common ways to say sorry in English and their usage:
1. Sorry + noun/verb-ing
We can use "sorry" followed by a noun or the gerund form of a verb to express an apology. This is used for general apologies.
- Example:
- I'm sorry for the mistake.
- I'm sorry for being late.
2. Sorry + that-clause
This structure is used to express an apology for something specific that happened or something that was said.
- Example:
- I'm sorry that I didn’t call you earlier.
- Sorry that I missed your party.
3. Apologize for + noun/verb-ing
“Apologize” is a more formal way of saying sorry. We use it to express a more formal or serious apology.
- Example:
- I apologize for the delay.
- He apologized for being rude.
4. Excuse me / Pardon me
These are polite expressions used to apologize for minor inconveniences, such as interrupting someone or asking for clarification.
- Example:
- Excuse me, could you repeat that?
- Pardon me, I didn’t mean to interrupt.
5. My apologies
This is a slightly more formal way to say sorry. It is often used in emails or in business situations.
- Example:
- My apologies for the confusion.
- Please accept my apologies for the mistake.
6. I didn’t mean to + verb
This phrase is used to apologize for something that happened accidentally.
- Example:
- I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.
- I didn’t mean to interrupt.
Written Exercises:
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the apology expression from the list above.
- __________ for not replying to your email earlier.
- __________ that I wasn’t able to attend your meeting.
- __________ I interrupted you during your speech.
- I __________ for being so impatient with you yesterday.
- __________ for taking your seat by mistake.
- __________ that I did not explain the rules clearly.
- I apologize __________ not being more considerate of your time.
- __________ for being late to the class.
- __________ I said something that upset you.
- __________ for forgetting to call you after the meeting.
- I didn’t mean to __________ your personal space.
- My __________ for the confusion in my previous message.
- __________ for all the trouble I caused you.
- __________ for not listening to your advice sooner.
- I didn’t mean to __________ you. I’m sorry.
- Please __________ for asking so many questions.
- I apologize __________ being so harsh earlier.
- __________ for not meeting your expectations in this task.
- __________ that we didn’t inform you about the schedule change.
- My __________ if I offended you with my comments.
Answers:
- Sorry for not replying to your email earlier.
- Sorry that I wasn’t able to attend your meeting.
- Sorry I interrupted you during your speech.
- I apologize for being so impatient with you yesterday.
- Sorry for taking your seat by mistake.
- Sorry that I did not explain the rules clearly.
- I apologize for not being more considerate of your time.
- Sorry for being late to the class.
- Sorry I said something that upset you.
- Sorry for forgetting to call you after the meeting.
- I didn’t mean to invade your personal space.
- My apologies for the confusion in my previous message.
- Sorry for all the trouble I caused you.
- Sorry for not listening to your advice sooner.
- I didn’t mean to offend you. I’m sorry.
- Please excuse me for asking so many questions.
- I apologize for being so harsh earlier.
- Sorry for not meeting your expectations in this task.
- Sorry that we didn’t inform you about the schedule change.
- My apologies if I offended you with my comments.
Summary
To summarize, there are different ways to say sorry in English depending on the context and formality. Using “sorry” with nouns or gerunds is more casual, while “apologize” is formal. "Excuse me" and "Pardon me" are useful for polite, small apologies, and “I didn’t mean to” is used for accidental apologies.