Spoken English · Guides · October 30, 2026 · 4 min read
How to say sorry in English: 30 ways to apologise and how to accept an apology
Saying sorry in English is more than one word. English speakers apologise a lot, in different ways for different situations: a quick Sorry! when you bump into someone, I’m so sorry when you forget a friend’s birthday, I apologise for the delay in a work email. A good apology often has three parts: say sorry, explain briefly, offer to fix it. Below are phrases for every situation, how to accept an apology, the other uses of sorry and sample dialogues.
Small, everyday apologies
- Sorry! (you bumped into someone)
- Oops, sorry about that.
- My bad. (very informal, with friends)
- Sorry, my mistake.
- Excuse me / Pardon me. (passing someone, interrupting)
- Sorry, I didn’t mean to.
Bigger apologies
- I’m really sorry.
- I’m so sorry, I completely forgot.
- I’m sorry I didn’t call you back.
- I feel terrible about it.
- It was my fault.
- I shouldn’t have said that.
- Please forgive me. (strong, personal)
Apologising at work and in formal situations
- I apologise for the delay.
- Please accept my apologies.
- I’m sorry for any inconvenience.
- I regret to inform you that… (giving bad news)
- Sorry for the late reply.
- My apologies, I sent the wrong file. Here is the correct one.
The three-part apology
- Sorry: I’m really sorry I’m late.
- Short reason (not an excuse): My train was cancelled.
- Fix or promise: I’ll stay later to finish the work. / It won’t happen again.
Example: I’m sorry I missed the deadline. I underestimated how long the analysis would take. I’ll send it by noon tomorrow and I’ll plan better next time.
Sorry + for / about / that
- sorry for + -ing / noun: Sorry for being late. Sorry for the noise.
- sorry about + noun: Sorry about last night.
- sorry (that) + sentence: I’m sorry I shouted at you.
- sorry to + verb: Sorry to bother you. Sorry to interrupt.
Accepting an apology
| Situation | Phrase |
|---|---|
| Small thing | No problem. / No worries. / Don’t worry about it. / That’s OK. |
| It happens | It happens. / These things happen. |
| Bigger thing | Thanks for saying that. / I appreciate the apology. |
| Forgiving | Apology accepted. / Let’s forget about it. |
| Still upset | OK, but please don’t do it again. |
Avoid It’s nothing or Never mind when the other person apologises sincerely for something big; it can sound like you are not taking them seriously.
Other meanings of “sorry”
- Asking someone to repeat: Sorry? / Sorry, what did you say?
- Sympathy: I’m sorry to hear that. / I’m so sorry for your loss. (after a death)
- Polite disagreement or refusal: I’m sorry, but I don’t agree. / Sorry, I can’t make it.
- Getting attention: Sorry, do you know where the lift is?
Sample dialogue 1: late for a meeting with a friend
Zara: Hey! I’m so sorry I’m late. The traffic was crazy.
Imran: Don’t worry about it. I just got here myself.
Zara: Really? Thanks. Next coffee’s on me.
Imran: Deal!
Sample dialogue 2: a mistake at work
Ella: Hi Kwame, I’m afraid I sent the client the old price list. That was my mistake.
Kwame: Ah, OK. Have they replied?
Ella: Not yet. I’ve already sent the correct version with an apology.
Kwame: Good. These things happen. Just double-check next time.
Ella: I will. Sorry again.
Sample dialogue 3: a forgotten birthday
Nimal: Dilini, I feel terrible. I completely forgot your birthday yesterday.
Dilini: Oh… yes, I noticed.
Nimal: I’m really sorry. There’s no excuse. Can I take you out for dinner this weekend?
Dilini: OK, apology accepted. But you’re paying!
Common mistakes
- “Sorry for disturb.” After for, use -ing: Sorry for disturbing you, or Sorry to disturb you.
- “I am sorry for that I’m late.” Say I’m sorry (that) I’m late or Sorry for being late.
- “Sorry, sorry, sorry…” repeated many times sounds nervous. One clear apology is better.
- Long excuses. A short reason is enough; too many details sound like you are avoiding responsibility.
- “I am apologise.” Say I apologise (verb) or my apologies (noun).
- “No problem” to a serious apology. Use Thanks for saying that or I appreciate it.
Practise apologising naturally
The right apology depends on tone and situation, which is easier to feel in a real conversation. The chat linked below this article opens a free conversation with Nomi on Nomto: ask Nomi to play a friend or a colleague you need to apologise to, and after each reply you see a more natural version. Related guides: ways to say thank you and polite requests in English.
FAQ
What can I say instead of “sorry”?
I apologise. / My apologies. / My mistake. / My bad. (informal) / I feel terrible about it. / Please forgive me.
How do you apologise formally in English?
Please accept my apologies for… or I apologise for…, followed by a short reason and what you will do to fix it.
How do you reply to “sorry”?
For small things: No problem / No worries / That’s OK. For bigger ones: Thanks for saying that / Apology accepted.
Is “sorry for” or “sorry about” correct?
Both. Sorry for is often used with -ing or your own action (sorry for being late); sorry about with a situation (sorry about the mess).
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