Sorry in English: Formal and Casual Examples

Saying "sorry in English" may sound simple, but using it correctly in real-life situations—formal or casual—can be tricky. This guide helps you understand its meaning, choose the right expression for each context, and master natural apology phrases used by native speakers.

I. What Does “Sorry in English” Really Mean?

At first glance, “sorry” in English might seem like a simple word—just a way to say you made a mistake. But in reality, this tiny word carries a wide range of emotional and social meanings, making it one of the most flexible expressions in English communication.

At its core, “sorry” expresses regret or remorse. You say it when you’ve done something wrong, caused inconvenience, or want to show empathy. Beyond that, it’s deeply tied to politeness, especially in cultures like the UK where saying "sorry" can be just a courteous gesture, not necessarily an admission of guilt.

“Sorry” vs. “Excuse Me” vs. “Apologize” - These words may seem interchangeable, but they serve slightly different purposes:

Understanding the nuances and context-driven nature of “sorry in English” is a small but powerful step toward sounding more natural, polite, and fluent in conversation.

II. Common Ways to Say Sorry in English

There are many ways to say “sorry” in English, depending on the situation, level of formality, and your relationship with the listener. Understanding these variations helps you sound more natural and polite.

1. Informal Ways to Say Sorry in English

When talking to friends, family members, or people close to you, apologizing doesn’t always need to be formal. In fact, casual speech often relies on short, natural ways to say “sorry” that feel more relaxed and genuine.

These expressions are useful for:

• Small mistakes or accidents
• Friendly environments (home, messaging, daily conversations)
• Speaking informally on social media or in texts

2. Formal Apology Phrases in English

In professional and formal situations—like writing emails, speaking with superiors, or communicating with clients—saying “sorry” in English requires a more polished and respectful tone. Using informal expressions like “My bad” or “Oops” can easily come across as unprofessional. Instead, it’s important to choose words that show both accountability and professionalism.

These phrases will be especially helpful when:

• Apologizing in business emails or letters
• Addressing mistakes at work or in academic settings
• Responding diplomatically in sensitive situations

Here’s a simple structure you can follow to write a professional apology email:

3. British vs. American Ways to Say Sorry

While the word “sorry” is used globally across English-speaking cultures, the way it functions in British and American English reveals subtle but important differences. Understanding these variations will help you adjust your communication depending on who you're speaking to, and adopt more natural, fluent English in context.

• British English: Saying Sorry Frequently and Politely - In British English, “sorry” is not only a word used to admit fault, but also a common tool for maintaining politeness and avoiding social tension. It’s used even in situations where the speaker is not necessarily at fault.
• American English: Saying Sorry When It’s Necessary - In American English, “sorry” tends to be used more deliberately, often when the speaker is actually at fault or wants to address a problem. The tone is often sincere but more direct, and speakers are more likely to pair an apology with a proposed solution.

As a learner, it's helpful to understand both styles so you can adjust your apologies depending on context and cultural expectations.

III. Using “Sorry in English” in Writing: Emails, Letters & Texts

Knowing how to say “sorry” in conversation is one thing—but using it appropriately in writing is a slightly different skill. Whether you're writing an email at work, sending a personal message, or submitting a formal letter, expressing an apology in clear, respectful, and natural English can make a big difference.

Workplace and Business Emails - In professional settings, apologies should sound polite, responsible, and solution-oriented. 

Common phrases:

• I sincerely apologize for the delay.
• Please accept my deepest apologies for...
• We regret any inconvenience caused.
• I take full responsibility for...

Example sentence: I sincerely apologize for the oversight in yesterday’s report. We’ve corrected the figures and updated the file.

Tips:

• Keep it formal but human.
• Don't over-apologize—focus on clarity and accountability.
• Offer a resolution if possible.

Personal Messages and Texts -In less formal situations, such as texting a friend or messaging a classmate, you can use more casual and emotional language. 

Common examples:

• I’m really sorry about what I said.
• Didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.
• My bad – I completely forgot!
• Hope you can forgive me.

Example text: Really sorry I missed your birthday lunch. I got caught up at work—let me make it up to you soon.

Tips:

• Be honest and to the point.
• Express empathy (if the other person was affected).
• Show willingness to make things right.

Sample Apology Email Structure

Mastering how to apologize in writing—both formally and casually—will help you become a more professional, respectful, and effective communicator in English.

IV. Say Sorry in English Like a Pro on English Tests 

In English speaking tests like IELTS, APTIS, TOEIC Speaking, or even casual interviews, knowing how to apologize properly can help you sound more natural, polite, and confident—even when you make mistakes.

Apologizing in a test is not just about good manners. It’s also a valuable strategy to handle:

• Misunderstandings
• Technical issues
• Pauses or mistakes in speaking

Notes for Test Takers:

• Use apologies to show that you are in control of the conversation, not losing confidence.
• Always keep a natural tone, not overly formal or robotic.
• Combine these phrases with confident body language and eye contact (if applied in face-to-face tests).

V. Personalized IELTS Preparation

Now, you must have known what English apologies are. In this article, PREP has compiled over 100 basic phrases to say sorry in English for you to grasp and apply in various communication situations. Need help acing your IELTS exam? Check out our top-rated practice modules here:

• IELTS course: Mastering IELTS exam from zero to hero!