A compilation of 100+ phrases to say sorry in English for specific situations

In life, there will be many times when we make mistakes and need to accept responsibility and apologize. For each specific case, we need to use different English apology phrases to suit the situation. Let's explore 100+ common phrases to say sorry in English categorized by topic together with PREP!

I. Say sorry in daily life

First, PREP will guide you through some of the most basic phrases to say sorry in English commonly used in daily life.

• Sorry for keeping you waiting.
• I’m so sorry about that.
• I apologize.
• My bad.
• I feel terrible, I’m so sorry.
• I was wrong about that.
• I’m sorry, that was my fault.
• Excuse me (please).
• Pardon me!
• Please forgive me.
• I’m sorry, I don’t mean to.
• I’m so sorry. I was incorrect.
• I really apologize for my mistake, I should have been paying more attention.
• That was wrong of me. I promise I will never do it again.
• I messed up and I’m really sorry, I will try to do better next time.
• I’m sorry for hurting your feelings. I promise I will not be mean to you again.

II. Say sorry to the family 

In a family, there are times when parents and children need to apologize to each other. Here are some phrases to say sorry in English in a family context for your reference:

• I’m sorry for being stubborn and not listening to you.
• I’m sorry for sneaking out to play without your permission.
• I’m sorry for losing the money that Dad gave me to pay for school.
• I’m sorry for my disrespectful actions.
• I’m sorry for making a mistake.
• I’m sorry I couldn’t spend a lot of time with you.
• I’m sorry for breaking my promise.
• I’m sorry for scolding me. I love you son.

III. Say sorry in a romantic relationship

In love, it's inevitable to have arguments and misunderstandings, right? So let's take a look at some sweet phrases to say sorry in English:

• I didn’t mean to hurt you but I’m really sorry I did. Will you please give me another chance?
• I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.
• It was really my fault that I lost my temper. Will you please forgive me?
• My heart has bled since the day I hurt you. Please forgive my mistakes. I am sorry.
• My soul is lonely without yours. I really need you to forgive me for the little mistakes I’ve done.
• I have lived in a black world since you went away. You were my rainbow. Please color my life again.
• Could we talk just one more time? There is so much I need to tell you, I’m sorry my love.

IV. Say sorry in the workplace

In the work environment, we need to learn how to apologize in English formally and respectfully. Let's refer to the table below:

• Allow me to apologize on behalf of the entire company.
• I really feel sorry for shouting at you during the meeting.
• I’m sorry for being late, traffic was so bad today.
• It was my fault that we arrived late and I’m really sorry.
• I sincerely apologize for forgetting to send you the report.
• I’m sorry for not responding to your email sooner.
• I’m sorry for forgetting to attend the meeting last Monday.

V. Say sorry via emails

When apologizing in English via email, it is crucial to employ language and grammar that project a formal tone. This is particularly important when utilizing phrases to say sorry in English such as the ones listed below:

• I would like to express my regret.
• I apologize wholeheartedly/ unreservedly.
• Please accept my/ our sincere apologies.
• Please accept my/our sincere apologies.
• Please accept my/our humblest apologies.
• Hope you will forgive my mistake after reading this letter.
• This letter is perhaps my sincere apology to you.
• I would be happy if you forgive me.
• Sincere apologies to you!
• Sending you this sincere apology. 

VI. Say sorry in writing

Additionally, in written communication, we also need to use different English apology phrases compared to everyday spoken language. Here are some examples of phrases to say sorry in English:

• I beg your pardon
• I must apologize.
• Please excuse my ignorance.
• I had that wrong.
• How stupid/careless/thoughtless of me.
• I hope that you can forgive me.

VII. Say sorry to friends

In addition, when apologizing to friends, we should not overlook the following useful phrases to say sorry in English:

• I am extremely sorry for my behavior, I wish I were more careful with my words.
• Dear friend, I’m sorry for hurting your feelings. That’s not what I wanted, Please forgive me.
• You own a very special place in my heart and I really don’t want to lose you. I am really sorry.
• I will never lie to you again and I will never cause you any more pain. From now on I will be extremely cautious because our friendship is really precious. Please forgive me.
• The value of our friendship is more than any stupid argument. Sorry for my bashful words.

VIII. Deep regret when something unfortunate happens to someone else

In some cases, "Sorry" is also used in English to express empathy or sympathy when something unpleasant happens to someone. Let’s take a look at how to say sorry in English in such cases:

• I’m so sorry to hear that.
• I’m sorry that happened to you.
• I’m so sorry for your loss.
• That’s terrible/dreadful!
• Oh no! How awful!/How terrible!

IX. Say sorry in English for not hearing someone clearly and asking them to repeat

If you didn't hear what someone just said, how would you respond? Here are some English apology phrases that you can use in such situations:

• Sorry, could you please repeat that?
• Pardon?
• Sorry, I didn’t hear you.
• Sorry, I didn’t catch what you said.

X. Responses to apologies in English

After receiving an apology, how should we respond? How can we express agreement, forgiveness, or, if necessary, decline the apology? Below are various English phrases to respond to an apology:

• That’s all right.
• Never mind.
• Don’t apologize.
• It doesn’t matter.
• Don’t worry about it.
• Don’t mention it.
• It’s okay.
• I quite understand.
• You couldn’t help it.
• Forget about it.
• No harm done.
• No worries.
• It’s fine.
• Please don’t let it happen again.
• No problem.
• Apology accepted.
• Please don’t blame yourself.
• It’s not your fault.

XI. 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!