- While “I’m sorry” is typically the go-to, other words for sorry can be more effective.
- Formal apologies include “I beg your pardon” and “My apologies.” Informal apologies include “My bad” and “Oops.”
- Whether in formal or informal situations, choosing the right words for your apology is key to delivering it effectively.
- Apologizing properly is a powerful way to restore trust and build stronger relationships.
- Your apology can be more meaningful and impactful if you’re sincere, avoid excuses, and show empathy.
Knowing how to phrase an apology is important for maintaining healthy personal and professional relationships. Here, we’ll share synonyms for “sorry,” how to apologize properly, and examples of effective apologies.
Table of contents
When to say “I’m sorry”
When you’ve offended someone or caused harm, saying “I’m sorry” acknowledges your mistake and expresses remorse. Apologies may also be needed when your team or organization has caused an issue.
Apologies can be given in person, via email or text, or over the phone. The best approach depends on the relationship and the nature of the mistake.
Common situations when “I’m sorry” might be needed
Here are some of the most common scenarios where apologies are appropriate. As with all other social interactions, use your judgment to determine if an apology is necessary.
- Being late to or missing an event: A brief apology, such as “I’m sorry I couldn’t make it to the meeting,” helps show respect for others’ time and acknowledges any inconvenience.
- Being rude or impolite: When you do something you’re not proud of, apologizing with something like “I’m sorry if I came across as rude earlier” shows that it’s not your norm.
- Making a mistake: Recognizing an error with “I’m sorry, I made a mistake” helps show accountability and integrity.
- Breaking trust: To help remedy any hurt you’ve caused, say something like “I’m sorry I let you down” to take ownership of your action.
- Showing empathy when something bad has happened: When something bad happens to somebody else, “I’m sorry” is a way to express compassion and understanding.
- Bumping into someone accidentally: If you bump into somebody accidentally, politely apologize with something like “Oops, sorry about that!”
The benefits of apologizing
Apologizing has numerous benefits, and they all stem from one thing: expressing emotional maturity.
- Helps mend relationships and rebuild trust: Apologizing shows that you value the other person and are willing to take responsibility for your actions.
- Shows accountability and maturity: A sincere apology demonstrates a willingness to acknowledge mistakes maturely.
- Reduces conflict: Apologies can help reduce tension and resolve conflicts more quickly.
- Promotes understanding and mutual respect: Demonstrating empathy and acknowledging the feelings of others helps create a foundation for healthier communication.
- Enhances your reputation: Admitting mistakes in professional settings demonstrates integrity and builds a positive reputation, earning respect from colleagues and clients.
- Encourages personal growth: Apologizing fosters self-reflection and development, helping individuals learn from mistakes and make better decisions in the future.
Synonyms for “sorry”
There are many other ways to say “sorry,” ranging from formal to informal. While the alternatives to “sorry” below might not all be direct synonyms, they are all valuable phrases for when you need to apologize.
Formal ways to say “sorry”
In formal and professional environments, the following options are appropriate:
1 “I apologize.”
This general apology works in just about any scenario.
2 “My apologies.”
This phrase is often used to decline invitations or express regret at being unable to fulfill a request.
3 “I can’t apologize enough.”
This phrase can be an appropriate choice when you wish to express deep remorse, as it acknowledges that if you could say more than “I’m sorry,” you would.
4 “Please accept my sincerest apologies.”
This apology is best suited when you have caused personal hurt or distress and want to make things right.
5 “I owe you an apology.”
This phrase recognizes the weight of the scenario, even when there isn’t time to address it immediately. You can use it in an email, text, or phone call that precedes a more thoughtful apology.
6 “I’m regretful.”
This phrase is appropriate when you cannot completely control the outcome. It communicates that you know things could have been handled better.
7 “Pardon me.”
Pardon is a verb that means to allow as a courtesy. “Pardon me” asks the offended or wronged person to excuse your mistake.
8 “Please forgive me.”
This phrase is a direct and heartfelt way to ask for forgiveness. It is often used when someone takes full responsibility for a mistake or wrongdoing.
9 “I take full responsibility.”
This can be an appropriate response if you were primarily or solely responsible for a bad outcome.
10 “I’m at fault.”
Use this apology to acknowledge your role when making a mistake or causing an inconvenience.
Informal ways to say “sorry”
In informal and personal settings, apologies that use casual language can be more appropriate than formal-sounding ones.
1 “My bad.”
This slang expression is used to claim responsibility for a deed and is common in casual speech.
2 “My mistake.”
As a slightly less casual form of “my bad,” this phrase helps acknowledge a minor error in casual or informal situations.
3 “My fault.”
As a less formal version of “I’m at fault,” this apology expresses responsibility for an action’s outcome.
4 “Sorry about that.”
For relatively minor transgressions, this phrase expresses an appropriate level of remorse. However, it can come across as sarcastic, so reserve it for low-stakes situations.
5 “Oops/whoops.”
This is a common exclamation of chagrin for a mild error or social blunder. However, if your mistake caused offense or harm, a stronger apology is needed.
6 “I messed up.”
This phrase is an effective way to take responsibility for a situation where your poor judgment resulted in an unfavorable outcome.
7 “I feel terrible.”
As an apology, this is best suited for situations where you couldn’t have anticipated a negative outcome yet still feel partially responsible and want to express remorse.
8 “I didn’t mean to.”
Although this apology may look like you’re deflecting in some scenarios, in others, it can be a helpful way to communicate your true intentions. Always pair it with a more direct apology.
9 “How can I make it up to you?”
When a mistake causes noticeable hurt, making the situation right is an act of integrity. Pair this phrase with an apology to demonstrate your willingness to fix the problem.
10 “Let me make this right.”
As a good way to express a willingness to remedy the situation, this phrase can be paired with suggestions for making the problem right.
How to properly apologize
Your apology should definitely acknowledge your wrongdoing, and in many cases—depending on the situation—it should also state that you intend to prevent similar mistakes in the future. Here are some other tips for apologizing properly.
Be sincere
Sincerity is key to an effective apology. Do not use sarcasm, jokes, or passive-aggressive statements in your apology.
Use an appropriate tone
Use an appropriate tone for the situation. An apology for using offensive language in a meeting requires a serious tone (“Please accept my sincerest apologies”), whereas apologizing for bumping into somebody is best done in a casual tone (“Sorry—my bad!”).
Avoid excuses
Avoid making excuses for your actions, such as “I was late because traffic was bad” or “I’m sorry I brushed you off. I’m going through a lot right now.” These statements can undermine the apology, making it appear insincere or self-serving.
Don’t be defensive
Similarly, avoid shifting the blame with your apology. Taking responsibility shows emotional maturity, even if you are not the only party to blame.
- Avoid: “It wasn’t my fault. You’re just being sensitive.”
- Effective: “I’m sorry I offended you.”
Don’t minimize the impact
Focus on how the recipient feels rather than your perspective of your action’s impact. Acknowledge how your actions may have impacted the other person without minimizing it in your apology.
- Avoid: “It’s not a big deal.”
- Effective: “I understand this mattered to you, and I regret my actions.”
Following up after an apology
Following up after an apology within a reasonable time frame can be helpful in certain situations, especially when the promise of change is involved. Here’s how to follow up after an apology.
- Reiterate your commitment to improvement: This shows that you’re taking steps to prevent the issue from happening again. (“To make sure I stay on top of my schedule, I’ve started using a planner and setting reminders, so this doesn’t happen again.”)
- Offer additional support or solutions: Mention that you are available to address and correct any additional concerns the recipient may have. (“If there’s anything else I can do to make this right, please let me know.”)
- Keep your promises: If you’ve pledged to make changes or resolve an issue, follow through to rebuild trust and show accountability. For example, “I know I let you down, but I’m making it right—I’ve cleared my schedule so we can spend more time together.”
Other words for “sorry” FAQs
What are other ways to say “sorry”?
Formal ways to say “sorry” include “pardon me,” “I apologize,” and “I owe you an apology.” Less formal ways include “my mistake” and “my bad.”
How do you choose the right word for “sorry”?
The right word for “sorry” depends on the audience and the situation, which should also dictate the correct tone for the apology.
When should you say “sorry”?
Apologize whenever your actions harm someone or when empathy is needed. If your actions have a negative impact, apologize as soon as you become aware of it.
What are the benefits of saying “I’m sorry”?
Saying “I’m sorry” expresses remorse for your actions and demonstrates your emotional intelligence. It supports relationships by repairing trust, reducing conflict, and communicating empathy.
Should you follow up after an apology?
When your apology involves a promise to do better in the future, following up can be a way to express your commitment. A thoughtful follow-up demonstrates accountability, helps to restore trust, and strengthens the relationship.
