Another-word-for-sorry vs. Apologize: What's the Difference?
sorry (feeling), apologize (action), and apology (noun) for perfect regret expressions.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'sorry' as an adjective to describe your feelings and 'apologize' as a verb to describe the action of saying it.
- Use 'sorry' with the verb 'to be' (e.g., I am sorry).
- Use 'apologize' as a standalone action verb (e.g., I apologize).
- Use 'sorry' for sympathy (I'm sorry for your loss), but 'apologize' only for your own mistakes.
Overview
Expressing regret effectively is a core component of fluent communication in English. You frequently encounter three distinct terms – sorry, apologize, and apology – which, while related to regret, function differently within the grammar of the language. Understanding these differences allows you to choose the most appropriate word for clarity, formality, and emotional impact in various situations.
At its core, the distinction lies in their grammatical roles. Sorry primarily functions as an adjective or an interjection, describing a state of feeling or an immediate reaction. It conveys personal regret or sympathy.
Apologize, on the other hand, is a verb, signifying the action of formally expressing regret for one's own past actions or words. This emphasizes the deliberate performance of seeking forgiveness. Finally, apology is a noun, representing the statement or act itself of expressing regret.
It is a tangible concept that can be given, received, or offered, highlighting the expression of remorse as an object.
These grammatical variations are not incidental. They reflect a fundamental aspect of English word classes, where different forms of a word (adjective, verb, noun) allow you to focus on distinct facets of a concept. You can describe the emotional state (sorry), perform the action (apologize), or refer to the expression as an entity (apology).
Mastering these subtle but significant distinctions is essential for intermediate (B1) English learners to communicate with greater precision and cultural appropriateness.
How This Grammar Works
Sorry (Adjective / Interjection):sorry acts as an adjective, it describes a person's emotional state. Therefore, it always requires a form of the verb to be (e.g., am, is, are, was, were) to link the subject to this descriptive state. The reason for your regret or sympathy is typically introduced by a preposition (for, about, to) or a that-clause.Be sorry for+ noun/gerund: You use this structure to express regret for an action or situation for which you bear responsibility. For instance,I am sorry for the mistake.orShe was sorry for arriving late.Here,fordirectly connects the feeling of regret to the consequence or your action. This is a common way to acknowledge personal fault.Be sorry about+ noun/gerund: Similar tofor,aboutintroduces the reason for your regret. While often interchangeable withforwhen expressing personal fault,aboutcan also refer to broader circumstances or shared misfortunes. For example,We are sorry about the cancellation.orHe was sorry about what happened to your pet.In these cases,aboutmay imply less direct personal responsibility but still conveys genuine regret or sympathy.Be sorry to+ infinitive: This construction is used to express regret or sorrow regarding something you are about to do, have to do, or something you have just learned. When you say,I am sorry to inform you that..., you express reluctance to deliver bad news. Likewise,I am sorry to hear that.conveys sympathy upon receiving unfortunate information. This pattern focuses on your current emotional state in reaction to an event or anticipated action.Be sorry that+ clause: When the reason for your regret is a complete sentence (a clause), you usethat. For example,I am sorry that I forgot your birthday.orThey were sorry that the event was postponed.In informal speech,thatcan often be omitted (I'm sorry I forgot your birthday.), but it is grammatically implied, linking your state of beingsorryto the factual basis of the regret.
sorry stands alone or appears in short phrases for immediate, often automatic, reactions. If you accidentally bump into someone, you might simply say Sorry! or Oh, sorry!. This usage is highly informal, reactive, and often indicates a minor inconvenience or quick acknowledgment of a mishap without much elaboration.Apologize (Verb):apologize describes the deliberate act of making an apology. It always conjugates according to tense and subject. You often specify the recipient of the apology using to and the reason for the apology using for.Apologize to+ person/group: Youapologize toa specific individual, a team, or an organization. This clearly indicates who is receiving your expression of regret. For example,She apologized to her manager.orThe company apologized to its customers.The prepositiontois mandatory when you name the recipient of the apology.Apologize for+ noun/gerund/clause: The reason for your apology is introduced byfor. For instance,I apologize for the delay.orHe apologized for interrupting the meeting.While less common than withsorry, you can also use athat-clause, particularly in more formal contexts:He apologized that he had caused so much trouble.This structure explicitly states the action or behavior for which you are expressing regret. The verbapologizecan also be used intransitively when the recipient and reason are clear from context:They apologized immediately after the incident.
Apology (Noun):apology refers to the act or statement of regret itself. It is not something you feel, but rather something you make, give, or receive. It commonly appears with verbs that describe its delivery or reception.Make an apology: This is a general phrase describing the act of formulating or delivering an apology.You should make an apology for your rude comments.Give an apology: This suggests the physical or verbal delivery of the apology to someone.She gave a sincere apology to her friend.Offer an apology: This implies presenting an apology, often with the understanding that it might be accepted or rejected by the recipient.The airline offered a full apology and compensation to the delayed passengers.Issue an apology: This is a more formal term, typically used when an organization, company, or public figure makes a public, often written, statement of regret.The minister issued an apology for the government's oversight.Accept an apology: This phrase describes the reception and acceptance of an apology.His apology was accepted by the committee.My apologies/Our apologies: These plural forms often serve as more formal, or sometimes slightly archaic, equivalents toI apologizeorWe apologize.My apologies for the inconvenience.is a polite way to sayI apologize for the inconvenience.You typically usemy apologieswhen you want to sound more formal or to apologize for multiple minor issues at once.
sorry | Adjective / Interjection| be + sorry + for/about [X]be + sorry + to [verb]be + sorry + that [clause]Sorry! | Feeling, state, immediate reaction, sympathy |apologize| Verb | apologize (+ to [person]) (+ for [X]) | Action of expressing regret, taking responsibility |apology | Noun | make/give/offer/issue (+ an) apology (+ to [person]) (+ for [X]) accept an apology | The statement/act of regret itself; can be formal or public |Formation Pattern
Sorry (Adjective / Interjection):
sorry describes the emotional state of the subject. It requires a linking verb, predominantly to be, to connect the subject (you, I, she, they) to the adjective sorry.
to be (conjugated) + sorry + Complement
for [noun/gerund]: I am sorry for the broken vase. (direct responsibility)
about [noun/gerund]: He was sorry about the bad news. (general circumstances/sympathy)
to [verb (base form)]: We are sorry to disturb you. (regret about an action being performed or observed)
that-clause:
that [clause]: She is sorry that you had a difficult day. (factual circumstance causing regret)
sorry subtly changes the nuance. Sorry for often implies a more direct fault, linking your regret to an action you performed. Sorry about can also cover this but is broader, extending to situations you didn't cause but still regret, like a shared misfortune. Sorry to + infinitive specifically points to regret related to an action you are doing or are about to experience. The that-clause simply provides the factual event causing the regret.
Sorry! is an uninflected, standalone utterance. It requires no complex grammatical structure because it functions as a direct, often reflexive, expression of acknowledgment or mild regret.
Apologize (Verb):
apologize undergoes regular conjugation according to tense, person, and number. It is a regular verb, meaning its past tense and past participle are formed by adding -ed.
apologize (conjugated) + to [person/group] (optional) + for [noun/gerund/clause] (optional)
I/You/We/They apologize. He/She/It apologizes.
They apologize for any inconvenience.
I/You/He/She/It/We/They apologized.
He apologized to his sister.
I am apologizing. You/We/They are apologizing. He/She/It is apologizing.
The CEO is apologizing for the data breach.
I/You/He/She/It/We/They will apologize.
I will apologize to them later.
apologize Conjugation (Example: I) |
apologize |
apologized |
am apologizing |
have apologized |
will apologize |
apologize to [person] for [reason] is a common transitive pattern. Here, the person is the indirect object receiving the apology, and the reason (often a noun phrase or gerund) functions as a prepositional phrase detailing the specific transgression. This structure foregrounds your proactive action of seeking forgiveness for a specific fault. For instance, in The journalist apologized to the public for spreading misinformation, journalist is the subject, apologized is the verb, to the public indicates the recipient, and for spreading misinformation details the reason.
Apology (Noun):
apology itself does not conjugate but functions as the object of other verbs or within noun phrases. It can be singular (an apology) or plural (apologies).
apology(s) + (Prepositional Phrase)
apology:
make: You must make an apology for your outburst.
give: The student gave a written apology to the teacher.
offer: They offered their sincere apologies for the delay. (plural)
issue: The school board issued a public apology for the incident.
accept: She accepted his apology gracefully.
apology requires an active verb to convey its delivery or existence. These verbs frame apology as an entity that can be created, presented, formally declared, or acknowledged. The plural form, apologies, is often used to convey heightened formality or to acknowledge multiple points of regret, as in My apologies or Our apologies for the inconvenience.
When To Use It
sorry, apologize, and apology depends heavily on the context, the desired level of formality, the severity of the situation, and the specific emphasis you wish to convey.- Expressing immediate, minor regret or sympathy: This is for small, accidental mistakes or everyday inconveniences. If you accidentally step on someone's foot,
Sorry!is the natural, quick reaction. When a friend tells you bad news,I'm sorry to hear that.expresses immediate empathy without necessarily implying personal fault. - Delivering unwelcome news: You use
I'm sorry to tell you...orI'm sorry that...to soften the impact of negative information, showing your regret that you have to be the bearer of such news. For example,I'm sorry to inform you that your application was unsuccessful. - Feeling regret for a past action (informal/personal): When acknowledging a mistake in a casual setting.
I'm sorry for being late.is perfectly acceptable among friends or family. - Expressing empathy or sadness for someone else's misfortune: This is a key function of
sorry.I'm sorry for your loss.orI'm sorry about what you're going through.Here, you are expressing solidarity and understanding, not necessarily your own wrongdoing.
- Formally acknowledging your fault or taking responsibility: This verb is stronger and more formal than
sorrywhen you are admitting a mistake you made. For example,I would like to apologize for my unprofessional behavior.orThe politician apologized to his constituents for breaking his promise. - When a specific action or behavior needs to be named:
Apologizeis often preferred when you are addressing a clear transgression and want to specifically state what you are sorry for.He apologized for shouting during the meeting. - Seeking forgiveness: The act of apologizing is intrinsically linked to seeking forgiveness for an action.
You should apologize to her if you want her to forgive you. - In more formal or professional settings: Emails, official statements, business interactions, or when addressing someone you don't know well. For example, an email might start:
Please accept my sincerest apologies.(using the noun form) orI apologize for the delay in responding.
- Referring to the act or statement of regret as an entity: You can
make an apology,give an apology,receive an apology.He owes you an apology for his rude comments.The focus is on the concrete expression of regret. - In formal, public, or written contexts: News reports, legal documents, official company statements, or formal letters often use the noun form.
The company issued a full apology after the product recall. - When an apology is being discussed, debated, or evaluated:
His apology was deemed insufficient.orThe committee demanded an apology from the CEO. - Using
My apologiesorOur apologies: This is a polite, formal substitute forI apologizeorWe apologize, often used for minor inconveniences but with an elevated tone.My apologies for the late reply.
Sorry is generally the most versatile and informal, covering a wide range of regret and sympathy. Apologize is more formal, signaling a deliberate act of admitting fault.Apology (the noun) is often the most formal, referring to the official expression of regret itself.Common Mistakes
sorry, apologize, and apology. Being aware of these pitfalls will significantly improve your accuracy.- Confusing
sorry(adjective) withapologize(verb): - Incorrect:
I apologize for your loss. - Correct:
I'm sorry for your loss. - Why:
Apologizeis used for admitting your own fault. When someone else experiences a loss, you express sympathy (sorry), not necessarily fault for their situation.
- Missing the
to beverb withsorry: - Incorrect:
I sorry I am late. - Correct:
I am sorry I am late.orI'm sorry I'm late. - Why:
Sorryis an adjective describing your state. Adjectives need a linking verb (liketo be) to connect them to the subject. You cannot sayI happyorI tiredfor the same reason.
- Incorrect prepositions after
sorryorapologize: - Incorrect:
I'm sorry to the delay.(mixingtofor people withforfor reasons) - Correct:
I'm sorry for the delay. - Incorrect:
He apologized about me.(when meaningto me) - Correct:
He apologized to me. - Why: Each term follows specific prepositional patterns that determine what kind of information (recipient, reason, effect) follows it.
- Using
apologizewiththatwhensorryis more natural for feelings: - While
apologize thatis technically possible in very formal contexts, it sounds stiff.Sorry thatis far more common for expressing regret about a fact. - Less natural:
I apologize that you feel unwell. - More natural:
I'm sorry that you feel unwell. - Why:
Sorrydirectly expresses your feeling about a situation, whereasapologizeemphasizes the act of expressing regret for your own actions.
- Overusing
apologiesas a plural for a single, direct apology: My apologiesis fine as a formal stand-in forI apologize. However, using it for very minor, quick interactions can sometimes sound overly formal or even insincere if not used appropriately.- Consider: If you just bumped someone,
Sorry!is best.My apologies!might sound sarcastic or too grand for the moment.
- Trying to use
make sorryinstead ofbe sorryorapologize: - Incorrect:
I make sorry for my mistake. - Correct:
I am sorry for my mistake.orI apologize for my mistake. - Why:
Make sorryis not an idiomatic English expression. The nounapologycombines with verbs likemake(make an apology), butsorryis an adjective or interjection.
Real Conversations
Understanding these terms goes beyond grammar rules; it involves appreciating their use in various social contexts, from informal chats to professional exchanges. Observing how native speakers integrate them into modern communication illuminates their practical application.
Sorry in everyday life:
- Texting/Instant Messaging: sry gotta run (short for sorry, I have to run) or im so sorry, totally forgot! shows quick, informal regret or apology for minor issues. The abbreviation sry is extremely common.
- Casual Conversation (e.g., bumping into someone): A simple Oh, sorry! with a slight upward inflection is polite and reflexive. I'm so sorry, I wasn't looking! adds a bit more explanation.
- Expressing Sympathy: I heard about your job interview not working out. I'm really sorry to hear that. This is empathy, not fault.
- Delivering Bad News: I'm sorry, but we're all out of coffee. (used by a barista) or Sorry, I can't make it tonight. (a friend cancelling plans).
Apologize in professional and formal contexts:
- Work Email: I wish to apologize for the error in my previous report. (formal, takes responsibility). We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. (used by a company).
- Customer Service Interaction: Sir, I apologize for the prolonged wait. How can I assist you now? (employee taking responsibility for a service issue).
- Public Statement (verbal or written): The director apologized to the entire cast for his harsh words. (acknowledging specific wrongdoing).
Apology (the noun) in formal and structured communication:
- News Report: The Prime Minister issued a public apology for the policy misstep. (refers to a formal statement).
- Business Memo: Please ensure you submit a formal apology to the client by end of day. (demanding the tangible expression of regret).
- Email for a formal situation: Please accept our sincere apologies for the technical difficulties. (using the plural for heightened formality, usually from an organization).
- In Conversation about a past event: Did he ever give you an apology for what he said? (referring to the act of apologizing).
Cultural nuances play a role too. In some English-speaking cultures, especially more reserved ones, sorry might be used quite frequently for minor things, sometimes almost as a conversational filler to maintain politeness. This is a subtle difference from a deep expression of remorse, illustrating the versatility of sorry across various social functions.
Quick FAQ
- Q: Can
sorrybe used as a noun? - A: Informally, yes, but it's rare and usually in specific contexts, like
He mumbled a quick sorry and left.Here,sorryacts almost like a placeholder foran apology. However, you should generally stick toapologyfor the noun form.
- Q: Is
apologiesalways plural? - A: When used as a direct substitute for
I apologize(e.g.,My apologies for the confusion), it is almost always plural. It can also be plural when referring to multiple acts of regret or multiple points of regret within one situation. The singularan apologyrefers to one instance of the expression of regret.
- Q: Can I use
I apologizeandI am sorryinterchangeably? - A: Often, yes, especially when expressing regret for your own actions.
I apologize for being lateandI'm sorry for being lateconvey similar meanings. However,I apologizeis generally more formal and emphasizes taking responsibility, whileI'm sorrycan also express sympathy for something you didn't cause. You cannot sayI apologize for your lossas you wouldI'm sorry for your loss.
- Q: What about
regret? How does it fit in? - A:
Regretis a synonym for sorrow or a feeling of disappointment about something that has happened. It can be a verb (I regret saying that) or a noun (She felt deep regret). While related,regretfocuses more on the feeling of sorrow about a past action or decision, without necessarily implying an act of expressing that feeling to someone else. You can regret something silently; an apology implies communication.
- Q: Is
my badan acceptable apology? - A:
My badis a very informal expression, commonly used among friends or in casual settings to acknowledge a minor mistake. It's a quick, low-stakes way to sayI'm sorryorIt was my fault. Do not use it in formal or professional contexts; it would be considered inappropriate.
Conjugating the Verb 'Apologize'
| Tense | Subject | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Present Simple
|
I / You / We / They
|
apologize
|
I apologize for the delay.
|
|
Present Simple
|
He / She / It
|
apologizes
|
He apologizes for his cat.
|
|
Past Simple
|
All subjects
|
apologized
|
They apologized yesterday.
|
|
Present Continuous
|
I
|
am apologizing
|
I am apologizing right now.
|
|
Present Perfect
|
He / She / It
|
has apologized
|
She has already apologized.
|
|
Future
|
All subjects
|
will apologize
|
We will apologize tomorrow.
|
Common Contractions with 'Sorry'
| Full Form | Contraction | Usage |
|---|---|---|
|
I am sorry
|
I'm sorry
|
Most common in speech
|
|
We are sorry
|
We're sorry
|
Common for groups
|
|
He is sorry
|
He's sorry
|
Describing someone else
|
|
They are sorry
|
They're sorry
|
Describing a group
|
Meanings
The distinction between expressing a personal feeling of regret (sorry) and performing the formal act of admitting a fault (apologize).
Personal Regret
Using 'sorry' to express that you feel bad about a situation, whether or not it is your fault.
“I'm sorry it's raining today.”
“She felt sorry for the stray cat.”
Formal Act
Using 'apologize' to perform the social ritual of taking responsibility for a mistake.
“The company apologized for the delay.”
“I apologize for my late response.”
Sympathy
Using 'sorry' to show compassion for someone else's misfortune.
“I'm so sorry to hear about your grandfather.”
“We are sorry for your loss.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative (Sorry)
|
Subject + be + sorry
|
I am sorry.
|
|
Negative (Sorry)
|
Subject + be + not + sorry
|
I am not sorry.
|
|
Question (Sorry)
|
Be + subject + sorry?
|
Are you sorry?
|
|
Affirmative (Apologize)
|
Subject + apologize
|
I apologize.
|
|
Negative (Apologize)
|
Subject + do/does/did not + apologize
|
I don't apologize.
|
|
Question (Apologize)
|
Do/Does/Did + subject + apologize?
|
Did you apologize?
|
|
With Person
|
Apologize + to + [person]
|
I apologize to you.
|
|
With Reason
|
Sorry + for + [noun/verb-ing]
|
I'm sorry for the wait.
|
Formality Spectrum
I apologize for my late arrival. (Arriving at a meeting or hangout)
I'm sorry I'm late. (Arriving at a meeting or hangout)
Sorry I'm late! (Arriving at a meeting or hangout)
My bad for being late. (Arriving at a meeting or hangout)
The World of Regret
Feelings (Adjective)
- Sorry I am sorry
Actions (Verb)
- Apologize I apologize
Nouns
- Apology Give an apology
Sorry vs. Apologize
Which one should I use?
Is it a feeling?
Is it for a boss?
Preposition Partners
Sorry + ...
- • for (action)
- • about (situation)
- • that (clause)
Apologize + ...
- • to (person)
- • for (reason)
- • profusely (adverb)
Examples by Level
I am sorry.
I am sorry I am late.
Are you sorry?
She is sorry for the mess.
I apologize for the mistake.
I'm sorry about your phone.
He didn't apologize to me.
We are sorry for the noise.
I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused.
I'm so sorry to hear that you didn't get the job.
You should apologize to her for being rude.
I'm sorry, but I can't come to the party.
The government issued a formal apology to the victims.
I'm sorry to bother you, but do you have the time?
He was deeply apologetic about the misunderstanding.
I apologize if I offended anyone with my comments.
It was a sorry sight to see the historic building in ruins.
I must apologize; I seem to have misplaced your files.
She offered a half-hearted apology that fooled no one.
I'm sorry, but your logic simply doesn't hold up.
The CEO's refusal to apologize proved to be his undoing.
I'm sorry to say that the project has been terminated.
He cut a sorry figure standing there in the rain.
To apologize is to acknowledge the social contract.
Easily Confused
Learners use 'sorry' to get attention or 'excuse me' for mistakes.
Mixing the noun 'apology' with the verb 'apologize'.
Using 'for' with verbs and 'to' with nouns incorrectly.
Common Mistakes
I sorry.
I am sorry.
He sorries.
He is sorry.
I am apologize.
I apologize.
Sorry for you.
I'm sorry for you.
I apologize for you.
I apologize to you.
I am very apologize.
I am very sorry.
I sorry about that.
I'm sorry about that.
I apologize your loss.
I'm sorry for your loss.
I am apologizing for hear that.
I'm sorry to hear that.
She didn't sorry.
She wasn't sorry.
I apologize me.
I apologize.
Sentence Patterns
I am sorry for ___.
I apologize to ___ for ___.
I'm sorry to hear that ___.
He/She refused to apologize for ___.
Real World Usage
Sorry, running 5 mins late!
I apologize for the delay in responding to your inquiry.
We apologize for the inconvenience caused by the flight cancellation.
So sorry for your loss, sending love.
I apologize, could you please repeat the question?
I'm sorry, but this isn't what I ordered.
The 'Be' Test
Sympathy vs. Guilt
Professional Polish
The Sarcastic Sorry
Smart Tips
Replace 'I'm sorry' with 'I apologize' to sound more professional.
Always use 'sorry', never 'apologize'.
You must use 'sorry'. You cannot say 'very apologize'.
Remember: TO a person, FOR a reason.
Pronunciation
Sorry Stress
The stress is on the first syllable.
Apologize Stress
The stress is on the second syllable.
The 'g' in Apologize
The 'g' makes a soft 'j' sound like in 'jump'.
Sincere Apology
I'm SO sorry. (Falling intonation on 'sorry')
Shows deep regret
Formal Apology
I apologize. (Flat, steady intonation)
Professional and serious
Memorize It
Mnemonic
S-O-R-R-Y is a State Of Regret, Yes? (State = Adjective). Apologize is an Action (Action = Verb).
Visual Association
Imagine a heart for 'sorry' (feelings) and a megaphone for 'apologize' (speaking/acting). You feel with your heart, but you speak into the megaphone.
Rhyme
If you feel it in your head, 'I am sorry' should be said. If you act to make it right, 'I apologize' is polite.
Story
A clumsy waiter drops a tray. He feels 'sorry' (internal feeling) as his face turns red. He quickly 'apologizes' (external action) to the customers so he doesn't get fired.
Word Web
Challenge
Write three sentences: one using 'sorry' for a friend, one using 'apologize' for a boss, and one using 'sorry' to show sympathy for a sad news story.
Cultural Notes
British people are famous for saying 'sorry' very frequently, often even when they haven't done anything wrong (e.g., if someone else bumps into them). It functions as a social lubricant.
In US corporate culture, 'I apologize' is preferred over 'I'm sorry' because it sounds more proactive and less emotional, focusing on the resolution of the error.
Similar to the UK, Canadians use 'sorry' as a general polite filler. There is even a 'Sorry Act' in Ontario that says an apology does not legally constitute an admission of guilt.
'Sorry' comes from the Old English 'sarig' (full of sorrow/pain), related to 'sore'. 'Apologize' comes from the Greek 'apologia', which was actually a formal speech in defense of oneself.
Conversation Starters
Have you ever had to apologize for a big mistake at work?
When was the last time you felt sorry for someone?
Do you think people say 'sorry' too much in your country?
If a company makes a mistake, should they apologize publicly?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
I ___ for being late to the meeting.
She is very ___ about breaking your glasses.
Find and fix the mistake:
I apologize you for the mistake.
I am sorry for the noise. -> I ___ for the noise.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
You can use 'apologize' to show sympathy when a friend's cat dies.
A: Did he say he was sorry? B: No, he refused to ___.
Identify the adjective.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesI ___ for being late to the meeting.
She is very ___ about breaking your glasses.
Find and fix the mistake:
I apologize you for the mistake.
I am sorry for the noise. -> I ___ for the noise.
1. Sympathy for a loss, 2. Formal business error, 3. Bumping into a stranger
You can use 'apologize' to show sympathy when a friend's cat dies.
A: Did he say he was sorry? B: No, he refused to ___.
Identify the adjective.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesI'm ___ for forgetting your birthday!
The company had to ___ to its customers for the service outage.
He offered a sorry for his behavior.
We apologize for arrive late.
Which sentence properly uses 'sorry'?
Choose the best formal expression:
Translate: 'Le debo una disculpa grande.'
Translate: 'Ella se disculpó por no haber devuelto la llamada.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Form a coherent sentence:
Match the expressions with their common roles:
Match the situation with the best choice:
Score: /12
FAQ (8)
No. 'Apologize' is a verb. You should say 'I apologize' or 'I am apologizing'.
Yes, 'sorry' is much more common in daily conversation and informal writing.
They are often interchangeable, but 'sorry for' is usually followed by an action (sorry for being late), while 'sorry about' is for a situation (sorry about the weather).
You can, but it might sound a bit too formal or serious unless you really messed up.
It is a standard phrase used to show sympathy when someone tells you bad news.
No, 'apology' is a noun. You 'give' or 'make' an apology.
In British culture, 'sorry' is often used as a way to be polite or to avoid conflict, even if no one is at fault.
Use the phrase 'I apologize for...' or 'Please accept my sincere apologies for...'.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Lo siento / Disculparse
Spanish 'Lo siento' is a verb phrase, while English 'Sorry' is an adjective.
Désolé / S'excuser
The French verb 's'excuser' is reflexive (to excuse oneself), whereas 'apologize' is not.
Es tut mir leid / Sich entschuldigen
German structure for 'sorry' is much more complex than the English adjective.
Gomen / Ayamaru
Japanese apologies often function as 'thank you' or 'excuse me' much more than in English.
Asif / I'tadhara
Arabic adjectives conjugate for gender, unlike English 'sorry'.
Duìbuqǐ / Dàoqiàn
Chinese does not use a 'be' verb with Duìbuqǐ.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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Overview The English language constantly evolves, and with it, the acceptable forms of words. One such evolution has fir...
Let-them vs. Let-they: What's the Difference?
Overview The distinction between `let them` and `let they` is a fundamental concept in English grammar, directly related...
Quite vs. Quiet: What's the Difference?
Overview English presents many challenges, and among the most frequent are pairs of words that sound or look similar but...
Said vs. Told: What's the Difference?
Overview English verbs `say` and `tell` are frequently confused, presenting a significant challenge for intermediate lea...
