In 15 Seconds
- A stronger, more sincere version of 'I am sorry'.
- Used when you have caused a genuine inconvenience or mistake.
- Common in both professional settings and sincere personal moments.
Meaning
This is a way to say you are very, very sorry. It adds extra weight to your apology when you feel genuinely bad about a mistake.
Key Examples
3 of 6Arriving late to a business meeting
I'm terribly sorry for keeping you all waiting; the train was delayed.
I am very sorry for making you wait.
Accidentally spilling a drink on someone
I'm terribly sorry! Let me get some napkins to help clean that up.
I am so sorry for this accident!
Texting a friend after missing a call
I'm terribly sorry I missed your call, I was in a dead zone!
I feel really bad I didn't answer.
Cultural Background
The phrase is a hallmark of British politeness, often used to soften social friction. Interestingly, 'terribly' shifted from meaning 'causing terror' to simply being an intensifier like 'very' in the 19th century. It remains a favorite in 'polite society' to show high emotional intelligence.
Watch your tone
If you say this too quickly, it can sound sarcastic. Slow down on the word 'terribly' to show you mean it.
The British 'Sorry'
In the UK, people often say this even if they didn't do anything wrong, just to be polite. It's a social 'shield'.
In 15 Seconds
- A stronger, more sincere version of 'I am sorry'.
- Used when you have caused a genuine inconvenience or mistake.
- Common in both professional settings and sincere personal moments.
What It Means
I'm terribly sorry is a powerhouse apology. It uses the word terribly not to mean 'badly,' but to mean 'extremely.' Think of it as I'm very sorry but with more heart and sincerity. It shows you recognize that your mistake caused a real problem. It is the verbal version of a deep bow or a worried face.
How To Use It
You place this phrase at the start of your sentence. It works best when followed by the reason for your apology. For example, I'm terribly sorry for the delay. You can also use it as a standalone response when someone points out a mistake. Keep your tone soft and your eye contact steady. This makes the 'terrible' part feel honest rather than dramatic.
When To Use It
Use this when you have truly inconvenienced someone. At a restaurant, use it if you accidentally knock over a glass. In a meeting, use it if you arrive ten minutes late. If you are texting a friend because you forgot their birthday, this is your best friend. It bridges the gap between a casual 'my bad' and a formal legal apology. It’s perfect for those 'oh no' moments in life.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for tiny, microscopic things. If you bump into someone slightly on a busy sidewalk, a quick sorry is enough. Using terribly for small things can make you sound sarcastic or overly dramatic. Also, avoid it in legal or high-stakes medical situations where 'admitting fault' has huge consequences. Don't use it if you aren't actually sorry—people can smell a fake terribly from a mile away!
Cultural Background
British English speakers absolutely love this phrase. In the UK, it is a social lubricant used to keep things polite and smooth. It reflects a culture that values 'polite distance' and making amends quickly. It became popular in the early 20th century as a way for the upper classes to sound refined while being apologetic. Today, it is used globally but still carries a hint of that 'classic' elegance.
Common Variations
You might hear I'm awfully sorry which is very similar but feels a bit more old-fashioned. Americans might say I'm so incredibly sorry to achieve the same emotional level. If you want to be even more formal, you could say I am deeply sorry. However, terribly remains the most common way to add intensity without sounding like you are reading from a script.
Usage Notes
This phrase sits in the 'formal to neutral' range. It is highly effective in professional emails and polite social gatherings, but might feel a bit 'stiff' among very close friends unless the mistake was serious.
Watch your tone
If you say this too quickly, it can sound sarcastic. Slow down on the word 'terribly' to show you mean it.
The British 'Sorry'
In the UK, people often say this even if they didn't do anything wrong, just to be polite. It's a social 'shield'.
Don't over-apologize
If you use this for every tiny thing, it loses its power. Save it for when you actually feel bad.
Examples
6I'm terribly sorry for keeping you all waiting; the train was delayed.
I am very sorry for making you wait.
Shows respect for the colleagues' time.
I'm terribly sorry! Let me get some napkins to help clean that up.
I am so sorry for this accident!
Immediate apology for a physical accident.
I'm terribly sorry I missed your call, I was in a dead zone!
I feel really bad I didn't answer.
Adds a layer of sincerity to a digital message.
I'm terribly sorry, I'll bring that side dish out immediately.
I apologize deeply for my mistake.
Standard high-level service apology.
Oh, I'm terribly sorry, I must have dialed the wrong number.
I apologize for bothering you.
Polite way to end an accidental interaction.
I'm terribly sorry I ate the last cookie, but it looked at me first!
I'm 'so' sorry (not really) for eating the cookie.
Using the high formality of the phrase for comedic effect.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to complete this sincere apology.
I'm ___ sorry for forgetting our anniversary; I'll make it up to you.
We use the adverb 'terribly' to modify the adjective 'sorry'.
Which situation best fits this phrase?
You should say 'I'm terribly sorry' when ___.
This phrase is for significant mistakes where a simple 'sorry' isn't enough.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Apology Intensity Scale
Small mistakes
My bad / Sorry!
Standard apology
I am sorry.
Significant mistakes
I'm terribly sorry.
Life-changing errors
I offer my deepest apologies.
Where to use 'I'm terribly sorry'
Professional Blunder
Missing a deadline
Social Clumsiness
Spilling wine
Personal Neglect
Forgetting a birthday
Service Errors
Wrong hotel room
Practice Bank
2 exercisesI'm ___ sorry for forgetting our anniversary; I'll make it up to you.
We use the adverb 'terribly' to modify the adjective 'sorry'.
You should say 'I'm terribly sorry' when ___.
This phrase is for significant mistakes where a simple 'sorry' isn't enough.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, in this context, terribly acts as an intensifier meaning 'very' or 'extremely.' It emphasizes the depth of your regret.
It is slightly more formal and 'heavy' than I am so sorry. It sounds more sophisticated and often more sincere in professional settings.
Yes, it is a perfect phrase for a boss. It shows you take your mistake seriously without being overly emotional.
Absolutely. It shows you are taking the time to type a full, sincere apology rather than a quick sry.
They are almost identical. Awfully sorry is a bit more old-fashioned and common in older British literature.
Using I am (no contraction) makes it even more formal and serious. I'm is standard for most conversations.
Yes, you can use it to show sympathy, like I'm terribly sorry to hear about your loss.
It is understood and used, but Americans are more likely to say I'm so sorry or I'm incredibly sorry.
Saying I'm terrible sorry is a mistake. You must use the adverb terribly to describe how sorry you are.
You can say That's quite alright or Don't worry about it. Both match the polite tone of the apology.
Related Phrases
Please accept my apologies
A very formal way to apologize in writing or business.
I owe you an apology
Used when you realize you were wrong after some time has passed.
My apologies
A short, professional way to acknowledge a small mistake.
I'm deeply sorry
A very emotional and serious version of an apology.
