Saying sorry is one of the first things you learn in English, but there’s more than just “sorry” in the language toolbox.
Whether you messed up big time or just bumped into someone on the street, there’s a perfect phrase for every kind of apology.
Below I have compiled a list of words and expressions you can use to say sorry in English, with simple meanings and real-life examples.
Let’s take a look right now…
1. Sorry
Meaning: The classic, simple apology for most situations.
Sorry I’m late! The traffic was awful.
Oh, sorry! I didn’t mean to step on your foot.
2. I’m sorry
Meaning: Slightly more formal or serious than just “sorry”.
I’m sorry for what I said earlier. It was out of line.
I’m really sorry I missed your call.
3. I apologise
Meaning: More formal, used in serious or professional situations.
I apologise for the delay in replying to your email.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
4. My apologies
Meaning: A polite, formal way to say sorry.
My apologies, I didn’t realise you were in the middle of a meeting.
Please accept my apologies for the confusion.
5. So sorry
Meaning: A more emotional or emphatic version of “sorry”.
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss.
So sorry I forgot your birthday. I feel terrible!
6. I’m terribly sorry
Meaning: Very British and formal; shows deep regret.
I’m terribly sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you.
I’m terribly sorry about the mistake on your bill.
7. Pardon me
Meaning: Polite and slightly old-fashioned; also used to ask someone to repeat something.
Pardon me, I didn’t mean to interrupt.
Pardon me, could you say that again?
8. Excuse me
Meaning: Used to apologise for small things, like bumping into someone.
Excuse me, is this seat taken?
Excuse me, I didn’t mean to push you.
9. My bad (American)
Meaning: Informal way to admit fault, mostly American.
Oops, my bad! I thought today was your day off.
Forgot to bring the charger — my bad.
10. I messed up
Meaning: Informal, admits you made a mistake.
I messed up the order. I’ll fix it right away.
Sorry, I messed up. It won’t happen again.
11. That was my fault
Meaning: Taking responsibility for something.
That was my fault, I should have double-checked.
Don’t blame her, it was my fault.
12. I take full responsibility
Meaning: Formal, used when you accept all the blame.
I take full responsibility for the error.
I take full responsibility for what happened.
13. I didn’t mean to
Meaning: Used when your actions were unintentional.
I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.
I didn’t mean to cause any trouble.
14. My mistake
Meaning: Casual way to admit a small error.
Oh, that was my mistake. Let me fix it.
Sorry, my mistake. You were right.
15. Oops!
Meaning: Very casual, for accidents or small mistakes.
Oops! Spilt my tea.
Oops, didn’t see that message.
16. I owe you an apology
Meaning: Formal, used when you realise you need to apologise.
I owe you an apology for snapping at you.
I owe you an apology for being late.
17. I regret that
Meaning: Formal, often used in written communication.
I regret that we couldn’t meet your expectations.
I regret that I wasn’t able to help.
18. Please forgive me
Meaning: A bit dramatic or emotional, asking for forgiveness.
Please forgive me for forgetting our anniversary.
Please forgive me. I didn’t mean it.
19. I feel awful
Meaning: Expresses guilt and remorse.
I feel awful about what happened.
I feel awful for letting you down.
20. I didn’t mean any harm
Meaning: Used to clarify your intentions were not bad.
I didn’t mean any harm, honestly.
I didn’t mean any harm by the comment.
21. Don’t hate me
Meaning: Very casual, often used jokingly or when asking for understanding.
Don’t hate me, but I ate the last slice.
Don’t hate me for saying this, but you were wrong.
22. My sincerest apologies
Meaning: Very formal, polite and heartfelt.
My sincerest apologies for missing the meeting.
Please accept my sincerest apologies for the inconvenience.
23. I beg your pardon
Meaning: Formal and very British; can also express surprise or offence.
I beg your pardon, I didn’t catch that.
I beg your pardon, but I believe you’re mistaken.
24. I was wrong
Meaning: Direct way to admit fault.
I was wrong about the time.
I was wrong to doubt you.
25. That came out wrong
Meaning: Used when you say something that was misunderstood.
That came out wrong. I didn’t mean to sound rude.
Sorry, that came out wrong — I was trying to help.
26. Let me make it up to you
Meaning: Used when you want to fix a mistake.
Let me make it up to you — dinner’s on me.
I messed up. Let me make it up to you.
27. I shouldn’t have…
Meaning: A way to express regret for an action.
I shouldn’t have said that.
I shouldn’t have ignored your message.
28. I realise I was wrong
Meaning: Reflective and apologetic.
I realise I was wrong to blame you.
I realise I was wrong about the deadline.
29. I didn’t think
Meaning: Used to admit carelessness.
I didn’t think it would upset you.
I didn’t think before I spoke.
30. Please don’t be mad
Meaning: Casual, often said with a hopeful tone.
Please don’t be mad — I forgot to bring the cake.
Please don’t be mad, it was an honest mistake.
31. My bad entirely (British usage emerging)
Meaning: Similar to “my bad”, but with a more British twist.
My bad entirely, I completely misunderstood.
My bad entirely, I should have checked first.
Conclusion
Tip for Teachers: Encourage learners to match these phrases to situations. Context is key! Many of these aren’t interchangeable.
Tip for Learners: Try learning 3-5 of these expressions really well instead of memorising all of them. Use them in your own life when small mistakes happen — it’s great practice!
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