Apologizing and Responding to Apologies
Sample phrases (from formal to informal)
- A: I hope you'll forgive me for being late. I had a flat tire.
B: That's quite all right/I understand completely. It can happen to anyone.
- A: Please accept my apologies for the mistakes in the report. I forgot to check it.
B: You don't need/have to apologize. But next time, try to concentrate better.
- A: I (would like to) apologize for shouting at you yesterday. I lost control of myself.
B: Don't worry about it. I just hope you'll keep your temper from now on.
- A: Excuse me! I didn't realize this was your seat/newspaper.
B: That's OK. I'm leaving anyway/I've finished reading it.
- A: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to keep your book so long.
B: No problem/No big thing. I won't need it until next semester.
See also:
- Greeting People and Responding to Greetings
- Making and Responding to Introductions
- Saying Goodbye
- Making, Accepting and Refusing Invitations
- Thanking People and Responding to Thanks
- Complimenting and Responding to Compliments
- Getting Attention and Interrupting a Conversation
- Asking for Information and Giving Directions
- Making and Responding to Requests
- Offering to Help and Responding
- Expressing Sympathy and Responding
- Expressing Opinions
- Agreeing and Disagreeing
