G9U6-3 Giving and receiving apologies
Expressions Making an apology
I'm sorry I knocked over your coffee.
I'm sorry I knocked over your coffee.
My mistake. Sorry about that.
My mistake. Sorry about that.
I'm really sorry if I've offended you.
I'm really sorry if I've offended you.
Following up an apology
You can ask someone to accept your apology, express regret and assure them that it won't happen again.
Please accept my apologies.
Please accept my apologies.
It won't happen again.
It won't happen again.
I feel terrible.
I feel terrible.
I didn't mean to hurt you.
I didn't mean to hurt you.
You can also offer to make up for your mistake.
Is there anything I can do?
Is there anything I can do?
At least let me clean up some of this mess.
At least let me clean up some of this mess.
Expressions Accepting apologies
Accepting an apology
Use these expressions to accept an apology.
It's nothing, really.
It's nothing, really.
Really, it's not a problem.
Really, it's not a problem.
It's not your fault.
It's not your fault.
No harm done.
No harm done.
Moving on from an apology
Use these expressions to indicate you wish to move on.
Forget about it.
Forget about it.
Now, where were we?
Now, where were we?
If you're unsure, use this expression to confirm that your apology has been accepted.
You're sure it's okay?
You're sure it's OK?
Expressions Apologizing in a social situation
Apologizing and responding to apologies
If you spill something or damage something at a party, you should apologize to your hosts. First, prepare the hosts by alerting them that something has happened:
Rick, there's something I need to tell you. Rick, there's something I need to tell you.
If you're good friends with the host, you might say:
You're going to kill me. You're going to kill me.
The host will want to know what's wrong:
Is something wrong? Is something wrong?
If you're good friends, the host may even tease you:
What have you done this time? What have you done this time?
