6 alternate ways to say 'Sorry!'

We're all human, and we all make mistakes. But what's important is what we do about it. We clean it up with a well-chosen apology.

Have you had to apologise recently and haven't known what to say? In this post, I'm going to share 6 common expressions for apologizing in English (other than I'm sorry) that will help to expand your vocabulary and apologize correctly -- with friends, family, colleagues or anyone else.

1. I apologise

I apologise is a way to formally admit that you did something wrong, whether you feel 'sorry' about it or not. So while you might formally admit that what you did was wrong, you might not actually feel remorse for your actions.

Examples

• I apologise for the delay in replying to your email.
• I apologise for badgering you about your mother.
• I apologise for coming by at such a late hour.
• I apologise for the delay in sending the agenda.

2. Pardon/pardon me/I beg your pardon

Pardon is a verb which means to allow as a courtesy. Pardon me asks the offended or wronged person to excuse your mistake.

Examples

• Pardon my ignorance, but what is a 'duplex'?
• Pardon me for interrupting you.
• Pardon me; I didn't mean to offend you.

Pardon used alone is a shortened form of 'I beg your pardon.' In that instance, pardon is a noun that means forgiveness or tolerance.

Example

I beg your pardon - I thought you were speaking to me.

3. Mea Culpa

In Latin, mea culpa means 'through my fault.' In modern English, it's usually a noun referring to an acknowledgment of one's own error or an acceptance of guilt. It's often used to describe an elaborate apology, especially one that is apparently heartfelt.

Examples

• If there's something wrong with that then mea culpa.
• The witness wrote a statement of mea culpa after he was caught lying in court.

4. My bad

'My bad' is a slang phrase that some people use as a light apology. It's like 'Sorry!' but more casual.

Examples

• Susan: "Jerry, I asked you to do the dishes an hour ago, and they're still piled in the sink!" Jerry: "Oops, my bad, honey. I'll do them right now."
• My bad. It won't happen again.

5. Forgive me

It is used in speech as a polite way of starting to say something that may seem rude or unpleasant.

Examples

• Forgive me (for saying so), but I don't think you understood my point.
• Forgive me, but something has come up and I have to leave right away.
• Forgive me for asking, but how much did you pay for your bag?

6. Whoops

Used typically to express mild apology, surprise, or dismay.

Examples

• Whoops! I nearly dropped it.
• Whoops! I broke your coffee mug.
• Whoops! That's the second time I've spilled coffee today.

Pro tip: Don’t forget to be sincere when saying you’re sorry.

Read | 'Snowflake' is an insult now! 15 new words for Gen Z added to the dictionary in 2019

Read | Here is a list of 7 most common foreign expressions that make English exciting!

Read | 9 words and phrases that can make people like you more