蜜芽传媒

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Learning English - The Flatmates

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Language Point

Quiz

Talk

Apologising

In English we apologise not only when we've done something wrong but also when we want to interrupt someone, show our feelings when something bad has happened to someone else or ask someone to repeat something.

Informal
I'm sorry I'm late.
I'm so sorry I forgot your birthday.

Formal
I beg your pardon madam, I didn't see you were waiting to be served.
I'm awfully sorry but those tickets are sold out now.
I must apologise for my children's rude behaviour.

Usually as well as apologising, we give a reason for our behaviour:

I'm sorry I'm late but my alarm clock didn't go off this morning.
I'm so sorry there's nothing here you can eat, I didn't realise you were a vegetarian.

Excuse me, can you tell me where the Post Office is please?
I'm sorry but can I get through?

I'm sorry to hear you've not been feeling well.
I'm so sorry to hear your dad died.
I heard you failed your driving test. I'm really sorry but I'm sure you'll pass next time.

Excuse me?
Excuse me, what did you say?
I'm sorry?
I'm sorry, can you say that again?
Pardon?

To accept an apology, we either say thanks or try to put the other person at ease in some other way.

I'm so sorry I forgot your birthday.
Oh don't worry, there's always next year!

I'm sorry to hear you've not been feeling well.
Thanks. I think I've just picked up a bug at the office. It's nothing too serious.

I'm sorry I'm late but my alarm clock didn't go off this morning.
That's OK. We've only just started the meeting.

a ton of (informal)
a lot of

I was well out of order (informal)
I behaved in a rude way

a hard time
a difficult time

not the end of the world
not a serious problem

a slap-up meal (informal)
an expensive meal