4 phrases · A1 · A2
Apologising in English
Every phrase below is a fixed shape you can fill in and use immediately, ordered from the simplest to the most advanced. Each one carries what it means in English and in Hindi, three examples that vary the slot, and the situations it actually gets said in.
The phrases
Simplest first. The braces mark the part you change.
I'm sorry for {-ING}
A1Apologise for a specific thing you did.
___ के लिए मुझे खेद है।
- I'm sorry for being late.
- I'm sorry for the confusion.
- I'm sorry for not replying sooner.
Polite — strangers, seniors, customers · say it as: I'm sorry for / being late · used at work, messages and email
That was my mistake
A2Take responsibility plainly, without a long explanation.
वह मेरी ग़लती थी।
- That was my mistake.
- That was my mistake, and I have fixed it.
- That was my mistake — I read the wrong column.
Anywhere · say it as: That was / my mistake · used at work, everyday life
I apologise for {NOUN}
A2Apologise formally — in writing, or to a customer.
___ के लिए मैं क्षमा चाहता/चाहती हूँ।
- I apologise for the delay.
- I apologise for any inconvenience.
- I apologise for the mistake in the invoice.
Formal — writing, presentations, officials · say it as: I apologise for / the delay · used messages and email, at work
It won't happen again
A2Close an apology by saying what changes.
ऐसा दोबारा नहीं होगा।
- It won't happen again.
- I understand, and it won't happen again.
- It won't happen again — I have set a reminder.
Anywhere · say it as: It won't / happen again · used at work, college
What goes wrong
The versions that get said instead, and why they land differently.
| Commonly said | Correct English |
|---|---|
I'm sorry for be late. | I'm sorry for being late. After "for", a verb takes -ing. |
Where you will need these
The same phrases, sorted by the room you are standing in.
More phrase groups on the phrases index, or browse by situation on the speaking pages.
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