English Vocabulary: Apologize

English Vocabulary: Apologize

English Vocabulary: Apologize

English Vocabulary: Apologize. Whether we like it or not, apologizing is an important part of communication. And let’s face it – we love saying ‘sorry’ in English. So, let’s do it properly, please.

APOLOGIZE

  • apologise (British spelling)
  • apologize (American spelling)
  • to say you are sorry in a more formal way
    • She apologized for missing the meeting, but she didn’t give a proper reason for missing it.
    • I apologize for waisting your time. I know you are very busy.
    • We apologize for any inconveniance this has caused you or your family.

SAYING SORRY VS I APOLOGIZE

  • Saying ‘I’m sorry’ is a bit less formal. Saying ‘I apologize’ is a bit more formal.
  • ‘I’m sorry’ is sometimes overused and so sometimes saying ‘I’m sorry’ just isn’t enough.
  • Saying ‘I apologize’ shows that you are a bit more sorry than usual.
  • Sorry can also mean you are sad to hear something. So, when someone dies, we usually say sorry, not I apologize.
    • I’m very sorry for your loss.
    • I’m sorry to hear about your father.

When to apologize

When to say I apologize or I’m sorry is definetly a cultural concept. So, let’s take a look at some common scenarios where a ‘sorry’ is needed.

  • Many English Speaking countries (particularly the U.S.) are time oriented culture. This means that time is important to us and waisting our time is not appreciated.
    • We apologize for the delay in delivery. We appreciate your service.
  • When we have made a mistake. Making mistakes is normal and apologizing for your mistakes is normal for English speakers. Taking responsability and apologising is a cultural value.
    • I apologise. I understood you needed the report for tomorrow, not today.
  • Running into someone. So, you bump someone in the street. Apologise!
    • Bump! I apologize. or simply, ‘sorry’.

English Vocabulary

Now that you had a look at English Vocabulary: Apologize, take a look at our other Vocab Rehab posts:
Vocab Rehab: large numbers in English
Vocab Rehab: micromanage