How to use apology and apologize? (2023)

FAQs

Is saying I apologize enough? ›

Apologies are for when we do something wrong. So for a good apology to happen, you need to be able to own what you specifically did. You also need to be able to own that, upon reflection, you can see where what you did was wrong even if it made sense to do at the time. This can be uncomfortable but it is crucial.

Expression of apology (Sorry. / I'm sorry. / I'm very sorry. / I'm really sorry about that.) 2. Acknowledgment of responsibility (That's definitely on me. / That's my mistake. / You're right. / It's totally my fault.)

There is a subtle difference between saying "I'm sorry" and "I apologize". An apology is a formal admission of a wrongdoing. It may or may not be heartfelt — i.e., a person may apologize without feeling remorseful. On the other hand, saying "I am sorry" is usually seen as being a truer admission of regret.

Joan made her apologies for the delay and left the room. Please accept my apologies for not being able to attend your retirement dinner. You can also use “my apologies” as a direct substitute for “I'm sorry.” My apologies.

Don't just say: “I'm sorry you got hurt.” That's not owning up to your actions. Instead say: “I'm sorry I called you naïve” or “I'm sorry I shoved past you.” Be specific about your actions and why you are apologizing for your behavior. Even more importantly, don't project your actions as someone else's fault.

Try saying: “Thank you, I needed to hear this apology. I really am hurt.” Or, “I appreciate your apology. I need time to think about it, and I need to see a change in your actions before I can move forward with you.” Don't attack the transgressor, as hard as it may be to hold back in the moment.

Acknowledge the other person's feelings

A meaningful apology includes showing you're aware of how your actions have impacted the other person. This tells them you understand why they feel hurt. For example, you might say: 'I understand you must have felt really upset, angry and confused. '

He remembered the three R's – regret, react, reassure.

What are the 5 different kinds of expression of apology? ›

Instead of apologizing, use phrases like '“I'd love to add,” “I think that,” or “Here's a different perspective.” These phrases help you contribute without sounding scared to do so.

So how do you apologize when you aren't wrong, or rather, if you believe you aren't wrong? Start by acknowledging how the other person feels. Like any other apology, express regret over what happened. If you're apologizing on behalf of someone on your team, don't make excuses for them.

A repair can be so much more than an apology (although apologies work, too)—a silly smile, an “I feel” statement, a pause in the action, even partial agreement. A repair attempt is any statement or action that prevents negativity from spiraling out of control in conflict.

Empathize with the patient and family without admitting liability. Statements such as “I am sorry that this happened,” or “I am sorry that you are in such pain” capture regret in a blame-free manner. Describe the event and medical response in brief, factual terms.

For example, imagine you're writing a letter that's long overdue. You might start it with “My apologies for not writing you sooner.” In this sentence, you are not using the literal meaning of my apologies. Instead, you are using its idiomatic meaning, which is I'm sorry.

But he did make an apology; a gracious and humble apology. On the 13th a petition from him was read, asking the commissioner and the estates to accept his humble apology. We offer our humble apologies once more and seek their forgiveness for the dreadful harm that has been done to them, their families and friends.

For example, you could say: "I'm sorry that I snapped at you yesterday. I feel embarrassed and ashamed by the way I acted." Your words need to be sincere and authentic . Be honest with yourself, and with the other person, about why you want to apologize.

How do you apologize without saying too much? ›

Four A's: Acknowledge, Accept, Appreciate, Apologize.

A gaslight apology is an apology given that often appears sincere but the person is actually not taking any responsibility for what they have caused.

A sincere apology should acknowledge the mistakes and try to show that you have learned from them. It can be as simple as saying, “I regret my decision” or “I apologize for my mistake”. It should not sound like an excuse or justify what you did wrong in any way.

A true apology does not overdo.It stays focused on acknowledging the feelings of the hurt party without overshadowing them with your own pain or remorse. A true apology doesn't get caught up in who's to blame or who “started it.”Maybe you're only 14% to blame and maybe the other person provoked you.

Research shows apologizing for things you shouldn't makes you feel worse about yourself, not better -- and causes other people to see you as less competent and confident.

While an apology can help fix a situation and allow you to mend a hurt, it's possible to overdo it. Avoid apologizing too much or too intensely. It can be annoying for the other person, and it can shift the focus of your apology, making it more about you.

Even if you did everything right, the appropriate measure should be to apologize. So how do you apologize when you aren't wrong, or rather, if you believe you aren't wrong? Start by acknowledging how the other person feels. Like any other apology, express regret over what happened.

What should you not say to apologize? ›

Don't say things like “I really didn't mean it when I said…” or “I did x because Sally did y…”. It lessens the effectiveness of the apology by making you sound insincere. Shifting blame. Avoid saying things like “I'm sorry you were offended” or “I'm sorry the group felt like I was out of line”.

1. The too brief apology: “Sorree-ee!” Just blurting out the word “sorry” doesn't really convey regret or repentance. Especially when accompanied by an eye roll, this one-word apology sends the message, “I'll say sorry because you insist, but I don't really mean it.

“People use 'I'm sorry' in these situations to penetrate the conversation and have their voice heard when they don't have to.” Instead of apologizing, use phrases like '“I'd love to add,” “I think that,” or “Here's a different perspective.” These phrases help you contribute without sounding scared to do so.

A gaslight apology is an apology given that often appears sincere but the person is actually not taking any responsibility for what they have caused.

A true apology does not overdo.It stays focused on acknowledging the feelings of the hurt party without overshadowing them with your own pain or remorse. A true apology doesn't get caught up in who's to blame or who “started it.”Maybe you're only 14% to blame and maybe the other person provoked you.

On the giving end, it can be a powerful tool to reconcile a working relationship and to initiate the restoration of trust. In this way, an apology can show strength of character, demonstrate emotional competence and reaffirm that both parties share values in their relationship they want to commit to.

Empathize with the patient and family without admitting liability. Statements such as “I am sorry that this happened,” or “I am sorry that you are in such pain” capture regret in a blame-free manner. Describe the event and medical response in brief, factual terms.