Making an Apology

Exercise 1

Useful Expressions

Making an Apology

• I am deeply/sincerely/terribly sorry.
• I’m very sorry for...
• I must apologize for...
• Please accept my apologies for...
• My apologies, sir/madam.
• I didn’t realize that...
• I didn't mean to...
• I now realize that I should have...
• I assure you it will not happen again.

Responding to an Apology

• It’s all right.
• No problem.
• I understand.
• Don't worry about it.
• No harm done.
• I accept your apology.
• Apology accepted.

Exercise 2

Dialogue Practice

Read the dialogue aloud with your teacher.

Matt was told to submit the sales report before the deadline, but he failed to do so. He was called by his direct Manager.
Manager	Matt, please have a seat.
Matt	Thank you, sir.
Manager	As you already know, I asked you to submit the sales report by the end of last week. And I still haven't received it. What happened?
Matt	Yes, sir, I'm terribly sorry about that. I was planning to finish it on Friday, but I got caught up with another task. When I realized that I would not be able to finish it, I decided to leave it for the weekend. However, I had to attend to some personal matters during the weekend, so I failed to submit it. I'm really sorry about this, sir. Please accept my sincere apologies.
Manager	Okay, I understand, but you need to know your priorities. If I ask you to do something by a certain time, I expect it to be completed. And you need to let me know if anything else gets in the way.
Matt	Yes, sir. Once again, I am very sorry. I now realize that I should have talked to you about it on Friday, when I received the other task.
Manager	That’s all right for now, but I hope this won't happen again, Matt.
Matt	Thank you very much, sir. I can assure you that it will not happen again. I am almost done with the report and will submit it in a few hours.
Manager	Thank you, Matt!

Check your understanding:

1.

Why did Matt fail to submit his sales report on time?

2.

What other task was Matt working on?

3.

Did Matt's manager accept his apology?

Exercise 3

Role Play

Role-play the following situation with your teacher.

Situation

You have been late for work every single day for the last week. Your manager has called you into his/her office. Explain why you have been late and apologize. Your teacher will act as the manager. You may use the following expressions:

• I admit that...
• I am deeply/sincerely sorry.
• Please accept my apologies.
• I now realize that I should have...
• I promise it won't happen again.

Exercise 4

Discussion

1.

Is apologizing easy or difficult for you? Why?

2.

Can you think of an instance in which you had to apologize to your boss or colleague? What happened?

3.

Why do you think some people struggle with apologies?

4.

Do you find it hard to accept other people's apologies?