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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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I'm very sorry

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

WWB: "I'm very sorry.

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News & Media

The New York Times

Signora: "I'm very sorry.

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News & Media

The New Yorker

"I'm very sorry," he said.

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News & Media

The New Yorker

SCHWARTZ'S VOICE: I'm very sorry.

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News & Media

The New Yorker

"I'm very sorry," she said.

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News & Media

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I'm very sorry that she's gone.

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News & Media

The New Yorker

"I'm very sorry," the monkey said.

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News & Media

The New Yorker

I'm very sorry to see that.

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News & Media

The Guardian - Books

"And I'm very sorry for that".

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News & Media

The New York Times

If they were offended, I'm very sorry.

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News & Media

The New York Times

"Obviously, I'm very sorry for David.

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News & Media

The Guardian - Sport
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I'm very sorry" when you genuinely feel remorseful and want to express sincere regret. Be specific about what you are apologizing for to show you understand the impact of your actions.

Common error

Avoid using "I'm very sorry" excessively, as it can lose its sincerity and impact. If you find yourself apologizing frequently, focus on addressing the underlying issues that lead to the need for apologies.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

4.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I'm very sorry" functions as an illocutionary act of apology, expressing regret or remorse for an action or situation. It is used to acknowledge fault, show empathy, or seek forgiveness. As Ludwig AI's examples show, it's widely used in everyday conversation and formal statements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I'm very sorry" is a versatile and commonly used apology phrase. Ludwig AI shows that it expresses regret, empathy, or remorse. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, it's essential to use it sincerely and appropriately. Consider the context and your relationship with the other person to ensure the most effective communication. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact, so vary your language by using I sincerely apologize or I deeply regret when a stronger sentiment is necessary.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "I'm very sorry"?

You can use alternatives like "I sincerely apologize", "I deeply regret", or "Please forgive me" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "I'm very sorry"?

It is appropriate to use "I'm very sorry" when you have made a mistake, caused harm, or want to express empathy for someone's situation. It is a versatile phrase suitable for various formal and informal contexts.

Is "I'm very sorry" formal or informal?

"I'm very sorry" is generally considered neutral in formality. It can be used in both formal and informal settings, although more formal alternatives like "I sincerely apologize" may be preferred in certain professional contexts.

How can I make my apology more sincere when saying "I'm very sorry"?

To make your apology more sincere, follow "I'm very sorry" with a specific explanation of what you are apologizing for and demonstrate that you understand the impact of your actions. Offer a solution or express a commitment to avoid repeating the mistake.

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Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

4.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

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