I am sorry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I am sorry" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express regret or apology for a mistake or inconvenience caused to someone. Example: "I am sorry for the misunderstanding that occurred during our last meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"And i am sorry for that.

The New York Times

"Well, I am sorry.

The New Yorker

PREMINGER: I am sorry.

The New Yorker

Owner: I am sorry.

The New York Times

"Listen, I am sorry.

The Guardian - Books

But I am sorry".

The New York Times

Mexico, I am sorry.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Maggie, I am sorry".

The New York Times

He concluded, "I am sorry".

The New York Times

… I am sorry he's dead.

The New Yorker

KAZAN (grinning): I am sorry.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow up an apology with actions that demonstrate you're committed to not repeating the mistake.

Common error

Avoid using overly casual or slang expressions when offering an apology in professional or formal contexts. While sincerity is key, maintaining a respectful tone is essential.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "I am sorry" is to serve as an interjection or an expression of apology. It conveys regret, remorse, or sympathy. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

8%

Less common in

Reference

2%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I am sorry" is a ubiquitous expression used to convey regret, remorse, or sympathy. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, from formal apologies to casual expressions of empathy. While alternatives like "I apologize" and "my apologies" offer more formal tones, and as Ludwig's examples show, "I am sorry" remains a versatile and frequently used phrase. Whether acknowledging a mistake or offering condolences, this expression serves as a fundamental tool for effective communication and relationship building. When using the phrase, be genuine and specific in your apology to ensure sincerity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm so sorry

Adds emphasis to the feeling of regret.

I'm truly sorry

Indicates a sincere feeling of remorse.

I apologize

A more formal way to express regret.

My apologies

A formal expression of regret, often used in business settings.

I regret

Expresses sorrow or disappointment about something that has happened.

Forgive me

Asks for forgiveness, often used when admitting a mistake.

Pardon me

A polite way to excuse oneself for a minor offense or interruption.

I feel bad

Expresses empathy and regret for someone else's situation.

I shouldn't have

Implies regret for an action taken.

It was my fault

Accepts responsibility for an error or mistake.

FAQs

What's the difference between "I am sorry" and "I apologize"?

"I am sorry" is generally more common and can be used in various situations, while "I apologize" is often perceived as more formal and direct.

When is it appropriate to use "I am sorry"?

It's appropriate to use "I am sorry" in situations where you want to express regret for something you've done or said, or to show sympathy for someone else's misfortune. It fits many scenarios, from formal to informal.

What are some alternatives to "I am sorry" for expressing sympathy?

When expressing sympathy, you can use phrases like "I am saddened", "I feel for you", or "My condolences" depending on the context.

Is it ever inappropriate to say "I am sorry"?

Saying "I am sorry" can be inappropriate if it's used insincerely or to avoid taking genuine responsibility. Ensure your apology is genuine and reflects understanding of the impact of your actions.