I apologize

USAGE SUMMARY

'I apologize' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express regret for an action or mistake. Example sentence: I apologize for being late to the meeting.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I apologize in advance.

European Journal of Control

I apologize.

Cornell University

"I apologize," he added.

The New York Times - Health

And so I apologize".

The New York Times

So I apologize.

The New Yorker

OBAMA: I apologize.

The New Yorker

To them, I apologize.

The New York Times

[Pause.] I apologize.

The New Yorker

"I apologize greatly".

The New York Times

Again I apologize.

The Guardian

"I apologize," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I apologize" when you genuinely regret your action and want to convey remorse. Avoid using it sarcastically.

Common error

Avoid using "I apologize" excessively, as it can lose its impact and appear insincere. Consider alternative expressions of regret or responsibility depending on the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I apologize" primarily functions as a performative utterance, where the act of saying it constitutes the act of apologizing. Ludwig provides examples across diverse contexts showcasing its role in expressing regret or taking responsibility. It aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

22%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I apologize" is a versatile and widely used phrase for expressing regret or remorse. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and academic settings. While "I apologize" is generally neutral to formal, understanding its nuances and using it sincerely can enhance communication and repair relationships. Remember to be specific in your apology and consider alternative expressions when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am sorry

A simpler, more direct expression of regret.

My apologies

A more concise and slightly formal expression of apology.

I offer my apologies

More formal and emphasizes the act of giving an apology.

It was my fault

Explicitly acknowledges personal responsibility for an error.

Please forgive me

Requests forgiveness, implying a deeper sense of wrongdoing.

I regret

Expresses sorrow about a past action or event.

I am to blame

Directly asserts responsibility for a fault or error.

I take full responsibility

Focuses on accepting accountability for a mistake.

I beg your pardon

A formal way to ask for forgiveness or repeat what was said.

Pardon me

Shorter and less formal version of "I beg your pardon".

FAQs

What can I say instead of "I apologize"?

You can use alternatives like "I am sorry", "My apologies", or "Please forgive me" depending on the context.

How to use "I apologize" in a sentence?

You can use "I apologize" followed by a prepositional phrase indicating what you are apologizing for, such as "I apologize for the delay" or "I apologize for my mistake".

Is "I apologize" formal or informal?

"I apologize" is generally considered a formal expression. In more informal settings, "I am sorry" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "I apologize" and "I beg your pardon"?

"I apologize" expresses remorse for an action, while "I beg your pardon" is a more formal way to ask someone to repeat something or to express disagreement in a polite way.