I sincerely apologize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I sincerely apologize" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a way of expressing regret for a mistake or error. For example: I sincerely apologize for not getting back to you sooner. I should have responded to your email a few days ago.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For that and to the women affected, I sincerely apologize". The apology did nothing to mollify the astronomy community.

Los Angeles Times

She said, "I sincerely apologize".

The New York Times

For that, I sincerely apologize".

The New York Times - Sports

I sincerely apologize for Adela's e-mail.

The New Yorker

"And for that part I sincerely apologize.

The New York Times - Sports

Adela Parents: I sincerely apologize for Adela's e-mail.

The New Yorker

It was a mistake, and I sincerely apologize".

The New York Times

"I sincerely apologize and I am deeply remorseful," he said.

The New York Times

He added, "I sincerely apologize for breaking any rules".

The New York Times - Arts

"For those that I have offended, I sincerely apologize," the statement said.

The New York Times

"I sincerely apologize for my part in the dark past of the sport".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I sincerely apologize" when you genuinely regret your actions and want to express your remorse clearly and formally. It is particularly effective in professional or public contexts where accountability is important.

Common error

Avoid using "I sincerely apologize" in casual conversations. It can sound overly formal or insincere if used when a simple 'sorry' would suffice. Choose language that fits the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I sincerely apologize" functions as an explicit performative utterance, where the act of saying it constitutes the act of apologizing. According to Ludwig AI, it is a common way of formally expressing remorse or regret for a mistake, offense, or error.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

28%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I sincerely apologize" is a widely used phrase for formally expressing regret, particularly in professional, academic, and public contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and high frequency across diverse sources. While powerful, the phrase should be used thoughtfully, avoiding overuse in casual settings where simpler expressions of apology may be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "I deeply regret" or "Please accept my sincerest apologies" to tailor the tone to the specific situation and audience. Remember that sincerity and context are key when offering an apology.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I wholeheartedly apologize

Emphasizes the completeness and genuineness of the apology.

I deeply regret

Focuses on the feeling of remorse rather than the act of apologizing itself.

I truly am sorry

Expresses sorrow in a more personal and emotional way.

Please accept my sincerest apologies

A more formal and elaborate way of offering an apology.

I regret to inform you

Expresses regret, typically used in professional or formal communication when delivering bad news.

I take full responsibility and apologize

Combines acknowledging responsibility with offering an apology.

I am deeply sorry for

This alternative highlights the speaker's profound regret about a particular event or action.

My apologies for

A more concise and slightly less formal way to apologize.

I beg your pardon

A formal expression used when seeking forgiveness or excusing oneself.

I ask for your forgiveness

Directly requests forgiveness, emphasizing the desire for reconciliation.

FAQs

How can I use "I sincerely apologize" in a sentence?

You can use "I sincerely apologize" to express remorse for an action. For example, "I sincerely apologize for the error in the report" or "I sincerely apologize for the delay in responding to your email".

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

"I sincerely apologize" is more formal and emphatic than "I'm sorry". Use "I sincerely apologize" in situations where you want to convey a high degree of remorse, such as in professional or formal settings.

Are there situations where "I sincerely apologize" is not appropriate?

Yes, overusing "I sincerely apologize" can make you sound insincere. In casual settings, a simple "I'm sorry" or "excuse me" might be more suitable.

What can I say instead of "I sincerely apologize" to sound more empathetic?

To sound more empathetic, you could say "I deeply regret" or "I am truly sorry". These phrases convey genuine remorse and can help you connect with the person you've offended.