My apologies

USAGE SUMMARY

'My apologies' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used when you want to apologize for something. For example, "My apologies for not responding sooner – I had been away for the weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yes! My apologies.

BBC

My apologies.

The New York Times

My apologies too.

Independent

My apologies for that.

Yale University

My apologies to them.

The Guardian

My apologies to him.

The Guardian

"My apologies," he concluded.

The New York Times

"My apologies again," she says.

The New Yorker

"My apologies, Mark," Ashley wrote.

The New York Times

My apologies for any delays.

The Guardian - Sport

My apologies to Anne McLean.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "My apologies" when acknowledging a mistake or oversight, particularly in formal or professional settings. Follow up with a brief explanation or a plan to rectify the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "My apologies" in extremely casual situations where a simple "I'm sorry" or "My bad" would suffice. Overly formal language can sound insincere or out of place.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "My apologies" is as an interjectional phrase used to express regret or acknowledgement of a mistake. It serves as a polite way to seek understanding or forgiveness, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"My apologies" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase for formally expressing regret or acknowledging a mistake. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase appears frequently in news and media, as well as academic contexts, indicating its suitability for professional communications. While alternatives like "I'm sorry" or "Excuse me" exist, "My apologies" carries a level of formality that makes it particularly appropriate for situations requiring a sincere and respectful tone. While "My apologies" is correct, it is recommended to avoid overusing it in extremely casual situations, maintaining the impact of the phrase for when it is most needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I apologize

Direct statement of apology, slightly more formal.

I'm sorry

Common and versatile expression of regret, less formal.

I beg your pardon

More formal and emphatic way to apologize or express disagreement.

Excuse me

Polite way to interrupt or ask someone to move, can also express mild regret.

Pardon me

Similar to "excuse me", often used for minor offenses or to ask for repetition.

Forgive me

Requests forgiveness, implying a deeper sense of remorse.

I regret

Expresses sorrow or disappointment about something.

Please forgive my error

Direct request for forgiveness, emphasizing the mistake made.

Mea culpa

Latin phrase meaning "my fault", used to acknowledge responsibility.

My bad

Informal and casual way to admit a mistake.

FAQs

How to use "My apologies" in a sentence?

"My apologies" is typically used to express regret or acknowledge a mistake. For example, "My apologies for the delay, I was stuck in traffic" or "My apologies for the error, I will correct it immediately."

What can I say instead of "My apologies"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "I apologize", "I'm sorry", or "Excuse me".

When is it appropriate to use "My apologies"?

"My apologies" is suitable for formal situations, professional communications, or when acknowledging a significant error. It conveys a sincere and respectful tone.

Is "My apology" grammatically correct?

No, "My apology" is not typically used. The correct phrase is "My apologies", which is a more formal and accepted way to express regret.