My apologies for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "My apologies for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing regret or remorse for a mistake or inconvenience caused. Example: "My apologies for the delay in responding to your email; I appreciate your patience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In a telephone conversation with the Guardian, Holt offered "my apologies for the confusion".

The Guardian

My apologies for any delays.

The Guardian - Sport

My apologies for not getting to you all.

The New Yorker

My apologies for my mincing, which was, of course, inadvertent.

The Guardian - Books

"My apologies for the third change of venue," Mr. Narine said.

The New York Times

(My apologies for sticking you next to Andrew Mason of Groupon).

The New York Times

My apologies for half-baked thinking (though I would really welcome other people's thoughts, please?).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

My apologies for all this and my fingers remain firmly crossed.

The Guardian

My apologies for not responding before, by law I could not talk".

The Guardian - Sport

(My apologies for the contraction: I can only tell you my grandmother was appalled by any mention of "horse racing", insisting that "the horse is assumed").

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

All of this adds up--my apologies for mentioning such an elite concept as addition--to the McCain Plan.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "My apologies for" with a clear explanation of what you are apologizing for to ensure the recipient understands the reason for your regret.

Common error

Avoid using "My apologies for" excessively, especially in informal settings. Overuse can dilute the sincerity of the apology and make it seem insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "My apologies for" functions as an expression of regret or remorse. It is typically used to acknowledge a mistake, inconvenience, or oversight for which the speaker is taking responsibility. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it can be used in a wide variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "My apologies for" is a versatile phrase used to express regret and take responsibility for a mistake or inconvenience. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used across various professional and news media platforms. While "I apologize for" and "I'm sorry for" serve as acceptable alternatives, "My apologies for" lends a slightly more formal tone. When composing, it's essential to clearly state the reason for your apology and ensure the phrase's sincerity isn't diminished through overuse. The most common sources include The Guardian, The New York Times, and BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I apologize for

More direct and slightly more formal.

I must apologize for

Highlights the obligation to apologize.

I'm sorry for

More common and generally less formal.

It was wrong of me to

Acknowledges personal fault directly.

Please forgive me for

Emphasizes seeking forgiveness, more personal.

I take full responsibility for

Emphasizes accepting accountability for the situation.

Excuse me for

More suitable for minor inconveniences.

I regret

Focuses on the feeling of regret about something.

Pardon me for

Old-fashioned and somewhat formal.

I hope you can excuse

More indirect, focuses on hoping for understanding.

FAQs

How to use "My apologies for" in a sentence?

You can use "My apologies for" to express regret for something you did or didn't do. For example, "My apologies for the delay in responding to your email."

What can I say instead of "My apologies for"?

You can use alternatives like "I apologize for", "I'm sorry for", or "Excuse me for" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "My apologies for" or "I apologize for"?

Both "My apologies for" and "I apologize for" are correct. "My apologies for" is slightly more formal, while "I apologize for" is more direct.

What's the difference between "My apologies for" and "I'm sorry for"?

"My apologies for" is generally used in more formal settings to express regret, while "I'm sorry for" is a more common and versatile expression suitable for both formal and informal situations.