To start, I sincerely apologize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "To start, I sincerely apologize" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to begin a message or statement with an apology, often in a formal or professional context. Example: "To start, I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by the delay in our response."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"And for that part I sincerely apologize.

The New York Times - Sports

And if I have forgotten to mention anyone by name, I sincerely apologize.

Huffington Post

"For that, I sincerely apologize to the mayor, the controller and this board".

Los Angeles Times

And for that I sincerely apologize to all of the ladies..

Huffington Post

"I want to say on television what I said to you personally, I sincerely apologize, I didn't mean to do it," he said.

The New York Times

This article origiNobodyappeared on VICE Ushould

Vice

To every New Yorker, and to all those who believed in what I tried to stand for, I sincerely apologize.

The New York Times

It wasn't fair to them and I sincerely apologize.

Huffington Post

"To my fans, I sincerely apologize and I hope you guys know how much each and every one of you mean to me".

Los Angeles Times

For that, I sincerely apologize".

The New York Times - Sports

For that I sincerely apologize.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase to immediately address a wrong or oversight at the beginning of a statement or message, setting a tone of accountability and sincerity.

Common error

Avoid burying the apology within a lengthy explanation or justification. Start with the sincere apology to show immediate remorse and respect for the affected party.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "To start, I sincerely apologize" functions as an introductory element that immediately expresses regret. It serves to set the tone of a communication by prioritizing the acknowledgment of a fault or offense. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "To start, I sincerely apologize" is a grammatically correct and usable way to begin a statement or message with an apology. While Ludwig indicates the phrase is correct, there were no exact examples found, indicating it may be less common compared to similar expressions. It's best suited for formal or professional contexts, where immediately conveying remorse is important. The phrase functions to set a tone of accountability and to take responsibility at the onset of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

To begin, I extend my sincere apology

Replaces "start" with "begin" and uses "extend my sincere apology" which is slightly more formal.

I'd like to start by sincerely apologizing

Softens the opening with "I'd like to start", making it slightly more conversational.

Let me begin by sincerely apologizing

Uses "let me begin" as an introductory phrase, offering a slightly more personal tone.

First and foremost, I must sincerely apologize

Adds emphasis with "first and foremost", highlighting the importance of the apology.

Before anything else, I sincerely apologize

Emphasizes the priority of the apology by stating it comes "before anything else".

Firstly, I offer my sincerest apologies

Replaces "to start" with "firstly" and uses a more formal tone with "sincerest apologies".

In the first place, I sincerely apologize

Uses "in the first place" to introduce the apology, giving a sense of order.

To preface, I sincerely apologize

Uses "to preface" indicating the apology sets the stage for what follows.

Initially, I wish to express my deep regret

Substitutes "to start" with "initially" and "sincerely apologize" with "express my deep regret", conveying a more formal and profound sense of remorse.

As a preliminary matter, I sincerely apologize

More formal substitution that presents the apology as the initial, necessary step.

FAQs

How can I use "To start, I sincerely apologize" in a sentence?

You can use "To start, I sincerely apologize" to introduce an apology at the beginning of your message or statement. For example, "To start, I sincerely apologize for the delay in responding to your request."

What phrases are similar to "To start, I sincerely apologize"?

Similar phrases include "first and foremost, I apologize", "let me begin by apologizing", or "initially, I apologize".

Is it better to say "To start, I sincerely apologize" or just "I sincerely apologize"?

Adding "To start" emphasizes that the apology is the first thing you want to address, which can be useful in situations where you need to immediately acknowledge a mistake or issue. Both phrases are grammatically correct.

When is it appropriate to use "To start, I sincerely apologize"?

It is appropriate to use "To start, I sincerely apologize" in formal or professional settings when you want to express remorse at the beginning of your communication.