a thousand apologies

USAGE SUMMARY

"a thousand apologies" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when expressing contrition or regret for something. For example, you could say, "I am so sorry for misunderstanding. A thousand apologies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

A thousand apologies for the prolonged and unexplained silence — I've been travelling in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The New Yorker

(Photograph: Matthew Sherman) A thousand apologies for the prolonged and unexplained silence — I've been travelling in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The New Yorker

If I had known of any disturbance, I would have reimbursed the couple and offered a thousand apologies.

The New York Times - Travel

France's environment minister Ségolène Royal has offered "a thousand apologies" after urging the public to stop eating Nutella because it was destroying the environment.

The Guardian

By George Packer June 2, 2009 A thousand apologies for the prolonged and unexplained silence — I've been travelling in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The New Yorker

A thousand apologies, including those of President Obama, cannot compensate them for the outrages that have been perpetrated, and continue to be committed, against them on their own soil — actions that will lead only to more attacks against Western forces and interests, in Afghanistan and elsewhere.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

But avoiding embarrassment completely is better than a hundred apologies.

Forbes

Besides, if I have to be responsible for the carnage a President Drumpf might cause, Hillary-> supporters need to wash the blood of hundreds of thousands of Iraqis off their hands first, then offer a few thousand apologies to soldiers' families for not finding any WMD.

Huffington Post

Royal backtracked on Wednesday afternoon with a tweet offering "one thousand apologies".

The Guardian

One thousand apologies.

TechCrunch

With his two apologies over, a question remains -- will the Obama administration re-launch this product on December 1 emphasizing that a) the web site is repaired, b) 97percentt benefit, c) the Shutdown Party will only talk about the 3percentt?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a thousand apologies" when you want to express a strong sense of regret or when a simple "sorry" seems insufficient. It's best suited for situations where you've caused significant inconvenience or upset.

Common error

Avoid using "a thousand apologies" in very casual settings. A simple "sorry" or "my bad" is often more appropriate among friends or in relaxed environments.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a thousand apologies" is to serve as an interjection or expression of remorse. It conveys a strong sense of apology, suitable for situations where a simple "sorry" is insufficient. Ludwig AI confirms that this is an acceptable and correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a thousand apologies" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a strong sense of regret, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It falls between neutral and professional in register, making it suitable for situations where a simple "sorry" is inadequate. Ludwig's examples show it frequently appears in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, consider the context to ensure it aligns with the level of formality required. Alternatives like "my sincerest apologies" or "I am deeply sorry" might be more appropriate depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

my apologies

A more concise and general expression of apology.

my sincerest apologies

More formal and emphasizes sincerity.

I am deeply sorry

A direct and heartfelt expression of remorse.

I owe you an apology

Acknowledges a specific need to apologize.

so sorry

A very common and relatively informal way to say you are sorry.

I beg your pardon

Formal, often used to express disagreement or to ask for a repetition.

pardon me

A slightly old-fashioned way to say "excuse me" or "I apologize".

forgive me

Asks for forgiveness, implying a deeper wrongdoing.

excuse me

Less formal; used for minor offenses or interruptions.

I regret

Expresses sorrow or disappointment about a past action or event.

FAQs

How to use "a thousand apologies" in a sentence?

You can use "a thousand apologies" to express deep regret. For example, "A thousand apologies for the late notice, but the meeting has been rescheduled."

What can I say instead of "a thousand apologies"?

You can use alternatives like "my sincerest apologies", "I am deeply sorry", or "my apologies" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a thousand apologies"?

It is appropriate to use "a thousand apologies" when you feel a strong sense of regret or when a simple apology doesn't seem sufficient for the inconvenience or upset you've caused. It is often used in more formal contexts.

Is "a thousand apologies" a formal expression?

Yes, "a thousand apologies" is considered a relatively formal expression. While not overly stilted, it conveys a higher degree of regret than a simple "sorry". Use it when addressing someone with respect or in situations where the mistake was significant.