am very sorry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "am very sorry" is not correct in standard written English as it is missing a subject.
You can use it in a context where you want to express regret, but it should be preceded by a subject like "I." Example: "I am very sorry for the misunderstanding."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I am very sorry".

The New York Times

I am very sorry for this".

The New York Times

I am very sorry and very embarrassed".

Independent

"But I am very sorry about it.

The New York Times - Arts

"I am very sorry about it".

The New York Times

"I am very sorry for that.

The New York Times

"Edwards, I am very sorry," he said.

The Guardian

"I am very sorry, Ma'am," I am told.

The Economist

I am very sorry and apologise for upsetting you".

Independent

I am very sorry for the upset I have caused.

Independent

"She said 'I am very sorry what happened to you.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing deep remorse in formal settings, consider using more formal alternatives like "I sincerely apologize" instead of "I am very sorry."

Common error

A common mistake is using "am very sorry" without the subject "I". This makes the phrase grammatically incomplete. Always include the subject to ensure correctness: "I am very sorry."

Linguistic Context

The phrase, while frequently used, functions as an incomplete expression of apology or regret. A complete sentence requires a subject, typically "I", to be grammatically correct. Without it, it's a fragment. Ludwig identifies that the phrase "am very sorry" is not correct in standard written English as it is missing a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "am very sorry" is commonly used to express regret, but it's crucial to remember that it is grammatically incomplete as it lacks a subject. The correct form is "I am very sorry". Ludwig AI highlights that the phrase "am very sorry" is not correct in standard written English as it is missing a subject. While often found in news and media sources, it's best to use the complete sentence or consider more formal alternatives like "I sincerely apologize" in professional or academic contexts. Always ensure the sentence is grammatically sound by including the subject "I".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am very sorry

Adds the subject 'I' to make the phrase grammatically correct.

I am so sorry

Uses 'so' instead of 'very' to convey a similar level of regret.

I am extremely sorry

Uses 'extremely' to heighten the degree of apology.

I am deeply sorry

Emphasizes the sincerity and intensity of the apology.

I sincerely apologize

A more formal and polite way to express remorse.

I truly regret

Focuses on the feeling of regret rather than a direct apology.

I must apologize

Highlights the obligation to offer an apology.

Please forgive me

Directly asks for forgiveness, emphasizing personal responsibility.

I am filled with remorse

Expresses profound regret and guilt over an action.

I am mortified

Conveys a strong sense of shame and embarrassment.

FAQs

How to properly use "am very sorry" in a sentence?

To use it correctly, include the subject "I", making it "I am very sorry". For example, "I am very sorry for the misunderstanding".

What can I say instead of "I am very sorry"?

You can use alternatives like "I sincerely apologize", "I deeply regret", or "please forgive me" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "am very sorry" or "I am very sorry"?

"I am very sorry" is the grammatically correct option because it includes the subject "I".

When is it appropriate to use "I am very sorry"?

It's appropriate to use "I am very sorry" in both formal and informal contexts when you want to express regret or apologize. However, for highly formal situations, a phrase like "I sincerely apologize" might be more suitable.