apologise for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "apologise for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing regret or remorse for a specific action or situation. Example: "I apologise for the misunderstanding that occurred during our last meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We apologise for any inconvenience.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I apologise for causing trouble".

The Economist

We apologise for this disruption".

Independent

We apologise for the oversight.

The Economist

We apologise for the mistake.

The Economist

We apologise for the mistakes.

The Guardian

Never apologise for art.

The Guardian - Music

Something to apologise for.

The Guardian - Opinion

To apologise for this?

The Guardian - Sport

I apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Harvard University

We apologise for any offence caused".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "apologise for", be specific about what you are apologizing for to ensure clarity and sincerity.

Common error

Avoid using "apologise for" merely as a formality. Ensure your apology is sincere and reflects a genuine understanding of the impact of your actions. If insincere, try rephrasing to something else or avoid writing it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apologise for" functions as a verb phrase used to express regret or remorse. It indicates that the speaker is offering an apology for a specific action, error, or situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this is a standard and acceptable English construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "apologise for" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to express regret or remorse. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard English construction. While widely accepted, it's important to use it sincerely and specifically, avoiding overuse as mere formality. Alternatives include "express regret for", "offer an apology for", and "say sorry for", with "apologise" being the British English spelling and "apologize" the American. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, the phrase serves to acknowledge responsibility and mend relationships, demanding sincerity to be effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

express regret for

Focuses on the feeling of regret rather than the act of apologizing.

offer an apology for

More formal and emphasizes the act of giving an apology.

say sorry for

More informal and direct way of expressing remorse.

beg forgiveness for

Implies a deeper sense of wrongdoing and a plea for pardon.

make amends for

Suggests taking action to correct a wrong.

atone for

A more formal and sometimes religious way to describe making up for a mistake.

take responsibility for

Highlights accepting accountability for one's actions.

seek pardon for

Similar to begging forgiveness, but can also mean asking for official clemency.

answer for

Implies being held accountable and having to explain one's actions.

own up to

An informal phrase meaning to admit responsibility for something.

FAQs

How do I use "apologise for" in a sentence?

Use "apologise for" to express regret or remorse for something specific. For example, "I "apologise for" the delay in responding to your email".

What's the difference between "apologise for" and "say sorry for"?

"Apologise for" is generally more formal than "say sorry for". Both express regret, but ""apologise for"" is often used in professional or official contexts.

What can I say instead of "apologise for"?

You can use alternatives like "express regret for", "offer an apology for", or "say sorry for" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "apologize for" instead of "apologise for"?

Both spellings are correct, but "apologise" is more common in British English, while "apologize" is more common in American English. The meaning remains the same.