apologize but

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "apologize but" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express regret for something while also introducing a contrasting point or reason. Example: "I apologize but I cannot attend the meeting due to a prior commitment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Michael gets Todd to apologize, but everyone can tell that the apologies are insincere.

Wikipedia

"I apologize, but cost is king".

The New York Times

(He does not apologize but says, "We all make mistakes").

The New Yorker

I apologize, but it's giving me a headache.

The New Yorker

My wife thinks I should apologize, but I don't.

The New York Times

I've tried reaching out to apologize, but he's ignored me.

The New York Times

Malone does not apologize but admits to being educated.

The New York Times - Sports

Bowser ordered Lopez to apologize but refused to dismiss him.

The Washington Post

He started to apologize, but the president stopped him.

The Washington Post

She came home from Dublin one Easter and tried to apologize, but he wouldn't see her.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Careful not to over-apologize, but to live the amend.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "apologize but", ensure the reason or contrasting point doesn't negate the apology entirely. A sincere apology acknowledges the impact of your actions, even if there are mitigating circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "apologize but" to deflect blame or make excuses. This can undermine the sincerity of the apology and make you appear insincere. Focus on expressing remorse and acknowledging the other person's feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apologize but" functions as a conjunction phrase that acknowledges a mistake or expresses regret while simultaneously introducing a contrasting element or explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

17%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "apologize but" is a common conjunction phrase used to express regret while providing context. While grammatically correct, as Ludwig AI states, using "apologize but" effectively requires balancing sincerity with providing relevant explanations. It appears frequently in news media, wiki articles, and scientific writing, as Ludwig's examples confirm. When writing, be mindful to avoid undermining the apology by shifting blame; instead, use the "but" to offer helpful context. Alternatives such as "express regret nevertheless" or a simple apology might be more appropriate depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

humbly apologize but

Adds the adverb "humbly" to emphasize the sincerity of the apology, keeping "but" for the contrasting point.

apologize however

Replaces "but" with "however", resulting in a slightly more formal tone.

offer an apology however

Replaces "apologize" with "offer an apology" and "but" with "however", resulting in a slightly more formal tone.

extend apologies nonetheless

More formal and emphasizes the act of giving an apology while maintaining the contrast with "nonetheless".

express regret nevertheless

Substitutes both "apologize" and "but" with synonyms, altering the tone to be more formal and emphasizing the contrast.

say sorry even so

Replaces "apologize" with the more informal "say sorry" and "but" with "even so", maintaining the contrast but in a more casual manner.

convey my apologies still

A slightly more elaborate way of saying sorry, adding a touch of formality and using "still" to indicate the contrast.

beg forgiveness yet

Uses stronger language for "apologize" and replaces "but" with "yet", implying a sense of anticipation or hope.

make amends although

Focuses on the action of rectifying a wrong rather than simply apologizing, using "although" to introduce the contrasting element.

offer a retraction however

Focuses on taking back something said or done, using "however" to introduce the contrasting element.

FAQs

How do I use "apologize but" effectively in a sentence?

Use "apologize but" when you want to express remorse while also providing context or a reason, ensuring the reason doesn't invalidate the apology. For example, "I "apologize but" I was unaware of the policy" shows you're sorry while explaining your misunderstanding.

What are some alternatives to "apologize but" that sound more formal?

For more formal alternatives, consider phrases like "express regret nevertheless", "extend apologies nonetheless", or "offer an apology however". These options maintain the sentiment while adding a level of sophistication.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "apologize but"?

Yes, it can be inappropriate if the "but" introduces an excuse that minimizes your responsibility. Avoid using ""apologize but"" if it sounds like you're shifting blame rather than taking accountability.

What's the difference between ""apologize but"" and simply apologizing?

Simply apologizing expresses direct remorse. Adding "but" introduces additional information, often a reason or explanation. The choice depends on whether providing that context enhances understanding or detracts from the sincerity of your apology.