apologize for him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "apologize for him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you are expressing regret or remorse on behalf of someone else, typically in a situation where that person cannot apologize themselves. Example: "I want to apologize for him; he didn't mean to offend anyone with his comments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Even Puig's teammates, on Monday, were inclined to apologize for him, or, at least, to soften what is perceived as unnecessarily brash behavior.

The New Yorker

The waiter (one of four Claudios) was slightly condescending until I left for the men's room and my companion said to him, "I apologize for him; he asks so many questions because he writes about food for the paper".

The New York Times - Magazine

In the show, he elected Tina Fey's Liz Lemon to apologize for him.

Huffington Post

They bring him lunch and later apologize for him as he keeps an interviewer and a photographer waiting while he sits alone and watches the climactic scenes of "Devil's Advocate" on videotape.

Los Angeles Times

I do not recall a single moment during his presidency when this man embarrassed me, or when I felt any need to apologize for him either to my fellow-Americans or to my many friends and family members overseas; and in that sense, having Barack Obama as my President was not like having George W. Bush at all.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The others, embarrassed, apologized for him.

The New York Times - Magazine

When I tired of apologizing for him, I hired a trainer.

The New York Times

(His editor, who apologized for him, was a good person, and I hope he gets his job back).

The New York Times

What was interesting to me is how you play somebody like this, warts and all, without apologizing for him, and get the audience to come around to him".

The New York Times

Fish apologized for him, but everyone figured he was just intense, had something to prove, like the kids who'd tried out for the team but missed the last cut.

The New Yorker

The makeup lady apologized for him after he left.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "apologize for him" when you want to express regret on behalf of someone who is unable or unwilling to apologize themselves. Be sure the context makes it clear you are not taking responsibility for their actions, but rather conveying their potential remorse.

Common error

Avoid using "apologize for him" if you are actually taking responsibility for someone else's actions. The phrase is meant to convey regret on their behalf, not to assume their blame. Be precise in your language to avoid misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apologize for him" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the act of offering an apology on behalf of someone else. Ludwig examples show this phrase used in contexts where someone is taking the initiative to express remorse for another person's actions or behavior.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "apologize for him" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, primarily found in news and media contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to convey regret on behalf of someone else. While not exceedingly common, the phrase serves a specific purpose in expressing empathy or mitigating the impact of another person's actions when they are unable or unwilling to apologize themselves. Related phrases include "apologize on his behalf" and "express regret for his actions", which offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apologize on his behalf

Replaces "for him" with "on his behalf", indicating representation in apologizing.

offer an apology for him

Emphasizes the act of offering an apology instead of just apologizing.

express regret for his actions

Focuses on expressing regret specifically for someone's actions.

make excuses for him

Shifts the focus to providing justifications rather than apologies.

speak in his defense

Moves away from apology to defending someone's behavior or words.

intercede for him

Suggests acting as an intermediary to mitigate negative consequences.

plead for him

Implies a strong emotional appeal on someone's behalf.

defend his actions

Focuses solely on defending, without necessarily apologizing.

take responsibility for his mistakes

Shifts the responsibility to the speaker, acknowledging the other person's errors.

cover up for him

Suggests concealing or hiding someone's wrongdoing.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "apologize for him"?

It's appropriate to use "apologize for him" when you want to express regret on behalf of someone else who is unable or unwilling to apologize themselves. It shows empathy without taking personal responsibility for their actions.

What does it mean to "apologize for him"?

To "apologize for him" means that you are expressing regret or remorse for something someone else has done, essentially offering an apology on their behalf. It doesn't imply you are taking responsibility for their actions, but rather showing consideration for those affected.

Is "apologize for him" the same as "apologize on his behalf"?

Yes, "apologize for him" is very similar to "apologize on his behalf". Both phrases indicate that you are offering an apology in place of someone else.

What are some alternative ways to say "apologize for him"?

Instead of "apologize for him", you could say "express regret for his actions", "offer an apology for him", or "apologize on his behalf". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.