apologize for not

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "apologize for not" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to apologize for something that you didn't do. For example: "I apologize for not calling earlier."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I don't apologize for not knowing".

The New York Times

"I apologize for not writing sooner.

The New Yorker

I apologize for not thinking of this earlier.

Cornell University

Now I apologize for not getting back sooner.

The New York Times

I apologize for not understanding her message from the beginning.

The New Yorker

I apologize for not offering any counter solutions.

The New York Times

(Entries often apologize for not having anything exciting to say).

The New York Times - Magazine

They apologize for not being more present in the moment.

The New Yorker

In 2005, the government decided to apologize for not coming to their aid.

University of California, Berkeley

I left Chad a few days ago and apologize for not having posted again sooner.

The New Yorker

That's something he won't apologize for — not in the Ryder Cup.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "apologize for not", be specific about what action you failed to take. Clarity enhances sincerity.

Common error

Don't just say "I apologize for not being better". Specify the action or behavior you are addressing to make your apology meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apologize for not" functions as an apologetic expression, specifically used to convey regret for something that was not done. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered grammatically correct and serves to acknowledge an omission or failure to act. Examples show its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

54%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "apologize for not" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey regret for a missed action or omission. Ludwig AI affirms its validity, and its prevalence across diverse contexts—including news, science, and academia—underscores its versatility. When employing this phrase, be specific about the unfulfilled action to enhance sincerity. While "apologize for not" is suitable for both formal and informal communication, avoiding vague apologies ensures the message is clear and meaningful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I must apologize for not

Emphasizes the necessity of making an apology.

my apologies for not

Offers apologies in a slightly more formal manner.

excuse me for not

Replaces "apologize" with "excuse me", shifting the tone slightly towards seeking immediate forgiveness.

pardon me for not

Uses "pardon me", which is a more formal and polite way of expressing regret.

forgive me for not

Directly asks for forgiveness, emphasizing the speaker's hope for absolution.

sorry I didn't

A shorter, more informal expression of regret for a missed action.

regret not

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

I should have

Expresses a sense of obligation and missed opportunity.

I feel bad that I didn't

Highlights the speaker's negative feelings about their inaction.

I am remiss in not

Acknowledges a failure to fulfill a duty or expectation.

FAQs

How can I use "apologize for not" in a sentence?

You can use "apologize for not" to express regret for an action you didn't take, such as "I "apologize for not calling" sooner" or "We "apologize for not including" that information in the report".

What are some alternatives to "apologize for not"?

Alternatives include phrases like "excuse me for not", "pardon me for not", or "sorry I didn't", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it better to say "apologize for not" or "apologize for not doing"?

Both are grammatically correct. "Apologize for not" is often followed by a gerund (verb ending in -ing), making "apologize for not doing" a common and natural construction. Using "apologize for not [verb]" is equally acceptable.

When is it appropriate to use "apologize for not" in formal writing?

It's appropriate in formal writing when you need to acknowledge and express regret for an omission. Ensure the apology is sincere and specific about the missed action. For instance, "We "apologize for not referencing" all relevant studies" is suitable in academic papers.