apology

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "apology" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing regret or asking for forgiveness for a mistake or offense. Example: "I owe you an apology for my earlier comments; they were inappropriate and uncalled for."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A clearly horrified Murdoch claimed the information was "read to me wrong" through her earpiece and offered an apology: "Oh my God, I don't know what to say right now.

The Guardian

The Labour deputy leader, Harriet Harman, called for an apology, and a spokesman for the Liberal Democrats – increasingly eager to show they are locked in a loveless marriage with Cameron – said: "We would not have used that language".

The Guardian

But there has never been an apology and the Sistine Chapel could have been repainted several times over in the time it has taken for the Italian legal system to hear this case.

The Guardian - Sport

He was not readmitted to the fold of the family until he had issued a public apology.

The Guardian - Sport

O'Connor says other issues have rankled with the voters of Indi: Mirabella's former relationship with an older man and questions about his will, and the "very hurt" Indigenous leaders upset with her for boycotting Kevin Rudd's apology to the Stolen Generations.

The Guardian

Ms Moss issued a public apology and said she was taking steps to address "personal issues" before spending some time in a private rehab clinic in Arizona.

The Guardian

Would that be asking for too much?" In the context of Chinese film, though, Zhang's casting of an American star does not signify an apology for telling a Chinese story.

The Guardian - Film

It would be too much to expect any kind of apology from the intelligence and security committee, which under the chairmanship of the tainted Sir Malcolm Rifkind was quick to discredit the Snowden disclosures, for failing to tell the public about what GCHQ has actually been up to all these years.

The Guardian

In 2000, when the first of what are now annual June long-weekend commemorations at Myall Creek took place, descendants of victims and killers united in an act of mutual apology and forgiveness.

The Guardian

Wilshere was not the only person this year to force Sky into an embarrassed apology, nor the most memorable.

The Guardian - Sport

Brown has hired the defamation lawyer Mark O'Brien and is demanding a public apology, the ABC reported.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when crafting an "apology". A public "apology" may require a different tone and level of detail than a private one.

Common error

While "sorry" is a common expression of "apology", overuse can dilute its impact. Use specific language that addresses the harm caused instead of relying solely on "sorry".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "apology" is as a noun. It refers to the act of expressing regret or remorse. As demonstrated by Ludwig, "apology" can function as a subject, object, or part of a prepositional phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The noun "apology" is a very common term used to express regret or remorse for causing harm or offense. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Sports sources, a well-crafted "apology" acknowledges the specific harm, expresses sincerity, and aims to restore relationships. When composing an "apology", be specific and avoid overuse of the word "sorry". Consider using alternatives like "expression of regret" or "statement of remorse" for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expression of regret

Replaces "apology" with a more descriptive phrase focusing on the feeling conveyed.

statement of remorse

Similar to "apology" but emphasizes the formal nature of the expression.

expression of contrition

A more formal and intense way of expressing regret.

plea for forgiveness

Shifts focus from the act of apologizing to the desire for absolution.

letter of apology

Specifies the medium through which the apology is conveyed.

mea culpa

A more formal, Latin term for acknowledging one's fault.

formal excuse

Presents the "apology" as a justification for an action.

formal retraction

Highlights the act of taking back something previously said or done.

act of atonement

Positions the "apology" as a way to make amends for a wrong.

acknowledgment of error

Focuses on admitting a mistake without necessarily expressing emotion.

FAQs

How to use "apology" in a sentence?

You can use "apology" to refer to the act of apologizing, as in "He issued a public apology". It can also refer to a specific instance of apologizing, as in "His apology sounded sincere".

What can I say instead of "apology"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "expression of regret", "statement of remorse", or "plea for forgiveness".

Is it appropriate to demand an "apology"?

Demanding an "apology" can be seen as aggressive, but it's sometimes necessary when someone has caused significant harm or offense. The effectiveness of demanding an "apology" depends on the situation and relationship between the parties involved.

What makes a good "apology"?

A good "apology" is sincere, specific, and acknowledges the harm caused. It should express regret, take responsibility, and offer a plan to make amends when possible.