appearing apologetic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appearing apologetic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who seems to express regret or remorse, often in their demeanor or behavior. Example: "She walked into the room, appearing apologetic for being late to the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Currently Mubarak has said he wants to reconcile with the family before he leaves and we have had some family meetings, that is ongoing right now, and they appear apologetic, to a certain extent," Shehu said.

The Guardian

The following narratives, lightly edited for clarity, are pulled from the dozens of responses we got from men who appeared apologetic, remorseful or, at the very least, deeply introspective about past behavior or specific incidents involving women.

Huffington Post

Two days before Emperor Akihito begins the first visit to China by a Japanese monarch, Tokyo is once again consumed by a familiar battle: how to avoid apologizing for Japanese war atrocities while still appearing deeply apologetic.

The New York Times

Last summer, against Australia, he appeared diffident, apologetic almost.

The Guardian - Sport

But the mere broaching of the possibility of bankruptcy weakens his current attempt to appear more apologetic to the many faithful families still suffering from the diocese's protection of predatory priests.

The New York Times

"He didn't seem apologetic.

The Guardian

He does not appear to be apologetic about the diplomatic impasse or even shaken by the anti-Japan riots in Chinese cities.

Yale University

I didn't notice until I was halfway through it, and my heart broke a little when the waiter appeared – horrified and apologetic – to replace it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But in fairness, there were differences: Mr. Siben said that when someone told Mr. Oliver that he had hit a boy, "he came back and he appeared to be apologetic".

The New York Times

She was still living in LA at the time ("So it was hardly fair at all," she says, not appearing in the least bit apologetic), but she soon moved back to New York to join Clay.

Independent

As over-the-top as Beck's disgusting outbursts are, President Obama, already under attack from meritless falsehoods and smears, could not successfully deflect conspiracists on the outside, while appearing to harbor, even an apologetic, one on the inside.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "appearing apologetic" to describe someone's outward expression of regret, even if their true feelings are unknown. It's useful when you want to be objective about their visible demeanor.

Common error

Avoid assuming that someone "appearing apologetic" is genuinely sorry. Their behavior might be strategic or insincere. Focus on describing what you observe, rather than making assumptions about their internal state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appearing apologetic" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe someone's demeanor or outward presentation. It indicates that someone seems to be expressing regret or remorse.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "appearing apologetic" is grammatically correct and serves to describe someone's outward expression of regret or remorse. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, but its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for various types of writing. Ludwig confirms the phrase's usability. When using this phrase, it's crucial to remember that "appearing apologetic" doesn't necessarily equate to genuine remorse. As such, it's best used to describe observable behavior rather than making assumptions about a person's internal state. While alternative phrases exist, such as "seeming remorseful" or "looking contrite", the best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

looking apologetic

Very similar, simply replacing "seeming" with "looking".

appearing regretful

Very similar, simply replacing "apologetic" with "regretful".

seeming remorseful

Focuses on the emotion of remorse rather than just the outward appearance of apology.

seeming regretful

Highlights the internal feeling of regret being outwardly visible.

looking contrite

Emphasizes a more formal and subdued expression of regret.

showing signs of remorse

Highlights the tangible indications of regret.

giving the impression of being sorry

A longer phrase that breaks down the meaning into component parts, focusing on the impression conveyed.

projecting an apologetic demeanor

Emphasizes the overall behavior and presentation of the person.

conveying a sense of apology

Focuses on the communication of apology rather than just appearance.

acting as if sorry

A simpler and more direct way to describe the behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "appearing apologetic" in a sentence?

You can use "appearing apologetic" to describe someone's demeanor. For example, "He walked in, "appearing apologetic" for his tardiness."

What's a good alternative to "appearing apologetic"?

Alternatives include "seeming remorseful", "looking contrite", or "seeming regretful". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "appearing apologetic" and "being apologetic"?

"Appearing apologetic" refers to the outward expression, while "being apologetic" implies genuine remorse. Someone can "appear apologetic" without truly feeling sorry.

When is it appropriate to use "appearing apologetic" instead of "apologetic"?

Use "appearing apologetic" when you can only observe someone's behavior and cannot confirm their actual feelings. This avoids making assumptions about their sincerity.