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USAGE SUMMARY

"I'm sorry" is a correct and usable phrase in written English
You can use it to express regret, apologize, or show sympathy. For example: I'm sorry that I could not make it to your birthday party yesterday.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

I'm sorry.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

("I'm sorry. I'm sorry").

The New York Times - Arts

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry everyone".

The New York Times - Magazine

I'm sorry, parabola.

Yale University

Oh, I'm sorry.

Cornell University

I'm sorry, Principles.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

"Well, I am sorry.

The New Yorker

PREMINGER: I am sorry.

The New Yorker

Owner: I am sorry.

The New York Times

I am sorry I failed.

Independent

And I am sorry.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When apologizing, be specific about what you are sorry for to show sincerity and understanding of the impact of your actions.

Common error

Avoid using "I'm sorry" excessively, as it can diminish the sincerity of your apologies or make you appear unsure of yourself. Use it judiciously and replace it with other expressions of regret or empathy when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "I'm sorry" is to serve as an interjection or expression of apology or regret. It is typically used to convey remorse for a mistake, express sympathy, or acknowledge an inconvenience. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I'm sorry" is a very common and grammatically correct expression used to convey regret, apology, or sympathy. Ludwig AI affirms its widespread use and correctness. It appears frequently in news and media, academic settings, and informal conversations. While versatile, it's important to use it sincerely and appropriately, avoiding overuse. Alternatives like "I apologize", "my apologies", and "I regret" offer nuanced ways to express similar sentiments, ensuring your communication remains effective and genuine.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I apologize

A more formal way of expressing regret.

My apologies

A slightly more formal expression of apology.

I regret

Focuses on feeling sorrow or remorse for something.

Forgive me

Asks for forgiveness, often used when admitting a mistake.

I shouldn't have

Expresses regret over a past action.

That was my fault

Accepts responsibility for an error or mistake.

Excuse me

Used to apologize for a minor inconvenience or to get someone's attention.

Pardon me

Similar to "excuse me" but can also indicate that you didn't hear or understand something.

I take full responsibility

Emphasizes taking accountability for one's actions.

I beg your pardon

A more emphatic or formal way of saying "pardon me" or expressing disagreement.

FAQs

How to use "I'm sorry" in a sentence?

You can use "I'm sorry" to express regret, apologize for a mistake, or show sympathy. For example, "I'm sorry I missed your call" or "I'm sorry for your loss".

What can I say instead of "I'm sorry"?

You can use alternatives like "I apologize", "my apologies", or "I regret" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "I'm sorry" or "I am sorry"?

Both "I'm sorry" and "I am sorry" are grammatically correct. "I'm sorry" is a contraction and is more commonly used in everyday conversation, while "I am sorry" can be used for emphasis or in more formal situations.

When is it not appropriate to say "I'm sorry"?

Avoid saying "I'm sorry" when it implies accepting blame for something that is not your fault. In such cases, expressing empathy or acknowledging the situation without taking responsibility might be more appropriate.