hey sorry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hey sorry" is correct and usable in written English, particularly in informal contexts.
You can use it when you want to apologize or express regret in a casual conversation, often in text messages or social media. Example: "Hey sorry for not getting back to you sooner, I've been really busy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

ALAN FEUER Hey, sorry I had to leave cute youas a rare Spain fan among the fun Dutch supporters, but I really had to run off and meet some friendsat half-time and show my Spain jersey at a different bar.

The New York Times

It was meant to be funny and self deprecating: "hey sorry, you're stuck with just me up here... .. vs the Foo Fighters who have three guitar players on stage and regularly play stadium shows.

Huffington Post

Hey, sorry.

The Guardian

"Hey, sorry about last week," he says.

The New York Times

Hey, sorry for rambling on like this".

The New York Times

The man was saying, "Hey, hey, hey, sorry.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Hey guys, sorry this took so long.

Huffington Post

[second call] Hey there, sorry, I think I got cut off a second ago.

Vice

If we assume that voice interfaces become a publicly accepted thing, it really wouldn't be that strange if, for example, I don't hear the phone and my voice assistant picks up instead and says "Hey Isabel, sorry Blixt couldn't pick up the phone.

Huffington Post

"Hey dude, sorry to interrupt," he interrupted.

The New York Times - Sports

Hey, boss — sorry for this really superlong e-mail message.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hey sorry" in casual settings when a quick, informal apology is appropriate. It's suitable for situations where the offense is minor and doesn't require a formal expression of remorse.

Common error

Avoid using "hey sorry" in professional emails or formal reports. Opt for more formal alternatives like "I apologize" or "Please accept my apologies" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hey sorry" functions primarily as an interjection followed by an apology. The interjection "hey" serves to gain attention, while "sorry" expresses regret or remorse. As seen in Ludwig, the phrase is a common way to offer a quick and casual apology.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hey sorry" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in informal contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves as a casual way to express apology or regret. While it is common in news, media, and wiki sources, it should be avoided in formal or professional settings where more formal alternatives are preferred. Understanding its appropriate usage and register ensures effective communication in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Sorry about that

Expresses regret for a specific action or event.

Oops, sorry

An informal apology, particularly when you make small mistake.

My apologies

More formal way of saying "sorry".

I apologize

A direct and sincere expression of remorse.

My bad

Informal way to admit fault or responsibility for an error.

I didn't mean to

Expresses lack of intention to cause harm or offense.

Forgive me

Asks for forgiveness, implying a deeper regret.

Excuse me

Polite way to interrupt or apologize for a minor inconvenience.

Pardon me

Formal way to ask for repetition or express apology.

I regret

Expresses sorrow or disappointment about something.

FAQs

What's the difference between "hey sorry" and "I apologize"?

"Hey sorry" is informal and best used in casual settings, while "I apologize" is a formal expression of regret suitable for professional or serious situations.

When is it appropriate to use "hey sorry"?

It's appropriate to use "hey sorry" when you want to quickly apologize in a casual context, like texting a friend or making a minor mistake.

What can I say instead of "hey sorry" in a formal email?

In a formal email, use alternatives like "I apologize", "please accept my apologies", or "I regret" depending on the context.

Is "hey sorry" grammatically correct?

Yes, "hey sorry" is grammatically acceptable in informal communication. Ludwig AI confirms that it's usable in written English, especially in casual contexts.