i am sorry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I am sorry" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it in a variety of situations, such as after making a mistake or in a letter of apology. For example: "I am sorry for not attending the meeting yesterday, it won't happen again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

I am sorry they did.

The New York Times

"Well, I am sorry.

The New Yorker

PREMINGER: I am sorry.

The New Yorker

Owner: I am sorry.

The New York Times

"Listen, I am sorry.

The Guardian - Books

But I am sorry".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

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

The New York Times - Magazine

I'm sorry.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Oh, I'm sorry.

Cornell University

I'm sorry, Principles.

Yale University

Between 1975 OK, I'm sorry.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering an apology, be sincere and specific about what you are apologizing for. Avoid vague statements and take responsibility for your actions.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly saying "I am sorry" without demonstrating a commitment to rectify the situation or prevent future occurrences. Back up your words with meaningful actions to show genuine remorse.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I am sorry" functions primarily as an expression of apology or regret. It is a declarative statement used to convey remorse for one's actions or sympathy for another's misfortune. Ludwig AI confirms its standard grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I am sorry" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to convey regret or apology. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Its versatility allows it to be used in various contexts, ranging from formal business communications to informal everyday conversations. While it is generally acceptable, being specific and sincere when using the phrase will make the message more effective. Remember to take action and demonstrate a commitment to rectify the situation after apologizing. Consider using alternatives like "I apologize" or "My apologies" for a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm so sorry

Emphasizes the depth of regret.

I apologize

A more formal expression of regret.

My apologies

A slightly more refined and formal way of saying sorry.

I regret

Expresses sorrow or disappointment over something that has happened.

Forgive me

Asks for forgiveness, implying a deeper transgression.

Pardon me

A polite way to apologize for a minor offense or interruption.

I was wrong

Acknowledges fault and expresses regret.

It's my fault

Takes responsibility for an error or mistake.

I shouldn't have

Expresses regret over a past action.

I'm to blame

Accepts culpability for a negative outcome.

FAQs

How to use "I am sorry" in a sentence?

You can use "I am sorry" to express regret or apologize for something. For example, "I am sorry for being late" or "I am sorry that happened to you".

What can I say instead of "I am sorry"?

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

Which is correct, "I am sorry" or "I am feeling sorry"?

"I am sorry" is used to express regret or apologize, while "I am feeling sorry" is used to express sympathy or sadness for someone else's situation. They have different meanings and usage.

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

"I am sorry" is a more general expression of regret, while "I apologize" is a more formal and direct way of offering an apology. The choice depends on the context and your relationship with the person you are addressing.