i apologize profusely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I apologize profusely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a strong sense of regret or remorse for a mistake or offense. Example: "I apologize profusely for the misunderstanding and any inconvenience it may have caused."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

When I return to the room, I apologize profusely.

Harvard Business Review

So, to all you Slovenians, I apologize profusely for the invidious comparison of our health systems.

The New York Times

Ms. Althoff added, "I apologize profusely to the people of the state until a budget is in place".

The New York Times

I mean, the part about you dropping my heart was a joke a very bad one, for which I apologize profusely.

The New Yorker

I apologize profusely for my tardiness.

TechCrunch

I apologize profusely.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

I apologized profusely, but it does happen".

The New York Times

And I apologized profusely, but he doesn't care.

Columbia University

I apologized profusely for not hating her and Dad more.

The New York Times

I apologized profusely for not being ready yet, and he was such a gentleman!

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I apologized profusely, gently noting what a tense and odd buildup there had been.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I apologize profusely" when you want to express a sincere and significant level of regret, such as after making a serious mistake or causing considerable inconvenience. It conveys a stronger sense of remorse than a simple 'I'm sorry'.

Common error

Avoid using "I apologize profusely" for minor or trivial matters. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make you appear insincere. A simple 'sorry' will often suffice in less serious situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I apologize profusely" functions as an expressive speech act, specifically a strong apology. It communicates a high degree of regret and remorse. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this is a correct and usable phrase. Examples in Ludwig show its use in formal and informal contexts, emphasizing its versatility in conveying sincere apologies.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I apologize profusely" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for expressing sincere and significant regret. While versatile, its slightly formal tone makes it best suited for situations where a strong apology is necessary, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Alternatives like "I sincerely apologize" or "I deeply regret" can be used depending on the context. While commonly found in News & Media sources, as well as academic writings, overusing this expression for minor matters can diminish its impact. Always consider the specific context and relationship with the other party when choosing your words.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am truly sorry

Similar to "I am extremely sorry" but slightly less intense.

I am extremely sorry

Highlights the depth of sorrow felt, with a slightly different emotional tone.

I am so very sorry

Emphasizes the sorrow with an added intensifier, slightly less formal.

I sincerely apologize

Emphasizes the genuineness of the apology but lacks the intensity of "profusely".

Please accept my sincerest apologies

A more formal and elaborate way of offering an apology.

I offer my deepest apologies

A formal and emphatic way to express regret.

I deeply regret

Focuses on the feeling of regret rather than the act of apologizing, and is generally more formal.

I humbly apologize

Highlights the speaker's humility in offering the apology.

I express my deepest remorse

Focuses on the remorse felt, rather than the act of apologizing, more introspective.

I beg your pardon

A more old-fashioned and sometimes ironic way of apologizing, often used for minor offenses.

FAQs

What situations are appropriate for using "I apologize profusely"?

Use "I apologize profusely" to express deep regret for a significant mistake or offense that has caused considerable inconvenience or harm. It's suitable when a simple 'sorry' isn't enough.

What are some alternatives to "I apologize profusely" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "I sincerely apologize", "I deeply regret", or "I am extremely sorry".

Is "I apologize profusely" too formal for everyday conversation?

"I apologize profusely" leans toward the formal side, but it is still appropriate in serious everyday conversations. However, consider the context and relationship with the other person. A less formal apology, like "I'm so sorry", might be preferable in casual settings.

How does the intensity of "I apologize profusely" compare to other apologies?

"I apologize profusely" conveys a stronger sense of regret and remorse than a simple "I apologize" or "I'm sorry". It implies a deeper recognition of the mistake and a greater desire to make amends.