issue an apology

USAGE SUMMARY

'issue an apology' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express regret for something you have done wrong and ask for forgiveness from the person or people you have hurt, e.g. "I want to issue an apology for my mistake and ask for your forgiveness".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Most eventually issue an apology.

The Guardian - Sport

Should they issue an apology to Muslims?

The New York Times

Papa John's was forced to issue an apology.

The Guardian

In cases where someone was hurt, issue an apology.

Harvard Business Review

Only then could I issue an apology that deserves consideration.

Harvard Business Review

After criticism from the Gypsy Council the BBC was forced to issue an apology.

Independent

She was the first official from the council to issue an apology.

Independent

Rancic went on to issue an apology to Coleman in an emotional recording.

Independent

Carsley is believed to have sought out Iwelumo after the game to issue an apology.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"The publisher should recall it, issue an apology and fix the parts that endanger the historical record".

The New York Times - Science

Chessum also demanded that the University issue an apology and help prevent charges being brought against the protester.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "issue an apology", ensure that the apology is sincere and addresses the specific harm caused. Avoid vague or generalized statements.

Common error

Don't just "issue an apology" without fully acknowledging the impact of your actions. A genuine apology includes understanding and addressing the harm caused.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "issue an apology" functions as a performative utterance, where the act of saying it (issuing the apology) is part of the act of apologizing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Formal & Business

18%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "issue an apology" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of formally expressing regret. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is intended to convey remorse and seek forgiveness, predominantly within news and media and formal business contexts. When crafting an apology, sincerity and acknowledgment of harm are crucial. Alternatives like "offer an apology" and "express remorse" provide nuanced options depending on the specific situation. Overall, effective usage requires genuine acknowledgment and a clear understanding of the impact of one's actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offer an apology

Replaces "issue" with the synonym "offer", emphasizing the act of presenting the apology.

extend an apology

Similar to 'offer an apology' but with a slightly more formal tone.

make an apology

Uses "make" instead of "issue", focusing on the creation of the apology.

apologize

Uses the verb form of apology, a concise way to convey regret.

release a statement of apology

Highlights the formal and public nature of the apology.

express remorse

Focuses on conveying feelings of deep regret and sorrow.

take responsibility

Emphasizes accepting accountability for an action, often preceding an apology.

beg forgiveness

Implies a deeper level of regret and a plea for acceptance.

acknowledge wrongdoing

Focuses on admitting fault, which often necessitates an apology.

say sorry

A more informal and direct way of expressing regret.

FAQs

How do you use "issue an apology" in a sentence?

You can use "issue an apology" to describe the act of formally expressing regret, as in "The company had to issue an apology after the product recall".

What's the difference between "offer an apology" and "issue an apology"?

While similar, "issue an apology" often implies a more formal or official context, whereas "offer an apology" can be more personal.

What can I say instead of "issue an apology"?

Alternatives include "express remorse", "apologize", or "take responsibility depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to "issue an apology"?

It's appropriate to "issue an apology" when you have made a mistake, caused harm, or otherwise acted in a way that requires you to express regret and seek forgiveness.