make an apology

USAGE SUMMARY

"make an apology" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express an apology formally or acknowledge a need to apologize. Example Sentence: After realizing the mistake I made, I decided to make an apology for my inappropriate behavior.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I want to make an apology.

The Guardian - Sport

We wish to make an apology.

The Guardian

"We wish to make an apology," the leader ran.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Guardian commenters, I wish to make an apology.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Later, pressured to make an apology, Farage offered one — to bank clerks.

The New Yorker

"I want to make an apology for the way we behaved in the past.

Independent

The richness of language and its sentiments resonate today 'We wish to make an apology.

The Guardian

"He's going to go home and have nightmares!" Friends, I would like to make an apology.

The Guardian - Sport

"Of course I have no reason to make an apology of any kind," Mr. Stewart said.

The New York Times

As part of the case, Depp and Heard were forced to make an apology video.

The Guardian - Film

But Mr. Hollande did not make an apology for France's conduct, although Algeria has long pressed for one.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make an apology", ensure that the context requires a formal or explicit expression of regret. It's suitable for situations where a clear acknowledgement of fault is necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "make an apology" in casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "I'm sorry" or "apologize" are often more appropriate and sound more sincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make an apology" functions as a performative utterance, signifying the act of formally expressing regret or remorse. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make an apology" is a common and grammatically sound way to express regret or remorse. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is indeed correct and usable. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, indicating its use in formal or public settings. While there are many alternative ways to express apology, using the phrase is considered grammatically correct and commonly used, as confirmed by various sources. When aiming for casual or informal tones, simpler alternatives such as "I'm sorry" might be a better fit, but if you want to emphasize on the apology or the act of regretting in a more formal way, the phrase "make an apology" is an option you should consider.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apologize

Uses the verb form directly, removing the need for "make an".

offer an apology

Replaces "make" with "offer", which is a common synonym in this context.

issue an apology

Substitutes "make" with "issue", implying a formal or public apology.

extend an apology

Uses "extend" instead of "make", suggesting a sincere or heartfelt apology.

express remorse

Shifts the focus from the act of apologizing to the feeling of regret.

say sorry

Provides a more informal and direct way to apologize.

beg forgiveness

Implies a deeper sense of regret and a stronger desire for reconciliation.

seek pardon

Suggests a formal request for forgiveness, often in legal or official contexts.

acknowledge fault

Focuses on admitting responsibility for a mistake, rather than explicitly apologizing.

take responsibility

Highlights accepting accountability for one's actions.

FAQs

How can I use "make an apology" in a sentence?

You can use "make an apology" when you want to express a formal apology. For example, "The company had to make an apology after the product recall."

What are some alternatives to "make an apology"?

Instead of "make an apology", you can use phrases like "offer an apology", "issue an apology", or simply "apologize" depending on the context.

Is it better to "make an apology" or just say "I'm sorry"?

The choice depends on the context. "Make an apology" is more formal and suitable for official statements, while "I'm sorry" is more appropriate for casual situations.

What's the difference between "make an apology" and "ask for forgiveness"?

"Make an apology" is about expressing regret, while "ask for forgiveness" implies seeking pardon for an offense. They are related but not interchangeable.