partial apology for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "partial apology for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone is expressing a limited or incomplete apology for a specific action or situation. Example: "I want to offer a partial apology for my behavior during the meeting; I realize I may have come off as dismissive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

There was, at least, a partial apology for the training film.

The New Yorker

He has appeared only briefly to offer a partial apology for his comments.

Independent

Ed Balls makes a partial apology for New Labour's failings in his conference speech, which the pundits like.

The Guardian

Tony Blair's partial apology for the Iraq war (Report, 26 October) shows how little he has learned from his adventures in international relations.

The Guardian

The Lib Dem MP David Ward has issued a partial apology for saying he would probably fire a rocket into Israel if he lived in Gaza, after his party threatened disciplinary action.

The Guardian

Later, a rebel officer strode up to the edge of town, and offered a partial apology for the grenade incident.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

After a courageous fight to clear his name, the police made a partial apology and paid compensation of £20,000 to Sabir for wrongful arrest.

The Guardian

Limbaugh offered a partial apology, saying, "I chose the wrong words".

The New Yorker

Harwood did make a partial apology towards the end of his testimony.

The Guardian

And when only a partial apology was offered ("I am so sorry that you were hurt, and I really hope that you feel better soon"), 35 percent opted for a settlement.

The New York Times

Mr Aznar's claim came a week after Mr Blair issued a qualified apology for the war, admitting that he bore partial responsibility for the rise of Isis.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When crafting your apology, be specific about what you're apologizing for and what you're not. This clarity helps manage expectations and avoids misunderstandings. For instance, "I offer a "partial apology for" raising my voice, but I stand by the points I made."

Common error

Avoid using "partial apology for" as a default response. Overusing it can make you seem insincere or evasive. Reserve it for situations where a full apology isn't warranted or accurate, and ensure you're transparent about the limits of your apology.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "partial apology for" functions as a means of expressing regret or acknowledgement of fault without fully accepting responsibility. This expression is typically used to mitigate blame or highlight extenuating circumstances. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "partial apology for" serves as a nuanced way to acknowledge wrongdoing without fully accepting blame. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and primarily used in news and media contexts. While offering a limited form of remorse, it's important to use it judiciously to avoid appearing insincere. Alternatives such as "qualified apology for" or "limited apology for" can provide similar shades of meaning. When writing, consider the specific context and your intent to ensure your apology is both honest and effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

qualified apology for

Implies the apology is not absolute and comes with conditions or reservations.

limited apology for

Suggests the apology covers only a specific aspect or part of the issue.

incomplete apology for

Highlights that the apology does not fully address the entire scope of the offense.

conditional apology for

Indicates the apology is dependent on certain conditions being met or accepted.

grudging apology for

Suggests the apology is given reluctantly and without genuine remorse.

halfhearted apology for

Implies the apology lacks sincerity and is not fully committed.

reluctant apology for

Shows hesitancy in offering the apology, often due to disagreement or justification.

admission of partial responsibility for

Focuses on accepting only a portion of the blame or accountability.

acknowledgment of some fault for

Highlights recognizing a degree of error or culpability without full acceptance.

expression of regret for part of

Emphasizes expressing sorrow or remorse regarding only a portion of the situation.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to offer a "partial apology for"?

It's appropriate to use "partial apology for" when you acknowledge some wrongdoing but don't accept full responsibility. This could be because you believe there were mitigating circumstances or you only agree with part of the criticism. For example, you might say, "I offer a "partial apology for" my tone during the debate, but I stand by the accuracy of my statements."

What are some alternatives to saying "partial apology for"?

Instead of "partial apology for", you could use phrases like "qualified apology for", "limited apology for", or "incomplete apology for depending on the specific nuance you want to convey".

How does a "partial apology for" differ from a full apology?

A full apology expresses complete remorse and acceptance of responsibility for wrongdoing. A "partial apology for", on the other hand, acknowledges some fault or expresses regret for certain aspects of an action, but doesn't encompass complete responsibility. It signals that you don't believe you were entirely in the wrong.

Is offering a "partial apology for" always better than offering no apology at all?

Not necessarily. Offering a "partial apology for" can be beneficial if you genuinely believe a full apology is unwarranted. However, if you're using it to avoid taking responsibility or to minimize the impact of your actions, it may come across as insincere and could damage relationships further. It's important to be honest and transparent in your communication, whether you offer a full or "qualified apology".