please accept my apologies

USAGE SUMMARY

"Please accept my apologies" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express regret for something that you have done wrong. For example, "I am so sorry for being late. Please accept my apologies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Please accept my apologies.

The Guardian

Please accept my apologies for not having replied sooner.

The Guardian - Books

Davis concluded, "Please accept my apologies for any offense today's Garfield may have created.

The New York Times

Please accept my apologies that I will not be there for the graduation ceremony.

The Washington Post

If this is the case then please accept my apologies and reassurance that this was not intentional".

The Guardian

In her handwritten note, addressed to her managers at the Edward VII hospital, she said: "Please accept my apologies.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Please accept my apology.

The New York Times

"Please accept my apology," he wrote.

The New York Times

"If you took offense at anything I said, please accept my apology.

The New York Times

If you are reading this now, eight years on, please accept my apology.

The Guardian

You report that he told a gathering of superior teachers, "If you took offense at anything I said, please accept my apology".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow up with specific actions you're taking to rectify the situation. This shows sincerity and a commitment to resolving the issue.

Common error

Avoid using "please accept my apologies" in very casual settings or for minor inconveniences. A simple 'Sorry!' might be more appropriate in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please accept my apologies" serves as a formal expression of remorse. According to Ludwig, it is used to convey regret for something that has been done wrong. Examples include apologizing for causing concern or for not responding in a timely manner.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

19%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "please accept my apologies" is a grammatically correct phrase used to formally express regret, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is most commonly found in news and media, academic, and formal business contexts. To make the most of this phrase, use it in appropriate formal settings and follow up with actions demonstrating your commitment to rectifying the situation. Keep in mind that simpler apologies may be more suitable for casual situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I sincerely apologize

Emphasizes the genuineness of the apology using 'sincerely'.

I am truly sorry

A more direct and heartfelt expression of remorse.

My apologies

A concise and slightly more formal way to apologize.

I beg your pardon

A formal expression of apology, often used for minor offenses.

I regret to inform you

Used when conveying bad news and expressing sorrow.

Please forgive me

Asks for forgiveness, implying a deeper sense of wrongdoing.

I hope you can understand

Seeks understanding and empathy for the situation.

I take full responsibility

Acknowledges accountability for the mistake or issue.

It was wrong of me

Directly admits fault and acknowledges the error.

Pardon my mistake

Requests forgiveness for a specific error or oversight.

FAQs

How do I use "please accept my apologies" in a sentence?

You can use "please accept my apologies" to formally express regret. For instance, "Please accept my apologies for the delay in responding to your email".

What can I say instead of "please accept my apologies"?

Alternatives include "I am truly sorry", "my apologies", or "I sincerely apologize", depending on the level of formality required.

Is it correct to say "please accept my apology"?

Yes, it is correct to say "please accept my apology", however "please accept my apologies" might be preferred when referring to several things you're apologizing for.

What's the difference between "I'm sorry" and "please accept my apologies"?

"I'm sorry" is a general expression of regret, while "please accept my apologies" is a more formal and emphatic way to express remorse. "Please accept my apologies" is usually used in serious situations.