sorry

USAGE SUMMARY

'sorry' is a perfectly acceptable word to use in written English.
It is used as a way to express regret and apologetic feelings. Example sentence: I'm so sorry I missed your call.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We're sorry.

The New York Times - Travel

"East Coast is particularly sorry, too, for the inconvenience to its customers as a result on what we know is an already very busy travel day immediately following the Christmas break.

The Guardian - Business

When we are on the tube, occasionally I have to say to a member of the public that my son is autistic and that I'm sorry he is staring.

The Guardian - Opinion

"That will likely lead, I'm sorry to say, to some people resigning from the government or being fired.

The Guardian

"We're very sorry".

The New York Times - Magazine

I am sorry.

The New York Times

I am truly sorry".

The New York Times

I am very sorry for this".

The New York Times

This is what happens when you have live TV folks, I'm so sorry, this is insane".

The Guardian

No, sorry, I'm spending Saturday night comparing paid-for social media management apps and shortlisting Wordpress themes.

The Guardian

Constantly checking my phone not only makes me bad company (sorry friends), but it makes me worry that there's something I'm missing or something I've failed to cover in one of my stories.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When correcting oneself in speech, using "sorry" provides a brief and polite way to acknowledge and rectify the error.

Common error

Avoid using "sorry" excessively as a filler word or a verbal crutch. This can make you appear less confident and undermine the sincerity of your apologies when they are truly needed.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sorry" is as an adjective, expressing regret or sadness. It also functions as an interjection to convey apology, ask for repetition, or correct oneself. Ludwig AI showcases examples of both usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sorry" is a versatile term functioning as both an adjective and an interjection to convey regret, apology, or polite correction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It is very common in news, business, and general conversation, making it appropriate for neutral and informal registers. Remember to use "sorry" genuinely and avoid overusing it as a filler. Alternatives include "I apologize", "excuse me", and "pardon me", each suited to different levels of formality. Being mindful of context enhances the sincerity and impact of your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm so sorry

Emphasizes the depth of one's regret or sympathy.

I apologize

A formal way to express regret or remorse for an action or statement.

my apologies

A slightly more formal way of saying "sorry".

excuse me

Used to politely interrupt, ask someone to repeat something, or apologize for a minor inconvenience.

pardon me

Similar to "excuse me", used to apologize or ask for repetition.

I regret

Expresses sorrow or disappointment about something that has happened or been done.

I beg your pardon

A more formal way to ask someone to repeat themselves or to express surprise or disagreement.

regrettably

Expresses sorrow or disappointment about a fact or circumstance.

unfortunately

Used to express that something is undesirable or disappointing.

I'm afraid

Used to soften bad news or express reluctance or disagreement.

FAQs

How can I use "sorry" in a sentence?

You can use "sorry" to express regret (I'm "sorry for the inconvenience"), ask for repetition (Sorry, what did you say?), or correct yourself (There are four, sorry, five branches).

What's the difference between "sorry" and "apologize"?

"Sorry" is more informal and versatile, suitable for minor inconveniences or expressing sympathy. "Apologize" is more formal and typically used when taking responsibility for a significant mistake. You can "apologize for the error", or simply say, "I'm sorry."

What can I say instead of "I'm sorry"?

You can use alternatives like "I apologize" for a formal tone, "excuse me" for minor offenses, or "pardon me" to ask someone to repeat something.

Is it always necessary to say "sorry" when something goes wrong?

While saying "sorry" is often a good practice, assess the situation to ensure your apology is genuine and appropriate. Sometimes, offering a solution or taking corrective action can be more effective than simply saying you're "sorry for the mistake".