sorry about

USAGE SUMMARY

"sorry about" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used as an apology for something that has happened, usually in a casual context. For example: "Sorry about the mess - I was cleaning and accidentally spilled some water."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Nothing to be sorry about".

The New Yorker

Sorry about the errors.

The Economist

I'm sorry about that.

The New York Times

Anyway, sorry about that!

The New Yorker

"I'm sorry about this".

The New Yorker

Sorry about this.

Independent

I'm sorry about everything.

The New Yorker

And sorry about no jokes".

Independent

I am sorry about that.

The New York Times

I'm so sorry about Gerald.

The New York Times

I'm sorry about the nightmares.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sorry about", consider the context and audience. For more formal situations, "I apologize for" might be more appropriate. In casual conversation, "sorry about" is perfectly acceptable.

Common error

Avoid using "sorry about" in formal business correspondence or academic papers. Opt for phrases like "I apologize for" or "I regret" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sorry about" serves as an expression of apology or regret. Ludwig AI indicates that it is generally used in a casual context, functioning to convey remorse or sympathy regarding a specific situation or event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sorry about" is a versatile phrase used to express apology or regret, most commonly in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and general use in casual settings. While appropriate for informal and neutral registers, more formal alternatives like "I apologize for" or "I regret" are preferable in professional or academic writing. Understanding these nuances ensures effective and context-appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am truly sorry for

This alternative is a very sincere and emphatic expression of regret.

I'm so sorry for

This alternative conveys a stronger sense of remorse.

my apologies for

This alternative is a more emphatic and formal expression of apology.

I regret

This alternative is a direct and sincere way to express regret.

apologies for

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of apologizing.

regret

This alternative is more concise and directly expresses sorrow.

pardon me for

This alternative is more formal than "excuse me for" and seeks forgiveness.

excuse me for

This alternative is used when seeking pardon for a minor inconvenience.

please forgive me for

This alternative directly asks for forgiveness.

I hope you can forgive me for

This alternative conveys uncertainty and a desire for forgiveness.

FAQs

How can I use "sorry about" in a sentence?

You can use "sorry about" to express regret or apology for something, such as "I'm sorry about the delay" or "Sorry about the noise".

What's a more formal alternative to "sorry about"?

For formal situations, consider using phrases like "I apologize for" or "I regret" instead of "sorry about".

Is it correct to say "I'm sorry for" instead of "sorry about"?

Yes, "I'm sorry for" can be used as an alternative, although "sorry about" is generally considered more versatile and commonly used. For example, "I'm sorry for your loss" is a typical usage of "sorry for".

What's the difference between "excuse me" and "sorry about"?

"Excuse me" is often used to politely interrupt or get someone's attention, while "sorry about" is used to express regret for something that has already occurred.