sorry about before

USAGE SUMMARY

"Sorry about before" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a situation when you apologize for something that you said or did previously. For example, you could write: "I'm sorry about before. I shouldn't have said what I said."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

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TechCrunch

"It was a human error, and we are very, very sorry about the accident". Several hours elapsed before Hicks began vomiting and doctors realized he had been given the wrong fluid, Kennedy said.

Los Angeles Times

"We often see that before talking some Muslims have to almost feel sorry about being Muslim.

The Guardian - Sport

"I'm sorry about that," the announcer said, referring to the faux pas of putting country before God.

The New Yorker

So sorry about that.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Oh, sorry – about "temperament".

The Guardian - Opinion

Sorry about this.

Independent

Anyway, sorry about that!

The New Yorker

Sorry about the errors.

The Economist

Yeah, sorry about that.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Oops, sorry about that!

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sorry about before" in informal contexts when you want to express regret for something you said or did in the very recent past. It implies a degree of closeness or familiarity with the person you are addressing.

Common error

Avoid using "sorry about before" in formal emails, business communications, or academic papers. It is too casual and may sound unprofessional. Opt for more formal alternatives like "I apologize for my previous statement" or "I regret any inconvenience caused earlier."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sorry about before" functions as an apology, expressing regret for something that occurred earlier. Although Ludwig does not provide specific examples of this exact phrase, it aligns with the general function of apologetic expressions in English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sorry about before" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase for expressing regret, as confirmed by Ludwig. However, it is most appropriate for informal settings and close relationships. When writing or speaking in formal contexts, it's advisable to use alternatives like "I apologize for my earlier actions" or "I regret any inconvenience caused previously". While there is no example in Ludwig, the related alternatives confirm the informal usage of the expression. Remember to reserve "sorry about before" for casual conversations and avoid it in professional communications to maintain a polished and appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm sorry for what I did earlier

This alternative clarifies that the apology is specifically for a past action.

I regret my previous behavior

This alternative focuses on the speaker's feeling of regret about a past action.

I apologize for what happened earlier

This alternative is a more formal way of expressing regret for a previous event.

My apologies for the earlier incident

This alternative is a formal way to apologize, specifically referring to an incident.

I owe you an apology for earlier

This alternative acknowledges a debt of apology for a past event.

Please forgive my earlier actions

This alternative is a request for forgiveness, highlighting the speaker's desire to be pardoned.

I'm sorry for the trouble caused before

This alternative emphasizes the inconvenience or problems resulting from the speaker's actions.

I didn't mean for that to happen earlier

This alternative implies a lack of intention behind the regretted action.

I'm ashamed of my previous conduct

This alternative highlights the speaker's feeling of shame about past behavior.

I hope you can excuse my behavior earlier

This alternative seeks understanding and leniency for previous actions.

FAQs

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

"Sorry about before" is typically used in informal settings to express regret for a recent action or statement. For example, you might say, "Hey, "sorry about before". I didn't mean to interrupt."

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

In a formal setting, you could use phrases like "I apologize for my earlier actions" or "I regret any inconvenience caused previously". These alternatives are more suitable for professional or academic communication.

Is it ever appropriate to use "sorry about before" in writing?

While generally used in spoken language, "sorry about before" can appear in informal written communication such as texts or casual emails to close friends. However, it's best to avoid it in formal writing.

What is the difference between "sorry about that" and "sorry about before"?

"Sorry about that" is a more general expression of apology, while "sorry about before" specifically refers to something that happened or was said in the immediate past. The latter is more precise in its reference.