sorry for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sorry for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are apologizing for something you did or said. For example, "I'm sorry for the delay in replying to your message."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Feel sorry for her.

The New Yorker

I sorry for you".

The New Yorker

I'm sorry for that".

The New York Times

Feeling sorry for themselves.

The New York Times

"He's sorry for his actions".

Independent

"Sorry for my language, Yonas.

The New Yorker

"He felt sorry for me".

The New York Times - Sports

"We're sorry for the inconvenience.

The New York Times

"I'm sorry for the mess".

The New Yorker

I'm sorry for the misunderstanding.

The New Yorker

I'm sorry for the team".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sorry for", clearly state the reason for your apology to ensure sincerity and understanding. For example, "I'm sorry for the misunderstanding."

Common error

Avoid starting every email with "sorry for" as it can diminish the impact and make you appear less confident. Try to be direct and only apologize when genuinely needed. Instead of "Sorry for the late reply", consider "Thank you for your patience."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sorry for" primarily functions as an expression of apology or regret. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used to convey remorse or acknowledge a mistake. It is typically followed by the reason for the apology.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

22%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sorry for" is a grammatically sound and very common way to express apology or regret. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, from news and media to scientific publications and everyday communication. While more formal alternatives like "I apologize for" exist, "sorry for" remains a versatile and acceptable choice for conveying remorse or seeking forgiveness. When using this phrase, be clear and specific about the reason for your apology to ensure sincerity and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I apologize for

This alternative is a more formal and direct way to express regret.

my apologies for

This alternative is a more formal way to express regret.

apologies for

This alternative is more formal and often used in professional settings.

excuse me for

This alternative is typically used for minor offenses or interruptions.

please forgive me for

This alternative is a more emphatic request for forgiveness.

regret for

This alternative emphasizes the feeling of remorse rather than a direct apology.

pardon me for

This alternative is a polite way to apologize, often used for minor inconveniences.

I regret

This alternative focuses on expressing regret without directly apologizing for an action.

I'm feeling regretful about

This alternative emphasizes the emotional aspect of feeling sorry.

feeling remorseful for

This alternative highlights a deep sense of guilt or regret.

FAQs

How do I use "sorry for" in a sentence?

Use "sorry for" when you want to express regret or apologize for something. For example, "I'm "sorry for the inconvenience"" or "He is "sorry for his actions"".

What are some alternatives to saying "sorry for"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "I apologize for", "excuse me for", or "my apologies for".

When is it appropriate to use "sorry for"?

It is appropriate to use "sorry for" when you have made a mistake, caused an inconvenience, or want to express sympathy. Be genuine and specific in your apology to show sincerity.

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

"Sorry for" is generally less formal than "apologize for". While both express regret, "apologize for" is often used in more formal or professional settings. For instance, a company might "apologize for" a product defect, while a friend might say "sorry for being late".