sorry for not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'sorry for not' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to apologize for failing to do something, such as in the example sentence: "I'm sorry for not responding sooner to your email."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He was sorry for not wanting me.

The New York Times - Magazine

I'm sorry for not trusting you.

The New Yorker

66 So sorry for not liking Braveheart.

The Guardian

But most of all, we are sorry for not listening better".

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm really sorry for not opening the door," he said, and then shuffled away.

The New Yorker

"It's the best way they can say sorry for not protecting us".

Independent

43 Sorry for not accepting Scottish banknotes as legitimate currency south of the border.

The Guardian

70 Sorry for not mentioning lots of great Scottish film makers, painters, composers, musicians.

The Guardian

"Sorry for not calling," I say, "I've had a pretty rough week".

The Guardian - Opinion

"When I visit this kind of place, I feel sorry for not being an artist," he said.

The New York Times

There are usually several entries that I feel sorry for not knowing, and I vow to do better next time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sorry for not", clearly state the action you are apologizing for to avoid ambiguity. For example, "I'm sorry for not calling you back sooner."

Common error

Avoid using "sorry for not" without specifying what you are apologizing for. A vague apology can sound insincere. Always mention the specific action or inaction to make your apology meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sorry for not" functions as an apologetic expression, specifically used to convey regret or remorse for failing to perform a certain action. As Ludwig AI states, it is generally deemed correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

9%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sorry for not" is a very common and grammatically correct way to express regret for an omission or failure to act. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility makes it suitable for a range of contexts, though more formal alternatives exist. When using this phrase, it's best practice to clearly state the action you are apologizing for, avoiding vague apologies that can sound insincere. While highly prevalent in News & Media, less frequent contexts include formal business communications. Related phrases include "apologize for failing to" and "regret not doing", each offering slightly different nuances in meaning and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apologize for failing to

Emphasizes the failure to meet an expectation or obligation.

regret not doing

Highlights the feeling of regret about a missed action or opportunity.

express remorse for neglecting to

Formal way of expressing regret for not taking care of a task or duty.

offer apologies for the omission of

Focuses on the act of leaving something out and the subsequent apology.

I should have

Implies regret for not doing something in the past.

pardon me for not

More formal way of seeking forgiveness for not doing something.

forgive me for not

Asks for forgiveness, emphasizing personal responsibility.

excuse me for not

Seeks understanding for a failure to act.

I am at fault for not

Places blame on oneself for the omission.

my bad for not

Informal way of admitting fault and apologizing.

FAQs

How can I use "sorry for not" in a sentence?

Use "sorry for not" when you want to apologize for failing to do something. For example, "I'm sorry for not attending your party." or "I'm sorry for not replying to your email earlier."

What is a more formal way to say "sorry for not"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "I apologize for failing to" or "Please accept my apologies for not." These phrases are suitable for professional or official communications.

What can I say instead of "sorry for not"?

You can use alternatives like "apologize for failing to", "regret not doing", or "express remorse for neglecting to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I am sorry to not" instead of "sorry for not"?

While "sorry for not" is generally used to express regret for something you didn't do, "sorry to not" isn't as common and might sound awkward. A better way to phrase it might be "I'm sorry that I didn't."