token of apology

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'token of apology' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to something given as a gesture of apology, such as a gift, letter, or even a kind word. For example: "I brought you flowers as a token of apology for my mistake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The compensation represented a "token of apology", she added.

The Guardian

Later that evening, Irving sent his terms in writing to Davenport Lyons, Penguin's outside counsel: If Penguin would write him "an open letter withdrawing the allegations made" in Denying the Holocaust, would promise not to republish the book, and would "as a token of apology..

The Guardian

We see a lot of this in hierarchical societies where a visual token of apology is expected before things can be "normal" again.

Huffington Post

In some situations a small gift may serve as a token of apology.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Mr. Menon, assuming the theater and Telecharge people were legitimately sorry and fearful that he will sue (he says he will not), accepted the tokens of apology.

The New York Times

"We are very sorry for the extended downtime and, as a token of our apology, we are giving six months of Instapaper Premium to all EU users affected by the outage," the company apologized in its announcement.

TechCrunch

Leah Borromeo, a journalist, film-maker and artist who worked with the Space Hijackers and received one of the payouts from the City of London force, said: "The settlement was token and their apology a non-apology.

The Guardian

"Full of apology".

The New Yorker

A poem of apology?

Harvard Business Review

St. Jim, Patron of Apology.

The New Yorker

A botched apology not only taints the act of apology but the ability to accept an apology as well.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering a "token of apology", ensure it is appropriate for the situation and the recipient. A sincere apology should accompany the gesture.

Common error

Relying solely on a "token of apology" without expressing genuine remorse can be perceived as insincere and may worsen the situation. Always prioritize a heartfelt apology.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "token of apology" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a direct object or a subject complement within a sentence. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it identifies something that is offered or given as a means of expressing regret and seeking forgiveness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "token of apology" is a noun phrase used to describe something offered as an expression of remorse. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usage in various contexts, primarily in news and general writing. While it's a valid and understood phrase, it's important to ensure that the "token" is accompanied by genuine sincerity to avoid being perceived as insincere. Alternative expressions, such as "gesture of remorse" or "peace offering", may be more appropriate depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apologetic gesture

A broader term for any action meant to convey an apology.

gesture of remorse

Focuses more on the feeling of regret rather than the act of offering something.

conciliatory gift

Specifically refers to a gift intended to appease or reconcile.

peace offering

Suggests an attempt to restore harmony after a conflict.

symbol of reconciliation

Highlights the intent to restore a relationship.

amends for wrongdoing

Highlights the act of correcting a mistake or offense.

olive branch

Classic idiom for an offer of peace or reconciliation.

expression of regret

Emphasizes the communication of remorse, not necessarily a tangible item.

reparative measure

Focuses on repairing damage or harm caused.

act of contrition

Implies a formal or religious expression of remorse.

FAQs

How can I use "token of apology" in a sentence?

You can use "token of apology" to describe something given to express remorse, such as "She sent flowers as a "token of apology" for missing the meeting".

What is a suitable "token of apology" for a professional setting?

In a professional context, a suitable "token of apology" might be a handwritten note, a small gift card, or offering to take on extra work to compensate for an error.

What can I say instead of offering a "token of apology"?

Instead of offering a "token of apology", you can offer a "gesture of remorse", a "peace offering", or express your "expression of regret".

When is it inappropriate to offer a "token of apology"?

It might be inappropriate to offer a "token of apology" if the offense is severe and requires more substantial amends, or if it could be perceived as an attempt to buy forgiveness rather than express genuine remorse.