we apologize

USAGE SUMMARY

"we apologize" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are expressing regret for an error, mistake, or offense that you or your organization has made. For example: "We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the system outage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We apologize and leave.

The New Yorker

We apologize for the error.

Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

For those, we apologize".

The New Yorker

For that we apologize".

The New York Times

We apologize for it.

The New York Times

"We apologize," it said.

The Washington Post

Why do we apologize?

Harvard Business Review

We apologize for the confusion.

Cornell University

We apologize for any inconvenience.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We apologize for this inconvenience.

University of California, Berkeley

"We apologize," she suddenly declared.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be specific about what you are apologizing for to show sincerity and understanding of the issue. A vague apology can seem insincere.

Common error

While "we apologize" is appropriate in many situations, avoid overusing it. Vary your language with phrases like "we regret" or "we are sorry" to maintain a sincere tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we apologize" functions as an explicit expression of regret or remorse on behalf of a group or organization. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, indicating its grammatical validity. It directly conveys an admission of fault or responsibility for an error or offense.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we apologize" is a common and grammatically correct way to express regret on behalf of a group or organization. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. To enhance sincerity, be specific about the reason for the apology and consider alternatives like "we regret" or "we are sorry" to avoid overuse. Always aim for clarity and accountability in your apologies to maintain trust and positive relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we express our apologies

This is a more formal and emphatic way to say "we apologize".

we offer our apologies

Similar to "we express our apologies", this phrase is slightly more formal than the original.

we regret

This is a simpler way to convey regret without explicitly stating an apology.

we are sorry

A common and straightforward way to express remorse.

please accept our apologies

This phrase directly asks for forgiveness, making it slightly more personal.

we ask for your forgiveness

This is a more direct request for forgiveness.

we take responsibility

This focuses on accepting accountability rather than explicitly apologizing.

we acknowledge our mistake

This acknowledges the error without directly expressing apology.

we are at fault

Directly states the blame lies with the speaker.

we were wrong

A simple and direct admission of error.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "we apologize"?

Use "we apologize" when acknowledging a mistake, error, or causing inconvenience. It's suitable in both formal and informal contexts, particularly when representing a company or organization.

What are some alternatives to "we apologize"?

You can use alternatives like "we regret", "we are sorry", or "we express our apologies depending on the context".

How do I make an apology using "we apologize" sound sincere?

To sound sincere, clearly state what you're apologizing for and show that you understand the impact of your actions. Avoid vague or generic apologies.

Is "we apologize" suitable for formal communication?

Yes, "we apologize" is suitable for formal communication, especially in business or official settings. Using phrases like "we offer our apologies" or "please accept our apologies" can add a touch of formality.