with apologies for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with apologies for" is correct in written English.
You can use it to politely express regret for an inconvenience, mistake, or error. For example, "With apologies for any inconvenience, we are closed for the holiday weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

With apologies for my vulgarity, this is complete horseshit.

The Guardian - Business

Check out the still photos below, with apologies for the blurry image inset.

The New York Times

You dedicated the book to your eldest son, Jacob, nine, "with apologies for the title".

The Guardian - Books

Here, with apologies for my poor camerawork, is a little video of the show.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So, with apologies for the dismay we caused, we return to the old format.

The New York Times

This time the problem lies (with apologies for another oxymoron) in an over-abundance of wit.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

By rising to the occasion and--with apologies for the clichés--overcoming the obstacles Katrina has put in your way.

Science Magazine

The goal of this pedagogy is to encourage not only revision, but re-vision--with apologies for the pretentious postmodern hyphenation--and re-vision is not limited to writing assignments.

Science Magazine

Along with dozens of others who commented on the attacks, mostly on social media, he has been charged with apology for terrorism.

The Economist

But the prosecutor decided to charge Bagour and her brother with "apology for crime," which under a 1981 French law carries a penalty of up to five years in prison and a $58,000 fine.

The Washington Post

Ironically, Belotti could now be charged with "apology for fascism" (a crime under Italian law).

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Precede "with apologies for" with a clear and concise explanation of the mistake or issue to provide context for your apology.

Common error

Avoid using "with apologies for" in very casual situations, as it can sound overly formal or insincere. Simpler expressions like "sorry about" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with apologies for" functions as a polite and formal way to introduce an apology or express regret for a minor mistake, inconvenience, or shortcoming. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples show its use in various contexts, from acknowledging blurry images to long-winded preambles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

21%

Science

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "with apologies for" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to politely express regret or acknowledge a minor error. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered correct and used across various contexts. It is prevalent in "News & Media", "Formal & Business", and scientific publications, indicating a neutral to formal register. When writing, ensure to use it when addressing minor inconveniences and to avoid overuse in overly casual settings. Alternatives like sorry for or "we apologize for" may be more suitable depending on the context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we apologize for

More direct and formal expression of regret.

my apologies for

Slightly more formal way of saying "sorry for".

excuse my apologies for

Adds a layer of humility or deference to the apology.

pardon my apologies for

Slightly more old-fashioned or emphatic way of asking for forgiveness.

please accept my apologies for

Formal and polite, used to sincerely express regret.

please forgive my apologies for

Directly requests forgiveness while acknowledging the apology.

with regret for

Focuses on the feeling of sorrow rather than a direct apology.

sorry for

More concise and informal expression of apology.

I regret to

Expresses sorrow or disappointment without explicitly apologizing.

I am sorry about

Simple and direct way to express regret.

FAQs

How do I use "with apologies for" in a sentence?

Use "with apologies for" to politely preface an explanation or acknowledgment of a mistake or inconvenience. For example, "With apologies for the delay, the meeting will now begin."

What's the difference between "with apologies for" and "sorry for"?

"With apologies for" is generally more formal and emphasizes regret, while "sorry for" is more casual and direct. Choose based on the context and your relationship with the audience.

Can I start a sentence with "with apologies for"?

Yes, it's common and grammatically correct to start a sentence with "with apologies for" to immediately convey your regret. It should be followed by the reason for the apology. For example, "With apologies for the error, we have corrected the information."

Are there situations where I shouldn't use "with apologies for"?

Avoid using "with apologies for" when the mistake is severe or requires more than a simple acknowledgment. In such cases, a more detailed and sincere apology is necessary. Also, avoid using it sarcastically.