12 Ways to Say “I’m Sorry”

Learning how to apologize correctly is one of the most important skills in any language. In English, simply saying “I’m sorry” works, but native speakers use many different expressions depending on the situation—from bumping into someone on the street to making a serious mistake at work. Using the right phrase shows you understand the severity of the situation and helps you rebuild trust.

12 Essential Ways to Say “I’m Sorry” in English

There are many ways to express regret, ranging from informal expressions for small accidents to formal apologies for serious errors. Here are 12 different ways to say “I’m sorry” that you can use immediately in real-life conversations.

1. I’m sorry.

Meaning: This is the most common and versatile phrase. Use it for almost anything—from small accidents (stepping on someone’s foot) to more serious situations. Example: “I’m sorry I’m late, the bus was delayed.”

2. My apologies.

Meaning: A slightly more formal and polite way to apologize, often used in professional or business settings. It is often a complete sentence on its own. Example: “My apologies for the error in the report; I will fix it right away.”

3. I sincerely apologize.

Meaning: This phrase shows that your apology is genuine and deep. Use ‘sincerely’ when you have caused a significant problem or hurt someone’s feelings badly. Example: “I sincerely apologize for missing your birthday party. I know how important it was.”

4. Pardon me.

Meaning: Used for minor interruptions or physical accidental contact, such as needing to walk past someone in a crowded area or letting out a small cough. It’s polite and often used to ask permission to interrupt. Example: “Pardon me, could I just squeeze by you for a moment?”

5. Excuse me.

Meaning: Similar to Pardon me, but often used when you are seeking someone’s attention or interrupting them. It’s more of a warning or request than a full apology. Example: “Excuse me, is this seat taken?” (Used to initiate a conversation, not just for an apology) OR “Excuse me! I didn’t see you there.” (After a small bump)

6. I owe you an apology.

Meaning: This is a strong way to acknowledge that you were wrong and that the other person deserves an apology. It shows you have reflected on your actions. Example: “I owe you an apology for how I reacted yesterday. I was completely out of line.”

7. That was my mistake.

Meaning: A clear and direct way to take responsibility without making excuses. This is excellent for professional or team environments where accountability is key. Example: “I thought I sent the email, but it looks like I didn’t. That was my mistake.”

8. I regret… (action).

Meaning: A formal phrase expressing sadness or disappointment over something that happened or something you did. It’s often followed by a gerund (an -ing verb). Example: “I regret telling him your secret. I shouldn’t have said anything.”

9. Please forgive me.

Meaning: This is a very personal and emotional appeal. Use it when you want the other person to let go of their anger or hurt feelings because the mistake was serious. Example: “I broke your grandmother’s vase. Please forgive me.”

10. I feel terrible about that.

Meaning: This focuses on your emotional state and shows the other person that you care about how your actions affected them. It’s an empathetic way to say you are sorry. Example: “I feel terrible about forgetting our lunch date. Can we reschedule for tomorrow?”

11. I shouldn’t have done that. / I shouldn’t have said that.

Meaning: A direct admission of fault, specifically admitting that a certain action or statement was wrong. It’s powerful because it shows self-awareness. Example: “I know you were only trying to help. I shouldn’t have snapped at you.”

12. Oops! / Whoops!

Meaning: Very informal and only suitable for tiny, harmless errors, like dropping a pen, spilling a few drops of water, or making a small typo in a text message. Example: “Oops! I almost walked into that lamppost. I need more coffee.”

Practice Makes Perfect

Knowing 12 Ways to Say “I’m Sorry” gives you many more options than just the basic phrase. The key is to match your apology to the situation. Whether you need a simple Excuse me or a formal I sincerely apologize, practice makes these expressions feel natural. Try using one of these new phrases today the next time a mistake happens!