Meaning & use
my apologies
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Meanings
phrasefixed phraseformal
A polite way of saying sorry for a mistake or for causing a problem.
Grammar: Used alone as a sentence or at the start of one: My apologies, I took your seat.
Patterns
- my apologies for something
- my apologies, but...
My apologies for the late reply; I was traveling.
My apologies, I did not realize this chair was taken.
My apologies if I have confused anyone with the schedule.
phrasefixed phraseformal
A formal message sent to explain that a person cannot attend a meeting or event.
Grammar: Used with send or give: please give my apologies to the host.
Patterns
- send my apologies
- give my apologies to someone
Please give my apologies to the committee, as I cannot attend.
She sent her apologies and asked for the minutes.
He asked me to pass on his apologies to everyone at the dinner.
Common combinations
- my apologies for
- My apologies for the confusion in my last message.
- my sincere apologies
- My sincere apologies for the delay in your order.
- my apologies if
- My apologies if this email reaches you twice.
- send my apologies
- I will send my apologies to the group.
- my apologies, but
- My apologies, but this seat is reserved.
Synonyms and how they differ
- sorry
- Sorry is the everyday, warmer word and works in any situation, while my apologies sounds more polished and formal.
- I apologize
- I apologize is a full sentence that sounds formal and takes responsibility directly, a bit more strongly than my apologies.
- pardon me
- Pardon me is used for small interruptions, like bumping someone, while my apologies refers to a mistake.
- excuse me
- Excuse me is used to get attention or move past someone, and is not a real apology the way my apologies is.
Word family
- apology noun
- a statement of regret
- apologize verb
- to say sorry
- apologetic adjective
- showing regret
- apologetically adverb
- in a way that shows regret
Commonly confused: my apologies or apologies?
my apologies vs apologies
Apologies is the plural noun and may be used alone, while my apologies is a ready-made polite expression.
Practice
You realize you sat in someone's reserved seat. Which response is most appropriate?
Choose one answer.
My apologies, followed by the reason, is a natural and polite response to a small mistake. The other options either do not apologize or use incorrect grammar.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “my apologies”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.