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Meaning & use

no apologies needed

phrase·Everyday

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UK/ˌnəʊ əˈpɒlədʒiz ˈniːdɪd/
US/ˌnoʊ əˈpɑːlədʒiz ˈniːdɪd/

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phrase

    Used to tell someone that they do not have to say sorry because nothing wrong was done.

    Grammar: Stands alone as a full response or comment; it is not used with a subject or object.

    Patterns

    • no apologies needed for something
    • no apologies needed from someone

    You were only five minutes late, and the meeting hadn't started — no apologies needed.

    She thought she had ruined the surprise, but I told her, "No apologies needed; it was perfect."

    No apologies needed for asking a question in class.

  2. phrasefixed phraseinformal

    Used to say that someone should not feel they must say sorry for their choice or behavior.

    Grammar: Often appears after a statement about a decision or preference, giving reassurance or approval.

    Patterns

    • no apologies needed for doing something
    • there are no apologies needed

    You chose to spend your money on travel rather than a new car — no apologies needed for that.

    No apologies needed for taking a day off when you are sick.

    He said no apologies needed for putting family first.

Common combinations

no apologies needed for
There are no apologies needed for being honest.
say no apologies needed
The coach said no apologies needed after the team lost.
no apologies needed at all
You helped me a lot — no apologies needed at all.
tell someone no apologies needed
I told her no apologies needed; mistakes happen.

Synonyms and how they differ

no need to apologize
Means the same and is equally common; 'no apologies needed' sounds slightly more formal or written.
don't mention it
A polite response to thanks rather than to an apology; it does not fit when someone says sorry.
it's fine
More general and casual; it can accept an apology but does not specifically say sorry is unnecessary.

Opposites

apologies are duean apology is needed

Word family

apology noun
A statement saying you are sorry for something.
apologize verb
To say sorry for something you have done.
apologetic adjective
Feeling or showing that you are sorry.

Commonly confused: no apologies needed or no apology needed? no apologies needed or no apologies?

no apologies needed vs no apology needed

The singular form is also used, but 'no apologies needed' is the more common fixed phrase.

no apologies needed vs no apologies

A shorter phrase meaning 'I will not say sorry', which has a very different, defiant tone.

Practice

Your friend says sorry for arriving late. Which reply fits best?

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “no apologies needed”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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