Correctly ask for forgiveness: how to say "sorry" in English

Politeness in any situation is a distinguishing feature of a well-educated person. In the whole world, having caused any inconvenience, one should apologize. And asking for forgiveness for anxiety, for example by asking a question or by applying, you will show yourself in the most favorable light. Having gone abroad or just talking with native English speakers, you may notice that they are asking for forgiveness much more often than you and I. Why this happens, as well as options for how to say "sorry" in English, in which situations use those or other phrases, we will consider in our article. This topic is very simple, it is enough to learn a few phrases and remember the most frequent and relevant situations of their use.

"Sorry" in English: we express politeness correctly

You probably know that the most common words in our case are "sorry" and "excuse me". It is important to remember that the first is used when you, say, already have something to forgive. For example, you accidentally pushed the passenger in the transport, stepped on someone's foot. In this case, it would be more appropriate to say: "I am sorry." If you strongly repent of the deed, say: "I am so sorry". Also in some other situations, you can use the expressions suggested below.

• I'm sorry for have interrupted you - Sorry for interrupting you.
• My mom is sick. My mother is sick. I'm sorry to hear that - I'm sorry to hear that.

"Sorry for concern" in English can be expressed in another word, namely "excuse me". If you want to ask, for example, what time it is, how to get to a certain destination, to interrupt someone's conversation and so on, then it is necessary and should use this combination, for example:

• Excuse me, what time is it? "Excuse me, please, what time is it now?"
• Excuse me, how can we get to Trafalgar Square? "Excuse me, how do we get to Trafalgar Square?"

Remember! In a situation where you accidentally sneezed, "sorry" in English will be expressed by a combination of "excuse me".

Of course, there are other forms of polite apology. Let's consider such situations.

How else can you say "sorry" in English

In a situation where you have not heard anything, or you have misunderstood, it will be appropriate to ask: "Pardon me?" This in the Russian equivalent means: "Excuse me (could you please repeat it again)?" The word "pardon" itself is of French origin and can be used as a noun and as a verb. By the way, this form of politeness is considered more refined and refined. Examples:

• I beg you pardon - I ask (your) forgiveness.
• Pardon me - Forgive me.

Consider the dialog:

- What is your full name? - What is your name (ie name and surname)?
- Sriniwasan Lakshminarashimhan - Srinivasan Lakshminarashimhan
- Pardon me? - Sorry?
- Wait, better I will spell it for you - Wait, I better spell it on you.

When you really are to blame ...

Another word - "apologize" - is used in the case when your offense is extremely serious, or you bring a formal written apology. I must say that this form is used very rarely in ordinary conversational speech. Examples:

• I apologize for the damage my car caused to your motorcycle.
• Our office will be closed this Tuesday. The company apologize for any inconvenience - Our office will be closed this Tuesday. The company apologizes for the inconvenience.

Now you are familiar with how to use the word "sorry" in different situations. Translation into English of this expression will be different. Be sure to remember the difference between "sorry" and "excuse me", as well as the use of combinations with "pardon". After all, one should be polite always and everywhere.