Sorry is the hardest word

Remember

Verb: regret to + infinitive

Use "regret to + infinitive" to express sadness about what you are going to say or write.

Verb: regret + noun

Verb: regret that

Use "regret that" to express an apology for or sadness over something unpleasant.

Noun: regret

Use "regret" to show sadness or disappointment about something.

Adjective: sorry

Use "be sorry" to express sadness or regret. Use "feel sorry" to show sympathy.

Verb: apologize + for + (doing) something

Verb: apologize + to + something + for + (doing) something

Noun: apology

Use "apologize" or "apology/apologies" to say something you have done that was wrong or has upset someone else; to express regret for something you have done.

There are many ways to say you're sorry, but not all of them are suitable for a reply to a complaint. We've created an exercise to help you learn which expressions you can use. Which sentence(s) is (are) too informal for a business situation?

Deborah Capras