Using Apologize and sorry

**2013-01-03, 01:08**

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I’m sorry I’m late!

When things go wrong which are our fault, we can use apologize or sorry. There are a few set patterns using these words you’ll want to memorize. Let’s check out this topic today.

In conversational English, apologize is a bit more formal than sorry.

Pattern #1 – Apologize + for + gerund (VerbING)

I apologize for missing your birthday.
Jack apologized for coming to the meeting late.
Tommy needs to apologize for breaking Mr. Kim’s window.

Pattern #2 – Apologize + for + noun

I apologize for the miscommunication.
Jack apologized his mistake.
Tommy needs to apologize for the accident.

Pattern #3 – be + sorry + for + gerund (VerbING)

I am sorry for missing your birthday.
Jack said he was sorry for coming to the meeting late.
Tommy told Mr. Kim that he is sorry for breaking the window.

Pattern #4 – be + sorry + for + noun

I am sorry for the miscommunication.
Jack said he is sorry for his mistake.
Tommy told Mr. Kim that he is sorry for the accident.
Also, be careful of this common mistake. Sometimes I hear students say, “I am sorry for late” or I am sorry to late,” but both of those sentences are not correct. To apologize when you are late you can say:

I’m sorry for being late (or) I’m sorry I’m late

Do you know another way to apologize in English? If so, why not leave a reply here and share your idea?