Guide 68 / 200 6 swaps Formal register
Professional words for “apologise”
Five ways to apologise at different registers.
i · When it mattersTwo lines, no filler
An apology has two parts: acknowledgement and ownership. Each phrase here carries a different balance — pick the one that matches what you are prepared to own.
ii · The swaps6 ways
- 01Apologise neutral
standard general-purpose apology
We apologise for the delay in response.
- 02Regret formal
stronger, more impersonal
We regret the inconvenience caused.
- 03Extend apologies formal
formal phrasing for letters
We extend our sincerest apologies.
- 04Acknowledge the error formal
admit the fact without emotion
We acknowledge the error in our earlier statement.
- 05Accept responsibility formal
ownership — highest stakes
We accept responsibility for the breach.
- 06Sorry neutral
personal, unambiguous
I'm sorry for what happened on the call.
iii · And what not to sayKeep this one
"Mistakes were made" is the classic non-apology — passive voice hides the subject. Avoid it when real accountability is needed.