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Session 34

What phrases can you use to apologise to your boss? Let Sam teach you in this English In A Minute.

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Wayitii marii qabxii 34

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    Activity 1
  1. Activity 1

Activity 1

Ways to say 'sorry' part 2 - formal apologies

What phrases can you use to apologise to your boss? Let Sam teach you in this English In A Minute.

Vidiyoo daawwadhuuti shaakala kana xumuri

Barreeffama agarsiisiBarreeffama dhoksi

Sam

Let’s take a minute to have a look at different ways you can apologise in a formal situation.

Imagine you’re in an important meeting at work and you interrupted your boss.

To say sorry, you might say:

Sorry …
Excuse me …
Pardon me…
Apologies…
I sincerely apologise for… interrupting or for the interruption

Because for is a preposition, you can either use a gerund or a noun.

Now imagine you’re in the same important meeting at work and you give a presentation in front of your boss that is incomplete and full of mistakes.

To say sorry, you might say:

I’m afraid I didn’t finish the presentation.

Don’t be confused – afraid does not mean scared here – it’s like sorry, but more formal.

And notice that after afraid, we put a full clause or sentence.

Ways to say 'sorry' part 2 - formal apologies

If you’re in an important meeting at work and you interrupt your boss, you should apologise.

To say sorry, you start your :

Sorry …
Excuse me …
Pardon me…
Apologies…
I sincerely apologise 

If you want to say why you are apologising, we often use the word for.

Because for is a preposition, you can either use a gerund or a noun after it.

  • Sorry for interrupting you.
  • Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt you.
  • Sorry for the interruption.

You can also use the word afraid to mean sorry. After afraid, we put a full clause or sentence.

  • I'm afraid I forgot the meeting.
  • I'm afraid to say that you're out of line.

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