How to Write Apologies - How to Write Letters | Gallaudet University (2024)

Do you have an apology to make? Have you been late in saying thank you for a gift or invitation? Have you been involved in some kind of misunderstanding that you want to clear up? Has your child misbehaved? Have you damaged someone else’s property? Have you been unable to keep an appointment or a promise? Have you been rude or insensitive?
Here are some tips on how to write your apology with dignity and sincerity.

Guidelines for writing apologies:

  • Write as soon as possible after the incident. Apologize, but do not go overboard by saying, “I am very, very, very sorry.” Keep it simple and to the point. Summarize what you are apologizing for, and apologize only for the particular situation or problem. Be brief. Apologize cheerfully and sincerely. Do not express feelings of guilt.
  • Explain what you will do to correct the mistake or situation. Assure the person that this will not happen again.
  • Do not put blame on another person and do not blame problems on computer errors or carelessness.
  • Thank the person for bringing the problem to your attention if you were unaware of the situation.
  • Reread the letter to check your grammar, spelling and tone.

Helpful words you can use

Click on each word to get definitions and examples from WordNet 2.0 Vocabulary Helper.

AcknowledgeAdmitAmendApologize
CompensateExcuseExplainFail
ForgiveIntendMisinterpretMisquote
MistakeMisunderstandNeglectOffend
PardonPatienceRectifyRegret
ReimburseRepairRepaySorry
UnderstandingViolateWrong

Missing an Appointment

To Mr. Happy Day,
I would like to apologize for missing our scheduled appointment last Wednesday, April 21, 2015. I also apologize for not calling in advance to cancel. I will call your office this week to reschedule a meeting with you.
Thank you for your understanding and patience.
Sincerely,
Your Signature
Your typed name

Apology for Reply to Belated Invitation

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Alott,
Thank you for the invitation to your party. However, please accept my apologies for this late reply.
I would very much like to attend your party and hope that you can accept my RSVP at this late date. Please let me know if I am too late in responding.
Again, thank you so much for the invitation.
Thank you,
Your Signature
Your typed name

Apology for Broken Object

Dear Ms. Green,
I would like to apologize for the damage my daughter caused to your window. Please send me the repair bill, so I can reimburse you. I assure you that this will not happen again. If there is anything else I can do for you, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Your Signature
Your typed name, your neighbor

sourced by Janel Muyesseroglu

How to Write Apologies - How to Write Letters | Gallaudet University (2024)

FAQs

How to Write Apologies - How to Write Letters | Gallaudet University? ›

Write as soon as possible after the incident. Apologize, but do not go overboard by saying, “I am very, very, very sorry.” Keep it simple and to the point. Summarize what you are apologizing for, and apologize only for the particular situation or problem. Be brief.

How do you write an apology letter to a university? ›

You can follow these steps when you are writing an apology letter.
  1. Make sure you acknowledge your fault.
  2. Show that you understand the inconvenience caused by your actions and sincerely apologise for it.
  3. Assure that you will fix the problem. ...
  4. Request the receiver to accept your apology.
  5. Ensure that you will not repeat it.

How to properly write an apology letter? ›

How to write an apology letter
  1. 1 Apologize unconditionally. At the beginning of your apology letter, write “I'm sorry for . . .” or “I apologize for . . .” followed by what you're specifically remorseful about. ...
  2. 2 Acknowledge the impact. ...
  3. 3 Atone for the wrongdoing. ...
  4. 4 Offer reassurance.
Sep 16, 2022

How do you apologize academically? ›

I am writing to express my sincerest apologies for my actions regarding [mention the specific academic misconduct, e.g., plagiarism, cheating on an exam, etc.], in the [Course Name or Exam]. I understand that my actions violated the academic integrity standards of [School Name], and I deeply regret my decision.

How to apologize professionally? ›

12 tips for how to apologize genuinely and professionally
  1. Express sincere regret. ...
  2. Make amends. ...
  3. Make sure your apology is for the right reasons. ...
  4. Choose your timing correctly. ...
  5. Only apologize for your part in the conflict. ...
  6. Provide context without making excuses. ...
  7. Admit your error. ...
  8. Take ownership of your actions.

What is a good apology example? ›

Statements such as "I am very sorry," "How can I make up for this?" and "I won't ever do that again" are examples of the ways in which we can admit that we are at fault and that we regret our actions. Good apologies can prevent small problems from escalating and are a useful tool in conflict resolution.

How to write a sincere heartfelt apology? ›

toggle caption
  1. Say you're sorry. ...
  2. Say what it is that you're apologizing for. ...
  3. Show you understand why it was bad, take ownership, and show that you understand why you caused hurt.
  4. Don't make excuses.
  5. Say why it won't happen again. ...
  6. If it's relevant, make reparations: "I'm going to pay for the dry cleaning.
Jan 25, 2023

What are good sentence starters for an apology letter? ›

I am truly sorry that I did this. I want to make things better. Tell me how I can do that. In the future I will ____________________________________________.

How to write a letter of apology without admitting guilt? ›

Do not express feelings of guilt. Explain what you will do to correct the mistake or situation. Assure the person that this will not happen again. Do not put blame on another person and do not blame problems on computer errors or carelessness.

How do I start off an apology? ›

Every apology should start with two magic words: "I'm sorry," or "I apologize." For example, you could say: "I'm sorry that I snapped at you yesterday. I feel embarrassed and ashamed by the way I acted." Your words need to be sincere and authentic .

How do you apologize intelligently? ›

Aaron Lazare, an apology expert and former chancellor and dean of the University of Massachusetts Medical School, a good apology has four elements:
  1. Acknowledge the offense. ...
  2. Explain what happened. ...
  3. Express remorse. ...
  4. Offer to make amends.
Dec 21, 2023

What is an example of a sincere apology letter? ›

I am writing to express my sincere apologies for [describe the mistake]. I deeply regret my actions and understand the impact they have had on you. It was not my intention to cause any harm, and I take full responsibility for my behavior. I assure you that I am taking steps to ensure that this does not happen again.

What is the best message for "sorry"? ›

Apology Message to a Lover, Parent or Friend
  • I really messed up when I…
  • I can't believe I…
  • I shouldn't have…
  • I feel so bad that I…
  • I was wrong to…
  • I should have known that…
  • I didn't think about…

What is the most sincere way to apologize? ›

Acknowledge what you did wrong

It's important for the person you're apologizing to to see that you recognize your mistake, so be clear and explicit about the actions or behaviors you're sorry for. Showing an understanding of what went wrong without avoiding the details can show your apology is genuine.

How to start an apology letter? ›

Therefore, make sure you say these exact words: “I'm sorry.” If you open the letter with “I'm sorry, but…” you are off to a bad start. This is a sure sign that you are not actually going to take responsibility for what happened. Therefore, always open your letter with the words: “I'm sorry.”

What is a very formal way to apologize? ›

How to say sorry in formal letters or emails
  • Please accept my sincere apologies for ...
  • I'm truly sorry for ...
  • I take full responsibility for ...
  • It was wrong to ...
  • I deeply regret this mistake has happened.
Jun 2, 2022

How can I Write a good apology letter due to a disrespectful behavior? ›

With all due respect and humble submission, I would like to sincerely apologize for my harsh behaviour in class. I'm sorry for my conduct and the repercussions. I didn't mean to disrespect you in any way, nor did I want to ruin the mood of the class, and now I see that my behaviour was entirely wrong and disrespectful.

How to Write a legal apology letter? ›

‍Detail personal circ*mstances, such as your age, the shame and reflection you've undergone since the incident. ‍Express that you will not repeat this behaviour again, and do not try to make excuses for why you committed the crime that you did. Simply acknowledge your wrongdoings and take full accountability.

How to apologize to someone you hurt deeply letter? ›

Please accept my sincerest apologies for my thoughtless actions and the hurt they have inflicted upon you. I am deeply aware of the pain and disappointment I have caused you, and I want you to know that I feel an immense sense of guilt and regret for my behavior.

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