Cool MateApologies vs Sorry about that
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Apologies
Top 2,000 (common)
Sorry about that
Top 2,000 (common)
| Apologies | Sorry about that | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //əˈpɒlədʒiz//🇺🇸 //əˈpɑːlədʒiz// | 🇬🇧 //ˈsɒri əˈbaʊt ðæt//🇺🇸 //ˈsɔri əˈbaʊt ðæt// |
| Meaning | Saying you're sorry for something you did wrong. | An expression of apology for a mistake or inconvenience. |
| Example | He made his apologies to the crowd for being late. | I'm so sorry about that, I didn't mean to spill your drink. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | extend apologies, offer apologies, accept apologies, make an apology, issue apologies | sorry about that mistake, sorry about that delay, sorry about that accident, sorry about that confusion, sorry about that interruption |
| Antonyms | refusal, insult, offense | - |
| Common mistakes | Using 'apologies' without specifying what for., Confusing 'apologies' with 'apologize' as a verb., Overusing 'apologies' in casual contexts. | Using it for serious offenses; it's too casual., Forgetting to provide a reason for the apology., Not using it in the right tone; it can sound insincere if not expressed well. |
| Usage notes | Use 'apologies' in both formal and informal settings. In formal contexts, use complete phrases like 'I offer my sincere apologies'. Avoid using it in casual conversations where just 'sorry' may suffice. | Use 'sorry about that' to apologize for minor issues. It is appropriate in casual and semi-formal contexts, but avoid in very formal situations. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Apologies vs Sorry about that
What's the difference between Apologies and Sorry about that?
Apologies: Saying you're sorry for something you did wrong. Sorry about that: An expression of apology for a mistake or inconvenience.
Can you show an example of each?
Apologies: He made his apologies to the crowd for being late. Sorry about that: I'm so sorry about that, I didn't mean to spill your drink.
Can I use Apologies and Sorry about that interchangeably?
Not always. Apologies and Sorry about that are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.