Cool MateMy apologies vs So sorry
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
My apologies
Top 2,000 (common)
So sorry
Top 2,000 (common)
| My apologies | So sorry | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //maɪ əˈpɒlədʒiz//🇺🇸 //maɪ əˈpɑlədʒiz// | 🇬🇧 //səʊ ˈsɒri//🇺🇸 //soʊ ˈsɔri// |
| Meaning | I'm sorry. | A way to express regret or apology. |
| Example | My apologies for the mistake. | I am *so sorry* for forgetting your birthday. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | extend my apologies, offer my apologies, express my apologies | say so sorry, feel so sorry, be so sorry, apologize and say so sorry |
| Antonyms | No apology, Unapologetic, No regrets | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'my excuse' which has a different meaning., Used too casually in formal settings. | Used too frequently in casual situations, may come off as insincere., Confusing with 'so sorry for' which needs an object., Not capitalizing 'So' at the beginning of a sentence. |
| Usage notes | Use this phrase to express regret; appropriate in most situations but more common in written or formal contexts. | Used to express sincere regret in various contexts, often in response to a mistake or misunderstanding. Suitable for both formal and informal situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: My apologies vs So sorry
What's the difference between My apologies and So sorry?
My apologies: I'm sorry. So sorry: A way to express regret or apology.
Can you show an example of each?
My apologies: My apologies for the mistake. So sorry: I am *so sorry* for forgetting your birthday.
Can I use My apologies and So sorry interchangeably?
Not always. My apologies and So sorry 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.