Word Family Worksheets

➡ Ever so sorry! - quite formal 

It's a stronger apology than just 'sorry'. 

➡ Sorry! - a general short apology. 

We use this when we bump into people on the street. At other times, it sounds too weak. 

➡ I'm (so/very/terribly) sorry! 

We use 'so', 'very' and 'terribly' to make the meaning stronger. 'Terribly' is the strongest. If we use one of the words in brackets, it is stressed. 

➡ How stupid/careless/thoughtless of me! 

We use this to criticise ourselves and the mistake that we have just made. 

➡ Pardon (me)/That's my fault/Sorry. It was all my fault! 

We use these to take all the responsibility for what happened. That's my fault is a little stronger. 

➡ Please excuse my (ignorance)!!! 

We use this one to apologise for our lack of knowledge or ability. We can replace the word in brackets with other nouns, e.g.carelessness, forgetfulness. 

➡ Please don't be mad at me! 

Asking the other person not to get angry. The tone is quite informal. 

➡ Please accept our (sincerest) apologies. 

It is often used in formal letters. The word 'sincerest' makes the apology very strong and very formal.