Expressions for Showing Regret, Apology, and Sympathy

Expressions for Showing Regret, Apology, and Sympathy 

What will you do if you damage your friends`s mobile phone?
What do you say to show your regret?

Apologizing

Forgive me. I’m terribly sorry about …
Please accept my apology for …
Please excuse … (e.g., my cat)
I would like to apologize for …
I apologize for …
I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to …
I’m sorry that …
Sorry…

Responses to Apology Expressions

That’s quite all right
I completely understand
You don’t need to apologize.
Oh, that’s all right. It can happen to anyone.
It’s not your fault.
Don’t worry about it
It’s OK
No problem.
Forget it.

Example of Apologizing in Short Dialogues

Example 1
Edo : Good morning, sir.
Mr. Kuncoro : Morning, Edo.
Edo : I would like to apologize for being late to class.
Mr. Kuncoro : Why do you come late?
Edo : My motorbike had a flat tyre on the way to school.
Mr. Kuncoro : It’s OK this time. Please be on time in the future.
Edo : Yes, I will. Thank you, sir.

Example 2
Manager : We’re sorry to have the meeting here. We know that it’s not comfortable here, but we have no choice. The meeting room is being renovated.
Guest : That’s all right, we completely understand .
Manager : Thank you.

Example 3
Lisa : Sorry, I forgot to bring your magazine back.
Ani : No problem, I have finished reading it and you may give it back to me next time.
Lisa : Thanks.

Expressing Sympathy

I’m sorry to hear that.
That’s ashamed.
That’s a pity.
That’s too bad.
How awful.
How terrible.
What a pity.
What a nuisance.

Here is How to Express a Sympathy in a Short Dialogue

Iwan : I saw someone pick you up at school yesterday. Who was he?
Adi : Oh, he’s my uncle. He told me that my mother had just passed away. Then he asked me to go home.
Iwan : I’m sorry to hear that, please accept my condolence.
Adi : Thanks