Used as an apology + reason. Also can be used to express regret.
- I’m sorry for the delay.
- I’m sorry for lying to you.
- I’m sorry for hurting your feelings.
- I’m sorry for the confusion.
- I’m sorry for forgetting.
- Writer’s Note
01
I’m sorry for the delay.
Situation 1
The lines are extremely long today.
I’m sorry for the delay.
That’s ok.
I’d like to check two baggages today.
Sure.
Place one of the bags on the scale, please.
Situation 2
I’m sorry for the delay today.
That’s alright.
I’ll have a cinnamon latte, extra hot.
Sure.
The buzzer will go off when your drink is ready.
Great, thanks!
02
I’m sorry for lying to you.
Situation 1
I’m sorry for lying to you, but you lied too.
I lied out of jealousy.
You were jealous of me talking to other guys?
Of course.
Wouldn’t you be?
Situation 2
I’m sorry for lying to you.
Why did you lie?
I thought the lie would protect us from an argument.
You can always tell me the truth.
03
I’m sorry for hurting your feelings.
Situation 1
I’m sorry for hurting your feelings.
It’s ok.
I’m used to it.
Don’t say that.
I shouldn’t have said those things.
Maybe next time we could talk when we’ve both cooled off.
Situation 2
I think it’s so rude to say someone looks tired.
I’m sorry for hurting your feelings.
That comment makes me feel like I look old.
I was just worried that something might be wrong.
04
I’m sorry for the confusion.
Situation 1
Did you say that you already had a blood test done?
I had a blood test done a few days ago.
Ok, I’m sorry for the confusion.
Just wanted to double check.
I hope everything is ok.
Situation 2
I’m sorry for the confusion, but do you have a twin sister?
I do!
She might have come into the store earlier to look for a new outfit.
I saw her earlier and got a little confused just now.
We get that a lot.
05
I’m sorry for forgetting.
Situation 1
Where’s my birthday present?
Birthday present?
You forgot, didn’t you?
I’m sorry for forgetting.
Situation 2
Are you still coming for coffee?
Oh gosh, I completely forgot.
That’s ok.
We can always meet up next time.
I’m sorry for forgetting.
Writer’s Note
Subject + be verb + sorry for + noun/gerund
He is sorry for being late.
She is sorry for lying.
We are sorry for your loss.
They were sorry about the confusion.
Subject + be verb + sorry about + noun/gerund/noun clause…
He is sorry about saying that.
She is sorry about not believing you.
We are sorry about the inconvenience.
They will be sorry about how the investigation ended.
TIP
You can use ‘be verb + not sorry’ to express that you DO NOT feel sorry.
I am not sorry for being me.
She is not sorry about the judgement.
We are not sorry for what we did.
