glass
لولی خان کی
to come in نے آt
urmer
how
GLOSSARY:
to step in:
apologize: Gown express regret for wrong
accommodate fit in, provide space
harsh:
unpleasantly rough seve
shelter: 1
place for temporary prote
shivering: Wik shake slightly and uncon
terrible: extremely bad
doubt or reluctance
67
they
بنا ر
was
فقال
إداد hesitation
Answers
Answer:
When a van forced my bicycle off the road near Japan’s Mt. Fuji, the driver apologized all the way to the hospital and even as the doctors led me to the CT scanner.
Hours later, when I reemerged from the hospital with my arm and head wrapped in bandages, the driver was still there — standing next to my damaged bike and holding my gear. His apologies didn’t change the outcome, but exhibiting compassion, empathy and holding himself accountable slightly eased the pain.
How do you apologize? What do you say when you need to admit fault or when you have to ask for clarity? What do you say when you want to interject, express regret or sympathy?
In this post, I’m going to share when and how to apologize in multiple situations with family, friends, colleagues and others.
Apologize When Admitting Fault
Admit fault when making mistakes, arriving late, upsetting others, etc.
Include a short explanation or an action step for serious apologies in order to reduce the chance of someone being extremely upset, but also to increase the chance of your apology being accepted.
For example, if a student arrived late to class or a guest arrived late to a dinner party, she might first apologize and then add a short explanation.
I’m sorry for being late. I missed the train.
Additionally, if a customer complained that he’s been waiting 30 minutes for his food, the server might first apologize and then add an action step.
I’m terribly sorry. I’ll check with the kitchen right now.
Phrases
My Bad (very casual)
A: My bad (bumping into someone).
B: No worries.
My Fault
A: We lost the account. They went with another firm.
B: It’s my fault. I should’ve been more prepared for the presentation.
My Mistake
A: You said the cafe’s on the right, next to Chipotle.
B: My mistake. It’s on the left, next to Taco Bell.
I was Wrong About…
A: That movie was terrible!
B: You’re right! I was wrong about that one. Sorry.
It is/was my Fault/Mistake
A: Which one of you left the front door open all night?
B: It’s my fault, dad.
There is/was a Mistake (shifting fault to an unspecified person or thing).
A: There’s a mistake on the bill. We didn’t order the nachos.
B: Oh! I’m awfully sorry about that. I’ll take care of it.
Sorry
A: Sorry (bumping into someone).
B: No problem.
Sorry About That
A: You forgot to call me this morning.
B: Sorry about that. I woke up late.
I’m Sorry
A: I’m sorry (stepping on someone’s foot). I didn’t see you.
B: No worries.
I’m Sorry to…
A: I’m sorry to be late. I missed the train.
B: Ok. Please have a seat.
I’m Sorry for…
A: I’ve been on hold for 15 minutes.
B: I’m sorry for the inconvenience. How can I help?
I’m Sorry You’re Upset
A: We should’ve left earlier! Now, we’re going to be late.
B: I didn’t think we’d get stuck in traffic at this hour.
A: We’re stuck!
B: Well, I’m sorry you’re upset.
I’m So/Really/Very Sorry
A: Excuse me. My child just spilled a carton of milk on aisle 12. I’m really sorry.
B: Thank you, ma’am. I’ll have someone clean it up immediately.
I’m Awfully/Genuinely/Terribly Sorry
A: I’m terribly sorry about the broken vase.
B: I inherited it from my grandmother.
A: How can I make this up to you?
My Humble/Deepest/Sincere Apologies
A: Please accept our sincere apologies, Mr Kawasaki. We’ve credited your account for the last 2 nights.
B: Well, thank you.
Please Forgive Me
A: Please forgive me, Ms. Stone. I made a mistake. We only have 13 chairs.
B: How many guests are coming?
A: 30.
Please Excuse…
A: Please excuse me. I don’t like to breastfeed in public, but I have no choice on the plane.
B: I understand. I’ll use the restroom to give you some privacy.
That is/was a Mistake
A: Can you believe that we left for the airport without our passports?
B: Yep, that was definitely a mistake!
Would/Can You Forgive Me?
A: I’m sorry I forgot your birthday. Can you forgive me?
B: I’ll think about it.
A man standing in front of closed subway doors, scratching his head.
A man standing in front of closed subway doors, scratching his head.
Photo by Fabrizio Verrecchia on Unsplash