I'm glad I was able to help you.

Illustrative Examples

1. -I'm sorry I'm late, I had to wait ages for a bus.

-That's all right. We haven't started yet.

2. -I'm terribly sorry, I've forgotten to bring the book I promised you.

- Don't worry. I've got another one to read.

3. -You've torn the cover of this book. -Have I really? I am sorry.

-You should be more careful.

-Yes. I'm ever so sorry. I'll take it home and mend it.

4 - I'm awfully sorry but I've broken a cup.

-Never mind. I never did like those cups anyway.

5. - I/ do apologise for not letting you know before. I couldn't get through to you on the phone.

- It's quite all right.

6. -I'm so sorry to cause you all this trouble.

- No trouble at all.

6. -There's a good play on television tonight.

- Sorry.

-I said there^’s a good play on television tonight.

-Oh, is there? What time?

8. - Excuse me. That's my seat.

- Oh, is it? Sorry. or: - I (do) beg your pardon.

(emphatic, very formal)

9. -I'm sorry for losing my temper last night.

-You are, are you? Well, I wish you'd learn to control yourself. You completely ruined my evening.

10. - Oh dear. I've spilt tea on the tablecloth. I'm 'ever so sorry.

- It doesn't matter. The cloth needed washing any­way.

2. Practice Section

Exercise 1. Choose the best answer.

1. After wrecking your brother’s car you say to him:

a. Sorry, Jack. b. I hope you don’t mind, Jack. I've run the car into a wall. c. I'm terribly sorry, Jack. I'm afraid I’ve dam­aged your car.

2. When you want to get to the front of the bus, past some standing passengers, you say:

a. Sorry. b. I beg your pardon. c. Excuse me.

3. When you tread on someone's toe, you say:

a. I must apologise for treading on your toe. b. I'm so sorry c. I beg your pardon.

4. If a senior colleague apologises for keeping you waiting, you say:

a. That's OK. b. That's quite all right. c. Don’t mention it.

5. If you have not heard what someone said, you say:

a. Sorry. b. Excuse me. c. Repeat it, please.

6. If you have to interrupt someone in his work be­cause you need his help or advice, you begin by saying:

a.. I beg your pardon. B. I'm sorry to trouble you. c. May I interrupt you?

Exercise 2. Make up sentences, using one item from each column.

I’m

very ever so terribly awfully dreadfully

sorry

but

I’ve lost the key. I can’t remember the name. I overslept this morning. I’ve eaten all the cake. I’ve lost the book you lent me. I’ve burnt the potatoes. I haven’t done the translation. I’ve spilt coffee on the tablecloth. I forgot to water the plants.

Exercise 3. What would you say in the following sit­uations? (Address your apology to another student who then replies.)

1. You've broken a vase while visiting your aunt.

2. You are late for a class.

3. You forgot to ring a friend last night.

4. You didn't hear what your neighbour said.

5. You lost an umbrella which your sister lent you.

5. You accidentally knock someone's arm in a shop.

5. You want to pass someone to get to your seat in the cinema.

8. A librarian has spent some time helping you to find

a book the author of which you could not remember.

9. You have spilt coffee on a friend's suit.

10. You made a noise coming in late last night (and woke your parents up).

11. You let the shop door swing back in someone's face.

12. You leave your guests alone for some time (to finish getting the supper ready).

Exercise 4. Reply to the following apologies, avoiding repetition as far as possible.

1. I’m sorry.

2. So sorry.

3. I do apologise for keeping you waiting.

4. I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch your name.

5. I'm sorry to disturb you.

6. Do excuse me for looking so untidy.

7. I'm sorry I’m late.

10. I must apologise for our secretary’s rudeness.

Exercise 5. Make up your own dialogues based on those given below.

(i)

A. I’m awfully sorry, but I’ve broken a plate.

B. Oh, don’t worry about that.

A. I’m so sorry. Tell me where you bought it so I can get you another.

B. No, certainly not. I never did like it anyway.

(ii)

A. I’m afraid I’ve spilt coffee over the table-cloth.

B. Oh, never mind.

A. I’m terribly sorry. Won’t you let me pay for it?

B. No. I won’t hear of it.