Can’t Stop Saying Sorry? Try These Professional Alternatives

The best ways to apologize without saying “I’m sorry”

Co-authored by Aly Rusciano Reviewed by Seth Hall

Last Updated: October 4, 2024 Fact Checked

If you’ve clicked on this article, chances are you’re tired of saying “sorry.” Maybe you messed up at work or forgot to call a friend when you said you would. Either way, the words “I’m sorry” are on the tip of your tongue, but what if you’re over-using them? Does the situation warrant an apology, and is there a way to say sorry without actually saying it? Take a look at these professionally approved ways you can apologize in any situation.

Things You Should Know

Accept responsibility for your actions so your boss or friend knows you’re accountable.
Instead of saying “sorry,” try saying “thank you” to stay positive and accept criticism.
Let your actions speak louder than your words by not repeating the same mistake twice.

1

Accept responsibility.

Download Article

One of the best things you can do is take accountability. Whether you’ve done something wrong at work or with a friend, a great way to say you’re sorry is to take responsibility for your actions. For instance, you could say:
- “I understand that I’m responsible for missing the deadline.”
- “You’ve been there to help me, and I should’ve been there to support you.”
- “It’s my fault I wasn’t paying attention to the road.”

2

Express gratitude.

Download Article

A simple “thank you” can go beyond an apology. In the workplace, rather than resorting to the term “sorry,” try saying “thank you” instead, especially when it comes to constructive criticism. This is a great way to stay positive, accept feedback, and stop over apologizing.^{[1]
X
Research source} If your boss informs you that you’ve done something wrong or need to improve, show gratitude without admitting guilt with:
- “Thank you for the feedback.”
- “I appreciate you bringing this to my attention. How can I improve moving forward?”
- “Thank you for being honest with me.”

3

Be appreciative.

Download Article

Stop over apologizing by showing gratitude and support. A main reason why you may be over apologetic at work is because you’re over compensating for fears or insecurities. Take each mistake and critique as a learning lesson—how can you grow stronger? Replace apologetic language with appreciative words to be capable and supportive.^{[2]
X
Trustworthy Source

Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
Nonprofit organization providing innovative, effective educational resources for educators designed to support student achievement

Go to source} For example:
- Say you interrupt someone at work. Rather than saying, “I’m sorry for taking up you time,” try, “I truly appreciate you taking the time to talk with me today.”
- If a colleague points out a mistake in your recent review, try saying, “Thank you for pointing that out. I really appreciate the input.”

4

Discuss the foreseeable future.

Download Article

Having the drive to change is the best apology you can make. Your desires are stronger than a simple apology. Let your boss or friend know how you plan on fixing your mistake or altering your behavior—what steps are you taking to ensure it won’t happen again?^{[3]
X
Research source} Try saying something along the lines of:
- “In the future, I’ll be sure to contact every team member personally.”
- “Next time, I’ll make calling you my first priority.”
- “I’ll turn my phone off during class moving forward.”

Quiz

wikiHow Quiz: What Is My Apology Language?

You’ve probably heard of love languages, but what about apology languages? Developed by Dr. Gary Chapman (the creator of the 5 Love Languages) alongside Dr. Jennifer Thomas, apology languages are the preferred ways that people like to give and receive apologies. By knowing yours, you can learn how to resolve problems in a more effective and meaningful way. Take this quiz to find out.

1 of 12

Whoops! You just broke your sibling’s phone. What’s your response?

“Could you ever forgive me for breaking your phone screen?”

“I am so sorry that I broke your screen. I feel terrible about this.”

“I wasn’t being careful—this is on me. This is tough reminder for me to be more alert.”

“I’m truly sorry about your phone screen. I’ll pay to have it fixed ASAP.”

5

Take action.

Download Article

Actions truly speak louder than words. Rather than saying “I’m sorry,” correct your mistake by not doing it again.^{[4]
X
Research source} For instance, say you came into work late. Express to your colleagues that your tardiness won’t become a recurring theme, and then make sure it doesn’t by leaving home early every morning.
- You may be over apologizing because you doubt yourself, so turn that around! Be confident and authoritative in your choices in and outside of work. If you have the confidence to back up your actions, you won’t need to make unnecessary apologies.
- Reader Poll: We asked 170 wikiHow readers what would most rebuild their trust in someone, and only 5% of them said they apologize immediately when they hurt your feelings. [Take Poll] Apologizing is a great first step to rebuilding trust, but actions speak louder than words. It’s important to show that you’re willing to change your behavior.

6

Be empathetic.

Download Article

Show remorse by reflecting on what others may feel. Sometimes, a simple “I’m sorry” can come across as insincere because it’s rooted in sympathy rather than empathy. If a friend or colleague confides in you about a difficult situation, rather than saying “I’m sorry” because you don’t know what else to say, be empathetic:^{[5]
X
Trustworthy Source

American Academy of Family Physicians
Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities

Go to source}
- “That sounds like it’s been really difficult.”
- “I can only imagine what you’ve been going through. Is there anything I can do to help?”
- “I’m here for you whenever you need anything.”

7

Ask for feedback.

Download Article

Open the conversation for more critics. If you’re tired of apologizing at work, take the next critique as a sign to explore what you can do to improve. Not only is this a great way to apologize, but it also shows your boss that you’re willing to handle and accept criticism.^{[6]
X
Trustworthy Source

Harvard Business Review
Online and print journal covering topics related to business management practices

Go to source}
- “Is there anything else I can do moving forward to improve my work performance?”
- “On the topic of yesterday’s meeting, in the future, would you like me to ask questions directly or wait to message you after the meeting?”
- “How would you like me to turn in assignments moving forward?”

8

Commit to correcting mistakes.

Download Article

An excellent way to apologize is not to be a repeat offender. Make a commitment to yourself, boss, and/or friend to correct what you’ve done wrong. This way, they’ll know you’ve learned from their critique without you having to admit any guilt.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- For example, if a friend has asked you not to show up at their house unannounced, send them a quick text and wait for a response before leaving your house from here on out.
- If your boss asks to have files on their desk at the end of each week, work diligently to have all the paperwork completed and turned in on time.

9

Reword a classic “I’m sorry” apology.

Download Article

Saying “sorry” for every situation can get tiring. If you’re prone to apologizing for everything, try replacing the term “I’m sorry” with something more authoritative. For instance, say you have something you’d like to add or counter during a company meeting. Use language like this to politely interject and express your opinion without saying “sorry”:
- “I’d like to weigh in if that’s okay.”
- “Is now a good time for a question?”^{[8]
  X
  Research source}
- “Here’s a different perspective…”