
  Define your concepts!
 Ten Expressions to Use In Speaking And Writing:
- Sorry.
 - I'm (so / very / terribly) sorry.
 - Ever so sorry.
 - How stupid/careless/thoughtless of me.
 - Pardon (me)
 - That's my fault.
 - Sorry. It was all my fault.
 - Please excuse my (ignorance)
 - Please don't be mad at me.
 - Please accept our (sincerest) apologies.
 
 How To Use These Phrases In Your English
- Phrase 1 is a general short apology. We use this when we bump into people on the street. At other times, it sounds too weak.
 - In phrase 2, we use 'so', 'very' and 'terribly' to make the meaning stronger. 'Terribly' is the strongest. If we use one of the words in brackets, it is stressed.
 - Phrase 3 is quite formal but it's a stronger apology than just 'sorry'.
 - We use phrase 4 to criticise ourselves and the mistake that we have just made.
 - We use phrases 6 and 7 to take all the responsibility for what happened. Phrase 7 is a little stronger.
 - We use phrase 8 to apologise for our lack of knowledge or ability. We can replace the word in brackets with other nouns, e.g. carelessness, forgetfulness.
 - Phrase 9 is asking the other person not to get angry. The tone is quite informal.
 - Phrase 10 is often used in formal letters. The word 'sincerest' makes the apology very strong and very formal.