What is sorry? Pronunciation and usage in English

sorry means . Learn how to pronounce and use sorry through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of sorry

sorryadjective

/ˈsɒri/
Definition & pronunciation of sorry

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "sorry" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /sɔːri/ (This is the British English pronunciation)

Let's break that down further:

  • sɔː – This is the core syllable. It's a diphthong (a gliding vowel sound). It's generally described as sounding like the "aw" in "law" or "caught." The 'ɔ' is a rounded, open back vowel.
  • ri – This is a simple, short 'r' sound, like in "red."

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the sounds (using IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

  • s – /s/ (as in "sun")
  • o – /oʊ/ (as in "boat") - This is a long "o" sound.
  • r – /r/ (a tapped "r" - sometimes a little softer than in American English)
  • y – /i/ (as in "bit")

American English Pronunciation:

  • /sɔːri/ (The same as British English, but the 'r' is often softer – more like a tap or a minimal "uh"-sound instead of a strong "r")

Tips for getting it right:

  • Focus on the "aw" sound: This is the most important part. Practice saying "law" and "caught" repeatedly.
  • Don't over-emphasize the ‘r’: Especially in American English, the ‘r’ following the ‘o’ is often just a link sound, not a strong, distinct ‘r’.
  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to learn is to hear how it's pronounced. You can find examples on:
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/sorry/ (This site has pronunciations by native speakers from different regions.)
    • Google Translate: Type "sorry" and click the speaker icon.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce sorry"

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Which English dialect are you most interested in learning? (e.g., British, American, Australian)

Usage and examples with the word sorry in English

Let's break down how to use "sorry" effectively in English. It's a versatile word with many nuances! Here's a breakdown of how and when to use it, categorized for clarity:

1. Expressing Regret (Most Common)

  • For Mistakes You Made: This is the most common use. You’re expressing regret for something you did wrong.

    • Example: "I’m so sorry I was late. The traffic was terrible."
    • Example: "Sorry about that – I didn’t realize I bumped into you."
    • Example: “I’m really sorry for hurting your feelings.”

  • For a Situation You Didn't Control: Sometimes, you can be sorry for a negative situation unfolding, even if you didn't cause it.

    • Example: “I’m so sorry to hear about your grandmother’s illness.” (You’re expressing sympathy)
    • Example: "Sorry to hear you lost your job."

2. Polite Apologies

  • Short and Sweet: "Sorry" is perfectly acceptable for minor inconveniences.

    • Example: "Sorry, can I help you?"
    • Example: "Sorry, I didn't catch that."

  • More Formal Apologies: For more significant errors, or when you want to show deeper remorse, you can use:

    • "I sincerely apologize." (More formal and weighty)
    • "I’m deeply sorry." (Expresses strong regret)
    • “Please accept my apologies.” (Very formal, often used in business or official contexts)

3. Showing Empathy and Sympathy

  • Expressing Concern: You can use "sorry" to show you understand someone’s difficulty.
    • Example: “I’m sorry you’re going through that.”
    • Example: “Sorry to hear you're feeling down.”

4. Offering an Excuse (Use Carefully!)

  • It can sometimes feel like an excuse, so be mindful. It’s generally better to accept responsibility.
    • Example: “Sorry, I’m a bit distracted.” (This is often better phrased as, "Excuse me, I'm a little distracted right now.")
    • Important: Don’t use “sorry” to deflect blame. If you did something wrong, own up to it.

5. Other Ways to Use "Sorry"

  • "Sorry to bother you." (When interrupting someone)
  • "Sorry for the wait." (If you’ve kept someone waiting)
  • "Sorry, no." (Declining politely)

Important Nuances & Variations:

  • "I'm so sorry" vs. "I'm sorry": “I’m so sorry” adds extra emphasis and emotion. Use it when you want to convey a stronger feeling of regret.
  • Tone of Voice: Your tone is just as important as the words themselves. Say “sorry” with sincerity and genuine concern.
  • Body Language: Make eye contact (if appropriate), and have a slightly apologetic expression on your face.

Here’s a table summarizing the uses:

Use Case Example Level of Formality
Minor Mistake "Sorry, I spilled my drink." Informal
Significant Mistake "I’m so sorry I broke your vase." Informal/Formal
Expressing Sympathy “I’m sorry to hear about your loss.” Informal/Formal
Politeness (Offering Help) “Sorry, can I help you find something?” Informal
Formal Apology “I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.” Formal

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of situation are you thinking about using "sorry" in? (e.g., apologizing for a mistake, expressing sympathy, being polite)

Synonyms for the word sorry

Idioms of the word sorry

be/feel sorry for somebody
to be sad or feel sympathy for somebody
  • He decided to help Jan as he felt sorry for her.
better safe than sorry
(saying)used to say that it is wiser to be too careful than to act too quickly and do something you may later wish you had not
  • She decided to avoid travelling at night. Better safe than sorry.
feel sorry for yourself
(informal, disapproving)to feel unhappy; to be sad about yourself because you are suffering
  • Stop feeling sorry for yourself and think about other people for a change.
  • Mitch felt slightly sorry for himself.
I’m sorry
used when you are apologizing for something
  • I'm sorry, I forgot.
  • Oh, I'm sorry. Have I taken the one you wanted?
  • I'm sorry. I can't make it tomorrow.
  • I'm sorry to interrupt but there's an urgent call for you.
used for disagreeing with somebody or politely saying ‘no’
  • I'm sorry, I don't agree.
  • I'm sorry, I'd rather you didn't go.
used for introducing bad news
  • I'm sorry to have to tell you you've failed.
I’m sorry to say
used for saying that something is disappointing
  • He didn't accept the job, I'm sorry to say.

Practice with vocabulary sorry

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. I am so ______ for the delay in sending you the report; I underestimated the complexity of the data analysis.
  2. The management would like to ______ for any inconvenience caused by the unexpected system outage.
  3. I'm truly ______ to hear about the cancellation of your presentation. That's really unfortunate.
  4. Could you please repeat that? I didn't quite catch the last part. ______.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. When you accidentally bump into someone in a crowded hallway, what's an appropriate immediate response? a) No problem b) Excuse me c) Sorry d) Oh, my bad

  2. You are unable to attend an important team meeting due to a prior commitment. How would you formally express this? a) I can't make it. b) I deeply regret that I won't be able to attend. c) Unfortunately, I have a prior engagement. d) Sorry, I'm busy.

  3. Your colleague tells you their project deadline has been unexpectedly moved forward, causing them stress. What can you say to show empathy? a) That's tough. b) I'm sorry to hear that. c) What a bummer. d) That must be frustrating.

  4. To politely get someone's attention when they are engrossed in conversation, you might say: a) Hey! b) Excuse me, but could I interrupt for a moment? c) Pardon me, could I just interject? d) Sorry, I need to talk to you.

  5. You realize you've made a minor error in a report you just submitted. How do you inform your manager? a) My apologies, I've found a small mistake on page 3. b) I'm sorry, I need to correct something in the report. c) Oops, a typo! d) There's an error in the report, my fault.

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: "I feel bad about missing the team brainstorming session yesterday." Rewrite using "sorry" or a related word form.

  2. Original: "It was unfortunate that the funding proposal was rejected." Rewrite without using "sorry", using a suitable replacement word.

  3. Original: "Please forgive my late submission of the weekly progress update." Rewrite using "sorry" or a related word form.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. sorry
  2. apologize
  3. sorry
  4. Pardon me

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) Excuse me, c) Sorry, d) Oh, my bad
  2. b) I deeply regret that I won't be able to attend., c) Unfortunately, I have a prior engagement.
  3. a) That's tough., b) I'm sorry to hear that., d) That must be frustrating.
  4. b) Excuse me, but could I interrupt for a moment?, c) Pardon me, could I just interject?
  5. a) My apologies, I've found a small mistake on page 3., b) I'm sorry, I need to correct something in the report., d) There's an error in the report, my fault.

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. I'm sorry I missed the team brainstorming session yesterday.
  2. We regret that the funding proposal was rejected.
  3. I'm sorry for the late submission of the weekly progress update.

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