Explanation
Exercises
Writing · A2

Write an Apology Message

Learn how to write a short, sincere apology message. Say clearly what you are sorry about, explain what happened, show responsibility, and offer a practical way to make the situation better.

Apologies and Taking Responsibility Informal apology message 20 min 45–55 words
Lesson progress
Explanation · 1 / 4

Learn how to apologise clearly: greet the person, say sorry, explain what happened, show that you understand the problem, offer a solution, and finish politely.

Learning objective

In this lesson, you will learn how to start an informal apology message naturally, use sorry + subject + verb or sorry for + noun / -ing, explain what happened with simple past forms, show responsibility, offer a solution using will or can, and finish politely.

Model text

Hi Ben, I’m really sorry I forgot to bring your book today. I know you needed it for class, and I feel terrible about that. I left it on my desk at home. I’ll bring it to school tomorrow morning. I hope that’s okay. Sorry again, and thanks for understanding. Anna

How to write

1
Start with a friendly greeting and apologise clearly.

Hi Ben, I’m really sorry I forgot to bring your book today.

2
Show that you understand why the problem matters.

I know you needed it for class, and I feel terrible about that.

3
Explain what happened briefly.

I left it on my desk at home.

4
Offer a clear way to fix the situation.

I’ll bring it to school tomorrow morning.

5
Finish politely and naturally.

I hope that’s okay. Sorry again, and thanks for understanding. Anna

Useful phrases

Hi ... ,
I’m really sorry...
I’m sorry I...
I’m sorry for...
I forgot to...
I was late because...
I know you needed...
It was my mistake.
I’ll ... tomorrow.
Can I ...?
I hope that’s okay.
Thanks for understanding.

Language focus

Use sorry in two common ways:

I’m sorry I forgot your book.

I’m sorry for being late.

I’m sorry about the mistake.

Use will / can to offer a solution:

I’ll bring it tomorrow.

I’ll replace it.

Can I help you with it?

Remember:
After sorry for, use a noun or -ing: sorry for being late.
Say I’m sorry I forgot. Not: I’m sorry I forget.
After will, use the base verb: I’ll bring it. Not: I’ll to bring it.
A good apology is clear and sincere. Explain briefly, then focus on how you can make the situation better.
Exercises:
1
2
3
Exercise 1 · Language

Choose the correct sentence

Choose the most natural and grammatically correct sentence in each question.

Practise apology phrases, past forms, because, and ways to offer a solution.
Exercise 1 · 2 / 4

You need at least 5 correct answers out of 6 to complete this exercise.

1
Which sentence is correct?
2
Which sentence uses “sorry for” correctly?
3
Which sentence explains what happened correctly?
4
Which sentence gives a reason correctly?
5
Which sentence offers a solution correctly?
6
Which sentence is the most natural?
Exercise 2 · Structure

Build a clear apology message

Choose the sentence or idea that fits each part of a short informal apology.

Practise the order: greeting + apology → what happened → explanation → responsibility → solution → closing.
Exercise 2 · 3 / 4

You need at least 5 correct answers out of 6 to complete this exercise.

1
Which is the best opening for an apology message?
2
What should the message explain next?
3
Which sentence gives a useful explanation?
4
Which sentence shows responsibility and understanding?
5
Which sentence is the best way to offer a solution?
6
Which is the best closing?
Exercise 3 · Writing

Write an apology message

Write a short informal message to a friend. Apologise clearly, explain what happened, show that you understand the problem, and say how you will make the situation better.

Complete the twelfth A2 Writing lesson.
Exercise 3 · 4 / 4

Write about 45–55 words. Start naturally, apologise clearly, explain the problem briefly, take responsibility, offer a practical solution, and finish politely.

Your task

Write a 45–55 word apology message to a friend about a mistake or problem.

  • start with a friendly greeting
  • apologise clearly
  • say what happened or what you did wrong
  • give a short relevant explanation
  • show that you understand the problem
  • offer a practical way to make the situation better
  • use a polite phrase that shows sincerity
  • finish naturally and politely
Hi ... ,I’m really sorry...I’m sorry I...I’m sorry for...I forgot to...I know you...It was my mistake.I’ll ... tomorrow.Can I ...?I hope that’s okay.Sorry again.Thanks for understanding.
Your writing
0 words · Target: 45–55

Your draft is saved automatically on this device.

Quick check
•Write about 45–55 words
•Start with a friendly greeting
•Apologise clearly
•Say what happened or what you did wrong
•Give a short relevant explanation
•Show responsibility or understanding
•Offer a practical solution
•Use a polite phrase that shows sincerity
•Finish naturally and politely
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