🔹 Refined Daily Expressions & Idioms (with examples)
1. “I wanted to apologize for…”
- Why it works: Using the past tense (“wanted”) softens the tone and suggests thoughtfulness and genuine regret.
- Example: I wanted to apologize for what I said in the meeting yesterday. It wasn’t appropriate.
2. “I take full responsibility for…”
- Why it works: This is a direct, mature way to show accountability, especially in serious matters.
- Example: I take full responsibility for missing the deadline. I should have communicated better.
3. “I hope you can forgive me for…”
- Why it works: This shows vulnerability and a willingness to repair the relationship.
- Example: I hope you can forgive me for not showing up when you needed me.
4. “I know you’re probably still upset about…”
- Why it works: Acknowledges the other person’s emotions, which is an important part of an effective apology.
- Example: I know you’re probably still upset about the way I reacted. I’m really sorry.
5. “It wasn’t intentional.”
- Why it works: Offers clarity and can help de-escalate tension when emotions are high.
- Example: It wasn’t intentional. I honestly didn’t realize it would come off that way.
6. “That was completely uncalled for.”
- Why it works: Strong admission of wrongdoing. Demonstrates self-awareness.
- Example: The way I snapped at you was completely uncalled for.
7. “Still upset.” / “Yep, still upset.”
- Why it works: A realistic acknowledgment that an apology doesn’t instantly fix things.
- Example (response): Yep, still upset, but I appreciate your apology.
Bonus (What not to say):
“I’m sorry you feel that way.”
- Why avoid it: It sounds like you’re shifting blame and not owning the issue.
🔹 Role Play Scripts from the Conversation
Script 1 – Forgot to Invite to Dinner
Lindsay:
Michelle, I wanted to talk to you. I’ve been feeling really awful for forgetting to invite you. It wasn’t intentional at all. I wanted to apologize for this mistake. I really hope you can forgive me.
Michelle:
Oh, thanks, Lindsay. I appreciate that.
Script 2 – Yelling Due to Being Hangry
Michelle:
Hey, Lindsay. I hope you can forgive me for yelling at you the other day. It was completely uncalled for.
Lindsay:
Oh, okay. Thanks, Michelle. I forgive you.
Script 3 – Told a Secret
Lindsay:
Michelle, I take full responsibility for gossiping. It was wrong, and I should never have done it. I know you’re probably still upset about it.
Michelle:
Yep, still upset.
Lindsay:
I know. I’m so sorry.
🔹 Paragraph Using All the Expressions
Hey Alex, I wanted to apologize for what happened during the meeting yesterday. I know you’re probably still upset about how I handled your suggestion, and honestly, it wasn’t intentional. I take full responsibility for my tone—it was completely uncalled for. I’ve been thinking about it and I really hope you can forgive me. You know, I realize now how it came across, and that’s not how I meant it. Again, I’m sorry. I value our working relationship and I never want to make you feel dismissed.
Q and A
Q1:
What does “genuine” mean in English?
A:
“Genuine” means real, honest, and sincere — not fake or forced.
For example: She gave me a genuine apology. I could tell she truly meant it.
Q2:
Why is “which is” okay, but “that is” sounds weird in the middle of a sentence?
A:
Because “which is” is a relative clause that flows naturally with the sentence and refers to what came right before.
On the other hand, “that is” is a discourse marker that breaks the sentence to add an explanation.
→ It’s better used at the beginning of a new sentence or with a comma pause.
Q3:
What does “uncalled for” mean?
A:
“Uncalled for” means inappropriate, unnecessary, or too harsh, especially in a social or emotional context.
Example: “His rude comment was completely uncalled for.”
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