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Apologies

by Janel Muyesseroglu

Do you have an apology to make? Have you been late in saying thank you to a gift or invitation? Have you been involved in some kind of misunderstanding that you want to clear up? Has your child misbehaved? Have you damaged someone else's property? Have you been unable to keep an appointment or promise? Have you been rude or insensitive?

Here are some tips on how to write your apology with dignity and sincerity.

Guidelines for writing apologies:

Write as soon as possible after the incident. Apologize, but do not go overboard by saying, "I am very, very, very sorry." Keep it simple and to the point. Summarize what you are apologizing for, and apologize only for the particular situation or problem. Be brief. Apologize cheerfully and sincerely. Do not express feelings of guilt.
Explain what you will do to correct the mistake or situation. Assure the person that this will not happen again.
Do not put blame on another person and do not blame problems on computer errors or carelessness.
Thank the person for bringing the problem to your attention if you were unaware of the situation.
Reread the letter to check your grammar, spelling and tone.

Helpful words you can use: Click on each word to get definitions and examples from WordNet 2.0 Vocabulary Helper.

Acknowledge	Admit	Amend	Apologize
Compensate	Excuse	Explain	Fail
Forgive	Intend	Misinterpret	Misquote
Mistake	Misunderstand	Neglect	Offend
Pardon	Patience	Rectify	Regret
Reimburse	Repair	Repay	Sorry
Understanding	Violate	Wrong

Missing an Appointment

To Mr. Happy Day,

I would like to apologize for missing our scheduled appointment last Wednesday, April 21, 1999. I also apologize for not calling in advance to cancel. I will call your office this week to reschedule a meeting with you.

Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Sincerely,

Mike L. Jackson

Apology for Reply to Belated Invitation

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Alott,

Thank you for the invitation to your party. However, please accept my apologies for this late reply.

I would very much like to attend your party and hope that you can accept my RSVP at this late date. Please let me know if I am too late in responding.

Again, thank you so much for the invitation.

Thank you,

Brenda Branch

Apology for Broken Object

Dear Ms. Green,

I would like to apologize for the damage my daughter caused to your window. Please send me the repair bill, so I can reimburse you. I assure you that this will not happen again. If there is anything else I can do for you, please let me know.

Sincerely,

Betty Grimes

Betty Grimes, your neighbor