Sorry about or sorry for?
Is it "to be sorry for (doing) something" or "to be sorry about (doing) something"?
If both are possible, do they mean the same thing?
If not, when should I use each of them?
Would you please give me some examples?
Also, do you say, "I'm sorry for being rude but....." or "I'm sorry about being rude but....."?
Thank you in advance for your kind help.
Top answer
Both are used, but "sorry for verb-ing" is more common and seems preferable to me. I can't think of a case where there would be any material difference in meaning.
- Both are used, but "sorry for verb-ing" is more common and seems preferable to me.
- I can't think of a case where there would be any material difference in meaning.
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Both are used, but "sorry for verb-ing" is more common and seems preferable to me. I can't think of a case where there would be any material difference in meaning.
0Sorry for suggests to me an acceptance of responsibility, an admission of guilt. Sorry for stepping on your toe.
Sorry about suggests feeling bad about something that has happened to someone else. Sorry about the death of your father.
Sorry that can cover both cases. I'm sorry that I stepped on your toe. I'm sorry that your father died.
0GPYBoth are used, but "sorry for verb-ing" is more common and seems preferable to me. I can't think of a case where there would be any material difference in meaning.
Apropos of
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