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Compare natural American English apologies for being late, small accidents, and everyday mistakes—and learn when each one fits.
Vanessa teaches several ways to apologize in everyday American English, showing how the wording changes with the seriousness of the mistake and the relationship between the speakers. The lesson begins with a friend calling to say, “I’m sorry I’m going to be late.” Vanessa explains that this fuller apology sounds more serious and is useful when someone wants to show genuine regret. She then contrasts it with lighter apologies for small accidents, such as getting in someone’s way while passing through a doorway.
For a minor mishap, a person might say “So sorry” or “Sorry about that.” The doorway story makes the context concrete: one person opens the door as another is coming through, and the second person has to step back. Vanessa notes that “Sorry about that” is casual and is often said quickly; in connected speech, the “a” in “about” may be reduced or dropped in the sound, though the written phrase remains “Sorry about that.” Learners can listen for this reduction without changing the standard spelling.
The most informal expression in the lesson is “My bad.” Vanessa explains that it means the speaker accepts responsibility for a mistake. It is not inherently rude, and she says it can work with family, friends, or acquaintances, but it is very casual and she does not recommend it in business situations. If someone opens a door too quickly and makes another person jump back, “Oh, my bad” is a natural response. The listener can compare that with “I’m sorry,” which can sound more serious, and “Sorry about that,” which is a useful casual option for a small inconvenience.
The lesson is designed for learners who want to choose an apology that fits the moment rather than repeating one phrase for every situation. Pay attention to the size of the mistake, how familiar the people are, and whether the setting is professional. For practice, describe a small mistake and choose a fitting response; then describe a more serious inconvenience and use a fuller apology. The video closes by inviting learners to make their own examples and explain the situation behind each expression.
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Select an expression for its meaning · 0:00
Introducing the lesson and returning to basic apology expressions
Hi, I’m Vanessa from Speak English with Vanessa dot com. I’m sorry. Let’s talk about it. Welcome to the fifth video lesson in the series. Since my baby is due this month, July 2017, I thought we could return to the beginning of English and review some basic concepts.
Try it: Name one English skill you would like to review by going back to basics.
Phrase cheat sheet
Review each expression, hear it, save it, or jump to where it appears in the video.
Showing 15 of 15 phrases
Introducing the lesson and returning to basic apology expressions · expression
A return to the fundamental ideas or skills in a subject.
Tone and use: Neutral and practical. Use it when revisiting essential information before moving on to more advanced material.
May not fit: For a new topic rather than a review, say “let’s start with the basics.”
Example“Before the advanced class, we went back to basics with pronunciation.”
Reviewing useful expressions and introducing apologies · expression
Often or as part of a usual routine.
Tone and use: Neutral; slightly more formal than simply saying “regularly.” Use it to describe how often an activity usually happens.
May not fit: In very casual conversation, “regularly” or “often” is shorter.
Example“I don’t eat dessert on a regular basis.”
Reviewing useful expressions and introducing apologies · expression
The words or response that are appropriate in a particular situation.
Tone and use: Neutral and conversational. Use it when asking for or introducing suitable wording.
May not fit: If asking about someone’s opinion rather than wording, ask “What do you think?”
Example“I wasn’t sure what to say when I received the unexpected gift.”
Using a fuller apology when someone will be late · expression
A direct apology followed by an explanation that you will arrive late.
Tone and use: Sincere and more serious than a quick apology for a minor accident. Use it when you know you will be late and want to acknowledge the inconvenience.
May not fit: Do not use “going to be late” if the delay has already happened; explain what occurred instead.
Example“I’m sorry I’m going to be late—the train is delayed.”
Using a fuller apology when someone will be late · expression
A familiar combination of words commonly used together with a conventional meaning or purpose.
Tone and use: Neutral, language-learning terminology. Use it when describing a set phrase people commonly say in a particular situation.
May not fit: For one-off wording, “sentence” or “phrase” may be more accurate.
Example““Nice to meet you” is a fixed expression people often use when they are introduced.”
Choosing a lighter apology for a small accident · expression
A way to introduce a possible situation or ask what would happen in it.
Tone and use: Conversational and exploratory. Use “What if…?” to consider a possibility or ask how to handle it.
May not fit: For a direct factual question, use a standard question form instead.
Example“What if I accidentally send the message to the wrong person?”
Choosing a lighter apology for a small accident · expression
Made accidental physical contact with someone, usually by walking into them lightly.
Tone and use: Neutral and everyday. Use it to describe a minor accidental collision.
May not fit: For a serious crash or injury, describe the event more precisely.
Example“I bumped someone on the crowded train and apologized.”
Choosing a lighter apology for a small accident · expression
Blocking someone’s path or making it difficult for them to move freely.
Tone and use: Neutral and common. Use it when a person or object is obstructing movement or access.
May not fit: If you mean that something is inconvenient more generally, say “getting in the way of the plan.”
Example“I moved my bag because it was in the way.”
Saying sorry about a small doorway inconvenience · expression
A brief apology that expresses regret; in this example, it is used for a small mishap.
Tone and use: Casual and friendly in the doorway situation. Use it when you cause a minor inconvenience or want to acknowledge one.
May not fit: For a serious mistake, add a fuller explanation or a more explicit apology.
Example“So sorry—I didn’t see you waiting there.”
Saying sorry about a small doorway inconvenience · expression
A short apology that acknowledges a specific inconvenience or mistake.
Tone and use: Casual and common in everyday conversation. Use it after a small mistake, interruption, or inconvenience.
May not fit: In a serious or professional matter, give a fuller apology and explain how you will address it.
Example“Sorry about that—I sent the wrong attachment.”
Saying sorry about a small doorway inconvenience · expression
Pronounce a sound less fully or leave it out in quick, informal speech; the standard written spelling does not change.
Tone and use: Informal speech observation. Use this description when explaining reduced pronunciation in connected speech.
May not fit: Do not omit the “a” in careful standard writing: write “about,” not “’bout,” unless intentionally representing dialogue.
Example“In fast speech, “going to” may sound like “gonna,” but careful writing keeps the full form.”
Using the very casual expression “my bad” · expression
An informal way to admit that you made a mistake or caused a problem.
Tone and use: Very casual; generally fine with people you know, but not Vanessa’s choice for business situations. Use it for a minor mistake in a familiar, informal interaction.
May not fit: Avoid it in formal or business settings and when the mistake needs a serious, accountable apology.
Example“My bad—I thought our call was at three.”
Using the very casual expression “my bad” · expression
A direct statement accepting responsibility for what happened.
Tone and use: Clear and accountable; more direct than “My bad.” Use it when you want to acknowledge that you caused a mistake or problem.
May not fit: Do not claim fault if responsibility is genuinely unclear; explain what you know instead.
Example“It’s my fault that I didn’t check the address before we left.”
Using the very casual expression “my bad” · expression
A relaxed response indicating that you are not upset or that the issue is manageable.
Tone and use: Friendly and informal. Use it to reassure someone after a small inconvenience or apology.
May not fit: For a serious matter, acknowledge the impact rather than brushing it off with “No problem.”
Example““Sorry I’m a minute late.” “No problem—we just got here.””
Practising apology expressions and closing the lesson · expression
A polite, friendly way to give someone permission or invite them to do something.
Tone and use: Warm and encouraging. Use it to make an invitation or permission sound relaxed.
May not fit: If something is required, state the requirement directly rather than saying “feel free.”
Example“Feel free to ask me if you have any questions.”
Knowledge check
Use it in a sentence · “I’m sorry I’m going to be late.”