apology letter questions and answers

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IELTS Letters How To Write a Letter of Apology  

Letters of apology are common types of IELTS letters. This lesson will show you step-by-step how to write them.

Here’s what the lesson includes:

Question structure

Letter structure.

• Formal or informal?
• Greeting & signoff
• Generating ideas
• Sample letters

All questions for IELTS letters have the same structure. They are made up of 3 parts.

Part 1 –  The topic.

Part 2 –  The person you must write to.

Part 3 –  What you should write about (listed as 3 bullet points).

Here is a sample question for a letter of apology with the 3 parts illustrated.

Understanding this will help you to quickly analyse the question and plan your answer. To help you plan, use the letter structure below.

For a full lesson on planning click here: How To Plan IELTS Letters

The layout of IELTS letters should follow the structure of the question and consist of four paragraphs with a greeting at the beginning and a signoff at the end.

Use this easy to remember 6 part structure.

1)  Dear .....

2)  Paragraph 1:  Purpose – why you are writing

3)  Paragraph 2:  Write about 1 st  bullet point

4)  Paragraph 3:  Write about 2 nd  bullet point

5)  Paragraph 4:  Write about 3 rd  bullet point

6)  Signoff

All you need to do to create your plan is to add in the details from the question, like this:

  1) Dear ..... (neighbour)

  2) Paragraph 1: Purpose – to apologise for the noise

  3) Paragraph 2:   explain the reason for the noise  (bullet point 1)

  4) Paragraph 3: offer your neighbour an apology  (bullet point 2)

  5) Paragraph 4: tell them what action you will take  (bullet point 3)

  6) Signoff

Formal & Informal IELTS Letters

IELTS letters must be written in the appropriate tone and style. There are two options:

• Formal – to someone you don’t know or don’t know well.
• Informal – to a friend.

It is essential that you are able to identify what type of question you’re required to write.

Follow this rule:

• If the question includes the word ‘friend’, use informal language.
• If the question  does not  include the word ‘friend’, use formal language.

The only exception is if the letter is to a close family member when you would also use an informal tone.

One situation that can be confusing is where the person you have to write to is a neighbour, as in our sample question. Assume that you do not know them very well and keep the letter formal.

This leads us on to the opening of your letter – the greeting.

The Greeting & Signoff

The greeting.

It is most likely that you would know the name of your neighbour so make one up, e.g. Mrs Dixon.

If you did not know their name you would write, ‘ Dear Sir / Madam ’.

If you were writing an informal letter to a friend, you would use their first name, e.g. ‘ Dear John ’.

The greeting you use will determine how you sign off your letter.

The Signoff

For a formal letter, there are two main options. The correct one will depend on who you are addressing:

• Dear Mrs Dixon (name known) – Yours sincerely
• Dear Sir/Madam (name unknown) – Yours faithfully

You could also use ‘ Kind regards ’. This is formal but friendly and is appropriate for most situations. It is particularly useful if you struggle to remember how to spell ‘sincerely’ and ‘faithfully’.

Always sign off a formal letter with your full name, e.g.

     Yours sincerely,

     Jacky Spear

For an informal letter to a friend, use one of these phrases followed by your first name:

• All the best
• See you soon
• Keep in touch

For example,

     Keep in touch,

     Jacky

For our sample letter, we will use this greeting and signoff:

     Dear Mrs Dixon...

     ....Yours sincerely,

We are now ready to think up some ideas to write about. We have the guidelines of the 3 bullet points to help us so this won’t be difficult.

How To Generate Ideas for IELTS Letters

With only 150 words to write, you won’t need many ideas. Just make sure that you write about each bullet point and develop each idea fully.

They don't have to be the best ideas you can possibly think of. Go with your first thoughts and don’t waste time trying to think of better ideas. Just make sure that they are directly related to the bullet points.

Note your ideas beside each bullet point on the exam paper, like this:

Your neighbour has written to you to complain about the noise from your flat.

Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter:

• explain the reason for the noise

Having the flat rewired

• offer your neighbour an apology

Sorry the noise has disturbed them

• tell them what action you will take.

Ask electrician to be as quiet as possible. Pay for additional electrician so job finished sooner.

That’s our planning complete. Once you’ve had some practice, you’ll be able to do this in just a few minutes. Taking time to plan makes writing IELTS letters far quicker and easier than if you don’t do this step. You will also write a better letter and get higher marks.

So, let’s write our letter.

Writing the Letter

Here’s our plan again with all our notes added in.

1) Dear ..... (neighbour)

2) Paragraph 1: Purpose – to apologise for the noise

3) Paragraph 2:   explain the reason for the noise  (bullet point 1)

4) Paragraph 3: offer your neighbour an apology  (bullet point 2)

5) Paragraph 4: tell them what action you will take  (bullet point 3)

We’ve already decided on the greeting so we’ll start with paragraph 1.

Paragraph 1

In the first paragraph, you must state the reason for writing the letter, that is, its purpose.

Paragraph 1:  Purpose –  to apologise for the noise

Many students make the mistake of missing this purpose sentence out but it's very important. Including it will gain you marks.

It only requires one sentence. He’s an example appropriate to our letter of apology.

I am writing to apologise for all the noise coming from my flat over the past few days.

Top vocabulary tip:  Do not use contractions in formal letters. They are informal language.

For a letter of apology to a friend, it would be appropriate to write, I’m writing to apologise / to say sorry for...  

Paragraph 2

In the second paragraph, you write about bullet point 1.

Paragraph 2:    explain the reason for the noise   (bullet point 1)

Remember to keep the language formal for this question. Aim for around 50 words for paragraph 2, 3 and 4. You could write something like this.

I am having the whole place rewired at the moment as I was experiencing some electrical faults that could not be repaired. The old wiring had been in since the flat was built and needed replacing so I had no choice but to undertake this necessary work.

Paragraph 3

The third paragraph should cover the second bullet point.

Paragraph 3:   offer your neighbour an apology   (bullet point 2)

I do appreciate that there has been a lot of banging going on during the day. I sincerely apologise for this and regret that you have been disturbed. I was hoping that most of the work would be done while you were out at work but I admit that it did continue into the evening the other day.

Paragraph 4

Paragraph 4 addresses the third bullet point.

Paragraph 4:   tell them what action you will take   (bullet point 3)

To get the job finished as quickly as possible, I will employ an additional electrician. Although there will inevitably still be some noise, I will ask them to be as quiet as possible and be sure to finish by 5 p.m. when I believe that you usually get home.

Now we just need to add the signoff we decided on earlier and our letter is complete.

The Finished Letter

Here is the finished letter.

(183 words)

Practice Question

To get some practice writing IELTS letters of apology, write a letter for the question below.

  You have just missed a friend’s party.

  Write a letter to apologise. In your letter:

• apologise to your friend
• explain why you did not attend the party
• say what you plan to do to make up for missing the party.

This letter is to a friend so must be written in an informal tone and style. Use the planning structure I showed you above to plan before you start writing.

Here’s a sample letter. Can you identify the language and grammar structures I’ve used to give it an informal tone?

Dear Sally,

I’m writing to apologise for missing your house-warming party.

I can’t tell you how sorry I am. I know how much you were looking forward to showing me around your new home. I feel terrible at having let you down. You must have wondered why I didn’t turn up having accepted your invitation.

The truth of the matter is that I put the wrong date in my diary. What an idiot! For some reason, I wrote it in for Saturday night, not Friday. I only realised when I saw photos of everyone having a great time at your place on Facebook. I certainly missed a great party by the look of it.

Anyway, I’d like to make it up to you by treating you to coffee at the new café that’s just opened up in town. Let me know what date and time suit you. I promise to get the day right this time. And, I hope you’ll let me pop round to see your lovely new home on another occasion.

See you soon,

(177 words)

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Common letter topics.

• Letter of Complaint
• Letter of Explanation
• Letters of Application & Resignation
• Letters to Make an Arrangement
• An Invitation

IELTS Letters – All Lessons

IELTS General Writing  –  A summary of the test including important facts, test format & assessment.

Letter Format  – The format, the 7 topics, letter structure, formal & informal, assessment & marking criteria, sample questions. Essential information  you need to know.

Letter Writing Tips   – Learn top tips on how to meet the assessment and marking criteria and achieve a high score.

Letter Writing Structure  – Find out how to use this   easy to   learn letter structure to write a high-scoring letter. Includes a model answer.

How To Plan a Letter  – Learn a simple 5 step process & 6 part letter structure. Also, help to understand the question & generate ideas.

Formal or Informal  – How to decide what type of letter to write. Sample questions & 2 model letters.

Letter Writing Vocabulary  – Learn useful phrases to help you achieve a high score. Also, know how to start & end your letter.

How To Write an Informal Letter – Step-by-step instructions, simple 4 step plan & 6 part letter structure, model letter.

How To Write a Formal Letter – Step-by-step instructions, simple 4 step plan & 6 part letter structure, model letter.

Letter Topics  – Learn the 7 most common letter topics   & other popular subjects. Includes 20 sample questions.

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IELTS Apology Letter for General Training

It is common to be asked to write an IELTS apology letter for General Training writing task 1. You might be given a formal or informal apology letter. You must use the correct style and tone to get a high band score. Always decide what type of letter you must write before you start planning. Students taking the academic test, do not write letters for task 1 writing.

Below you will find:

• an informal apology letter: question and model answer
• a formal apology letter: question and model answer
• link to essential tips for IELTS letter writing

Note the difference in tone, content and also language between formal and informal apology letters.

IELTS Informal Apology Letter

This letter was in the IELTS test, October 2017.

Write a letter to a friend. You have borrowed something from your friend and it got damaged. Apologize for damaging the product Explain what happened Say how are you going to fix the issue

IELTS Model Answer Apology Letter – Informal

Dear Emily,

Sorry it’s taken me so long to write to you but at last I put pen to paper to explain why I haven’t returned that DIY book I borrowed from you.

To be honest, I’ve been feeling so guilty that I delayed writing to you. I have to own up that I damaged the book accidentally. I’m so very sorry. I know how important that book is to you as it was passed down from your late father.

What happened is that I had been reading up on the chapter about DIY plumbing when I knocked over my cup of coffee which splashed all over the book. Most of the stain is on the pages that were open at the time.

I’ve sent the book away to be repaired. I didn’t realise that was even possible until I researched it. Anyway, it should be as good as new when I get it back next week and then I’ll send it on to you.

Again, I’m so sorry for the delay in telling you. I hope you can forgive me.

Best wishes

IELTS Formal Apology Letter

Write a letter to your boss apologising for the recent meeting you missed at work. Apologise for missing the meeting. Explain what happened. Say what you will do to compensate.

Model Answer for an IELTS Formal Apology Letter

Dear Mr Drummond,

I am writing to apologise for the meeting I missed on October 20th about development plans for the company.

I am sincerely sorry for not being able to attend this meeting. I am aware of the importance of the meeting but, unfortunately, my absence was unavoidable.

The reason for not attending this meeting was that I had a car accident on the way to work that day. Although the accident was not serious, I was taken to hospital for a check up and not allowed to leave until I had been given the all clear from a doctor.

I understand how crucial this meeting was and, therefore, I have asked one of my colleagues, Sandra Brown, to review the meeting with me after work today. We will go over all development plans and also people’s roles and responsibilities. By the end of today, I will be up to speed with all plans.

I hope you will forgive my absence and be assured of my commitment to this company and its future.

Yours sincerely,

Richard Brollend

Useful Link

You can find essential tips for IELTS letters on this page: IELTS GT Letter Writing Tips

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Hello Madam,thank you for always showing up,am new here I wish to know the number of paragraphs to use for task 1 and 2.

You can see model answers which show precisely how a task 1 or task 2 writing can be structured: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-1-lessons-and-tips/ https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/

Dear Mr Jones,

I bring my huge apologies for missing the business review last week at the office. I know how important this meeting is for our department and also know the expectations of our management that all employees should be at the office on that day. Unfortunately, my son became ill in the morning that day. He caught a cold with a high temperature, running nose and sharp pain in his throat. He is only seven, so I could not leave him alone at home, and nobody could help me in this situation. I also thought that it could be Covid, because the temperature was really high. I should think about other people’s health and follow the recommendations from GP doctor. However, I used an option to be on the business review online and heard very precisely all the information that was presented to us.

I can promise that next time I will have an agreement with my mom, and she will look after Joe if it would be necessary. I also have done a short resume of each part of the meetings that shows my attention and focus that day.

Hope for your understanding.

Best regards Elena

Try to keep the same tone and level of formality in your letter. You are writing to your boss, so you wouldn’t write about “my mom” but about “my mother” and you would continue to say “my son” instead of “Joe”. You would also sign off using your full name because only your given name is too informal.

Dear Lita, Sorry Li to tell you like this but the watch I borrowed from you last week to wear on my friend’s birthday party got damaged. I’m very sorry for the damage. I know it means a lot to you as the watch is passed on to you by your late Grandma. I own up and promise to get it fixed, within a week and send back to you. Actually, what happened was, as there was a pool party later, my friends pushed me into the pool. I was hesitant as I knew the watch was not waterproof. However, I couldn’t do anything later and the damage was done. I think the water has gone inside and so; the display is not working properly. I am going to an electronic repair shop later today and will bear the charges to get it fixed. If the problem persists, I will buy you the same one. I hope you won’t be angry then. Let me know if I can do anything else to make it up to you. Again, Sorry for the damage. I hope you can forgive me. Regards Falguni

I am writing to apologize for missing the CSR hub meeting with our donor partners that was scheduled for Monday 9th February 2024. I am sincerely sorry for my absence at this meeting. I am fully aware of the importance of this meeting and its impact on the organization’s ongoing and future projects.

As you are well aware, I am not one to ignore such an important meeting I was stuck in traffic on my way to work this morning. There was a minor accident involving a truck driver and a dispatch rider close to the Aboni fuel station which is the closest landmark to the office and a major intersection leading to three other roads, traffic wardens had to intervene for vehicles to properly navigate through the road as this was a rush hour.

Upon my arrival at the office, I had the secretary brief me on the necessary actions required of me and the updated timeline given by the donor representatives. I have also asked that the minutes of the meeting and the PowerPoint presentations be collated and shared with me to keep me abreast with all that I missed from the meeting to due my absence. I would in turn share with you my observations from the meeting and a work breakdown structure for the team members.

I hope you will forgive my absence and be assured of my continued commitment to the growth and development of our company.

Yours sincerely, Shekinah.

I don’t usually comment on writing. However, I will make one comment. You haven’t included the instructions or task with this sample writing, but the first thing I see is that the title you use is a familiar title “Dear John”. We use this title when writing to someone who is your personal friend. However, the phrases you use are extremely formal, the type of phrases you use when writing to a boss “I am writing to apologise for…” or “Upon my arrival at the office”. This means your title is completely informal and your letter content is completely formal. If you are writing to your boss, you would not use “Dear John”. Yes, you know your boss, but this doesn’t mean you socialise with him in your free time and share your personal secrets with him. Have a think about these things and decide your tone. The tone and formality starts with the title and continues through the letter.

Thank you very much for your prompt response. I am truly grateful. I didn’t realize there was an error with my title until you pointed it out. I will ensure that my letter titles align with the body. For instance, while writing a formal letter, instead of using Dear John, I will use Dear Mr. John.

When you use “Mr” as a title, you cannot follow it with only a first name. For example, my name is Elizabeth Ferguson – you can’t write Dear Miss Elizabeth because that is grammatically incorrect. You could write either “Dear Elizabeth Ferguson” or “Dear Miss Ferguson”. As this is your boss, you would not use a first name because that is not respectful enough and first names are more personal. So, you would write “Dear Miss Ferguson”.

Understood perfectly. Thank you very much for your time and assistance. It is deeply appreciated.

Thanks for this tip, Liz. I don’t believe, I can get these small but important details from anywhere else.

Thank you so much!

I’m writing to apologize for missing the scheduled meeting concerning the team’s new programs last Tuesday, October 28th.

I sincerely apologize for missing the meeting. It’s unfortunate that I won’t be able to present the presentation I’ve been working on for nearly a week. Sadly, I had no control over the accident that occurred on that particular day.

The main cause that I had missed the meeting was because I slipped in the restroom and fractured my wrist. I expected to be discharged right away, however the doctor insisted on having me examined, so I ended up spending the entire day in the hospital.

I reached out to the assistant manager, Bina, to assist me cope with the subject matter mentioned during the meeting after the shift. In addition, to further discuss the program preparations I failed to convey, I have attached a document outlining the project’s main course.

I sincerely hope you would reconsider the programs I was unable to deliver and accept my apologies for missing the important meeting.

Yours sincerely, Daniella

Dear Mr. Brown, I apologise for my absence today at the company´s financial year-end meeting which was supposed to be anchored by me.

The unfortunate and unavoidable incident that prevented me from coming was due to my elder sister´s car accident which occurred early this morning and since I am her only sibling and next of kin, I was called upon this morning to sign for her emergency life-saving operations at the hospital.

I have already liaised with my assistant, Sandra Persson who will take me through the meeting agenda to push forth the company´s growth which is my goal. Once again, I am tendering my unreserved apology as I promised my total loyalty and commitment to the company.

Yours sincerely, Omolola

Dear Mr. Adam,

I am writing to express my sincerest apologies for my recent absence during our company’s annual meeting. I was scheduled to attend as usual, but due to a car accident, I was unable to do so. While I was commuting, my car collided with a large truck, resulting in a serious crash and injuring my hand. However, I consider myself fortunate as my seat belt was fastened properly, which saved my life.

I want to assure you that this accident will not prevent me from being committed to the output and results of your meeting. I have thoroughly reviewed your insightful notes and suggestions, as well as other decisions, and I will fully comply with all of them accordingly. Furthermore, I have sent an email outlining some useful tips on how we can ramp up our production line.

Once again, I apologize for any inconvenience caused by my absence and kindly accept my apologies. Please feel free to put me at your disposal to push our company to the positive side indeed. Yours faithfully Mohamed Awad

Oluwakemi says, Dear Colleagues,

I want to say a Big thank you for the love showered over me during my trying time. I must commend you all for your kind gesture, the soul lifting words in the card sent to me were encouraging and reminds me of the good time we had together before the horrible incident that got my leg broken.

Honestly, this is my hard time ,I feel so bored staying indoor all day alone .Walking around in the house have been so difficult .The incident has mandated me to only seat at a position, spending all my time watching television, reading news papers, or listening to high life music.

However, I am getting better day by day. The medications have been changed last week, and the new prescriptions have really speed up the healing process. In two weeks time I should be able to work without supporting crushes .The good news is that hopefully I should resume back to work first week in June.

Thanks, Oluwakemi.

I’m writing the letter to apologize my absent for the last meeting. I was realized the important of our final warp up. At the same time, I had an urgent situation to taking care of. It was my wife’s knee operation, which I had to sign the permission operation in order to allow the doctor to start their treatment. Again I’m so sorry not to notify you earlier, because I don’t want my personal issue be revealed or worried anyone.

However, don’t worry about my wife, the operation was passed through every well. She is going to dismiss from hospital in a couple days. To compensate for this absent, I’m very welcome to do the meeting finial report. Please let me taking care of them, as well if you don’t mind I can present this project to the customer next week. I’m sure that I will do my best to impress our clients on that day.

Lastly. I’m grateful to working with the team and having you as a boss. I hope you accept my apology and let me make something up.

Best regards Tansiri

Respected Mr. CEO

In reference to the last meeting which was supposed to chair by me was missed. I feel so sorry and depressed in this regard as it was the best opportunity for me to showcase my skills. Actually on that day, i was so excited and well prepared. While having breakfast with my family, my father suddenly had a stoke. We rushed him to the hospital immediately. Till 10 am I was not in a position to inform any colleague. But at 10.15, I called Ali and asked him to continue the meeting on my behalf. Before a day, I prepared all the stuff and pile a file in a sequence. I managed all the things in such a way that any of the team member could present in my absence. By the grace of Allah, my father is pretty much better and the meeting also went well.

I am grateful for your timely support and make sure that from now onwards will manage in a more better way to look office and family in case of any emergency. I will assure that our company will never be affected in such case.

Thank you for accepting apology

Best Regards Hilal

I studied from your materials and got an overall band score of 8 for GT IELTS (R 8.5 L 8.5 S 7.5 W 7). Thank you so much !

Thanks Tuhin

Very well done 🙂

Dear Liz, kindly take a look at the letter below. Possibly, rate it.

Dear Jean, I know it’s been a while since we last spoke due to our busy schedules, however, I feel honoured that you reached out for my counsel on the mental block you’re experiencing, which is adversely affecting your productivity at work. I understand your frustrations, as I was in the same situation a few months ago. Feeling stuck can be very disturbing, especially as it makes tasks you once completed seamlessly feel arduous. It slows down the speed with which you work, hence more time is taken to complete simple tasks. Mental block is as a result of exhaustion; therefore, I would suggest that you take some time out to engage in recreational activities outside of work. You could visit the Tropical Research Institute Guest House we visited during our vacation last year. It has a relaxed ambience, which will to enable you feel refreshed and come back relaxed and rejuvenated. It is my hope that you will come out of this stronger, as I wish you a speedy recovery. Love, Ade.

Dear Liz, you’re a wonderfully made being. May God give you more strength & wisdom as you go..

Informal apology letter:

Hope you are doing well,

I’m sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I know i suppose to return your bag last week, but you didn’t received it yet. As i broke the main zip of it.

Actually what happened is that i took your bag for my vacations where i used this frequently and while hiking, when i tried to open main zip in hurry it get detached from the bag. I tried so attach the zip again but got unlucky.

I do know how import this bag was for you as you received it as a gift from your uncle. I am really sorry for this trouble, but the good thing is i have taken this to someone nearby my apartment who can fix this for me.

As soon as i will get it fixed most likely by tomorrow i will visit your apartment and return it to you.

I hope you don’t get angry due to this as it was not intentional my friend and i will return this bag now with good condition after getting it repaired.

Thanks for your help again.

Best Regards Adeel Abid

Dear Mr. Ram, I am writing to apologize for missing the quarterly meeting which happened last week on 21st October’2023. You must be wondering what would have happened. To be honest, I started for the meeting on time, however I met will an accident on the way. It was minor accident, but police were involved into this, and we had taken to police station for our statement and then to hospital for first aid treatment. By the time everything was settled, it was too late for the meeting, so I returned home. I understand how important this meeting was for company’s future agenda and budget allocation. I have already spoken to Steve, who attended the meeting from our team and requested him to walk me through the meeting presentation. After that, I will prepare the meeting summary and note and share with you. I am sorry for missing this meeting and hope this will not impact your trust in me. Yours sincerely, Vivek Mishra

Dear Alibek, Sorry its taken me so long to write to you but at last I decided to tell you why I haven’t return the IPad that I have borrowed from you .

To be honest with you I have damaged your new IPad screen accidentally, I really feel guilty for it. I am really sorry that this incident happened I know how important was your Ipad for your personal entertainment and work tasks.

What happened is that , I put your IPad on my dinning table and my little kitten was playing around, then accidentally hit the IPad and fall down to the ground. When I checked it the screen was completely damaged .

I have contacted the official repair center of Apple Products in Sulaimaniyah to make sure if they can fix it properly. They assured me as soon as they receive the IPad it will take only 2 working days to repair it and make it fixed like a brand new IPad.

Today they received it and after two days I will send you back the IPad fully charged plus all costs of repairing will be on me. I hope this will not effect our friendship at all and again I am sorry dear friend.

Take care, Meer

With my heavy heart I am informing you that the car I have borrowed from you (day before yesterday) got scratched while coming back from office to my home.

It happened on highway when suddenly I had to hit the brakes hard all of a sudden due to the car in front lost its control. I had to steer away while jamming the brakes and while doing so I scratched left side drivers door into another car. Thankfully the damage is not great as compared to the nature of the collision.

I have already dropped the vehicle into the maintenance shop. They have agreed to give it back by Monday morning. I will drop it back to you the same day. Don’t need to worry about the cost of damage as I will be covering it. Still thanks to you for giving me your car in emergency and once again I apologize that this happened from my hand.

Take Care, Brian

This is corrected with Grammarly! I don’t know why Grammarly is so much conscious ———— Dear Eric,

With a heavy heart, I am informing you that the car I borrowed from you (the day before yesterday) got scratched while returning from the office to my home.

It happened on the highway when suddenly I had to hit the brakes hard because the car in front lost control. I had to seer away while jamming the brakes, and while doing so, I scratched the left side driver’s door into another car. Thankfully, the damage is not significant compared to the collision’s nature.

I have already dropped the vehicle off at the maintenance shop. They have agreed to give it back by Monday morning. So I will drop it back to you the same day. So don’t worry about the damage cost as I will be covering it. Still, thanks to you for giving me your car in an emergency, and once again, I apologize that this happened from my hand.

Take care, Brian ————- Thanks for sharing one more idea.

I don’t offer feedback on writing, but I’ll just make a quick comment. Don’t use brackets in your letter when the information can actually be written as a clause which will boost your grammar band score.

Hello teacher,

Can we say Finger Crossed instead of Best wishes .

“Fingers crossed” means Good Luck and we say this about exams and similar situations. It isn’t suitable for most IELTS GT letters.

Also, from what I’ve learnt from the great tutor Liz, she advised us not to be too ‘grammatical’ when writing to a friend and also usage of contractions will earn us points. . “I am informing you ” I’m writing to let you know, seems better to me.

Hi Liz, this is my first formal letter and I would be grateful to you if you could review it and share your feedback.

Dear Ms Tanvi,

I am writing this letter to apologize for the meeting I missed with our Singapore client yesterday. I understand it was an important discussion, and my presence was mandatory for the product testing. However, I could not make it due to an emergency at my home.

I had to leave the office right before the meeting started when I got a call from my neighbors regarding a burglary at my home. I did not get a chance to inform anyone in the office or to you since I was in a rush to reach home. This information was further delayed as I had to report the incident at the police station.

Since I am leading the project, I assure you that I will handle further meetings and get this project to a closure. For the missed meeting, I will take a download from my colleague and refer to the discussions for further actions.

I wish to take this moment to thank you once for taking a lead in the discussion.

Yours sincerely, Aditi Chauhan

Dear Paulina,

I writing for saying sorry, I had a problem with your machine and now is not working I so sorry for damage I wanna explain the situation.

Went I tried to use the popcorn machine put a lot butter in the wrong container because I just saw that hole and when I saw my mistake it was to late the popcorn machine had smoke everywhere and I got scared threw water, the smoke stop but the machine don’t work anymore. However the butter is for everywhere and I can’t clean the machine.

To be honest I really feel bad for you machine and your money I don’t understand what happened however I am not an irresponsible person.

But don’t worry I contacted with a expert person in popcorn machines and he promised me that your machine be okay if don’t can be nothing I promise you buy a new popcorn machine.

I really sorry

Dear Emily, Sorry it’s taken me long to write to you but at last I put pen to paper to explain why I have not returned your DIY gardening book I borrowed. I want to sincerely apologize for not being able to return this book, knowing how much this meant to you since it was a gift from your sister for your love of plants. I accidentally got it damaged when using it while working on my new garden. I had taken great care of it but there was a moment missed when I got water spilled on it. I tried to dry it and undo the damage, but it could not be reversed. I tried to check with few local book shops but as the fate would have it, it was not available, so I sent an email to Publishing house in Oshawa. I explained them gravity of situation and they have been kind enough to send me a copy by post. I’ll see you as soon as I receive the book. I will come to your place to handover the new book and have some coffee together. See you soon, Kamaljeet

This is my answer to the Informal Apology Letter. I would appreciate it if you shared your feedback

Dear Grace,

How are you doing?. It’s been a while I saw you at the book club meeting. Hope all is well with you?. I am writing to apologize for damaging the laptop you borrowed me.

I would totally understand if you are upset with me but please accept my sincere apologies for breaking the screen of the laptop you borrowed me last month.

This was not intentional but I take the blame for not being careful with your laptop. I left it on my workstation and fell asleep because I had a very stressful day and I was extremely tired. I didn’t know when my toddler dragged it from the table and the laptop fell to the floor with the screen hitting the floor first thereby causing the screen to break.

I intend visiting the repair shop on Adam lane to get the screen replaced. The shop comes highly recommended and I believe the laptop will be as good as new after the repair.

Once again, I want to sincerely apologize for this unfortunate incidence. I hope you don’t see me as a careless friend and this does not affect our friendship in any way.

Your friendly, Blessing

Trust you’re doing okay.

Thanks for all your great lessons.

I wanted to ask, if I’m writing a ‘Thank you’ letter to some colleagues who wished me well while I was ill, how do I begin the salutation?

Do I use ‘Dear colleagues’?

Looking forward to your response.

Yes, that’s exactly how you start. You would not list their names individually because we don’t know how many there were.

Thank you Liz for wonderful lessons. I am so grateful for you.. There are millions of students all around the world get benefitted from your materials. Keep up the good work !

I got overall score of 7.5 in my IELTS-GT-Computer based on 18-Sep-2021

Following is the IELTS-GT Part -01 question (may not be the exact words from the exam). It was a semi-formal letter

You have injured your leg and you are resting at home. Your office colleagues sent you cards. Write a letter to your colleagues, – thank them for cards – describe how do you spend your time – describe your progress of recovery Start the letter with Dear ….,

write at least 150 words

A great score – very well done 🙂

Dear Mr. Robson Smith I’m writing this letter to let you know that I’ve car accident while on the office and have got a deep injury lateral thigh of right leg. Thank you so much for sending me good wishes cards. When I received it I was bloomed with joy by your words. They means a lot for me. Due to the Injury on my leg, last 3 days I was totally bed ridden so I was forced to spend my time in bed doing nothing but slowly I am recovering and I am spending my time by ambulation around my house and sometimes on Television. Today is 5th day of accident and in compare to last days I am recovering in speedy manner. whenever I will fully recover I will join office as soon as possible Sincerely yours Adam Smith

Is it Dear Mr. Walker or Dear Mr Walker in a semi-formal letter? Will the . (dot) be there after Mr or Ms?

Thanks Preeta

The dot is optional.

How are you and how is your day going, I hope the family is great especially your younger brother who makes me feel welcomed anytime I come visit. Been long I came for a visit and I am so sorry about that.

Well I am writing to you to apologize about your gaming pad which got spoilt while in my care. I am so sorry I did not write to you early to tell you about this but I have been so sad and ashamed to tell you as I know you would not be happy about that.

The gaming pad fell from the table and split open while packing up to bring to your place last week Tuesday. I got so sad and could not bring it to you that way so I decided to stay home till I could get some money to get you a new gaming pad before coming for a visit.

To be honest I have to tell you I am close to getting enough money to get the gaming pad, I do hope this makes you happy with me and allows you to forgive me for damaging it. As soon as I get it I would come visiting again. Stay safe and send my greetings to your brother and family.

Best wishes Mikky.

I do hope LIZ can read this and score me as this is my first attempt to any writing task. But I learnt using Liz platform

Dear Mr. Sami,

I am writing to apologize for missing the deadline for monthly report which i supposed to deliver 1 day back, I know how much important to deliver these reports on time especially on yearly closing. The reason of my delay was that i had technical issue with my login to system to extract the files which took more time than i expected to solve the issue with IT team. Now the issue is solved, i did all the analysis and sent all reports to your email, I hope that you get it. again i am sincerely sorry for that delay, an di hope that you can forgive me for that delay.

Your sincerely Mohamed Bandou

Dear Mr Johnson,

I am writing this to apologise for not attending the meeting held on March 3rd about architecture review. I am extremely sorry for not being able to attend this meeting.I am fully aware of the importance of but my absence was unavoidable.

That day my wife got labor pain and I had to immediately admit her to the emergency unit for the delivery. Our Gynecologist recommended me to stay with her until the final decision was made about the delivery process. I was specially engaged with getting the medications and filling up the legal documents throughout the day

On the other hand I have contacted Mr. Tim about the meeting and obtained the required details of what was discussed in the meeting and outcome of it. Based on those details I have the confidence to prepare the final architecture design for you to review by the end of this week. I hope this would help to accelerate the project delivery and will not be a blockage to proceed further.

Dear Jason,

Sorry, It took longer than I expected to write to you for explaining why I haven’t returned the pen drive I borrowed from you two weeks ago.

Unfortunately a bad software virus got transferred to the drive while I was using it on the computer at the Campus lab. That day I was in a mad rush to upload the final research to our lecturer. This led all the important data and files to vanish completely from the drive.

But no worries, Tim has found an alternative data recovery software to get the data back on the drive and I can assure you this is the best way to solve the problem right now. I am relying on his help for this and hoping to get an update by tomorrow from him. So hopefully I can return your pendrive tomorrow. Let’s meet up for a coffee after class.

I am extremely sorry for all the hassle.Hereafter I’ll be more careful when using the drives in unknown computers.Hope you can forgive me.

Take care, John.

I am writing to apologize for the car which I borrowed from you. I am sorry that I did not write to you earlier this week. I am sincerely sorry to tell you that the car which I borrowed from you got into an accident but nothing to worry about it was just a small accident.

Earlier this week on Tuesday when I was going back to home from Niagara falls a car bumped into the back of your car. I stopped and had a look it was nothing but some minor scratches on the rear bumper.

The next day I sent the car to the body repair shop for the paint job near to my house which is quite famous for its work. The car will be delivered to me by tomorrow evening. I will then later in that day return it to you. Nothing to worry about I will take care of all the expenses. Hope you are doing great.

Best wishes, Manraj.

Dear John, I hope you are doing well!! This is to inform that the I-phone which I borrowed from you last Sunday, mistakenly got damaged. I know you will be annoyed hearing this but I am really sorry about this. Let me tell you how it happened. I was taking afternoon tea and the phone was on the table. My kid came there and tried snatching the phone from the table and it fell down from her hand. Unfortunately, its screen got broken. It has minor scratches on the screen, the condition is good enough though. There is no need to worry dude. I will have it fixed from a well-know mobile repairing shop near my house. I will bear all the cost to get it repaired and return you in the condition the way it was when you gave me. So, I will be at your house this Saturday. Say hello to your parents!! See you soon

Lots of love Jay

Hi Liz Trust you’re doing well. I completed my IELTS (General) test today (LRW). I wanted to check with you as to how much of a band score would I lose for not adding the salutation “Mr” in a letter to a colleague requesting him to deliver a presentation in a company conference that I would be organising. I felt so terrible about this silly error 🙁 However, kudos to the amazing content on your website. It simplified my preparation by a great deal. I look forward to hear from you soon.

The scoring doesn’t work that way. You don’t lose individual points for individual mistakes. It is not calculated by the number of errors even though error density does play a part. So, don’t spend time dwelling on this. It really depends how well you did overall.

Dear Miss Smith,

I am writing to you to apologize for missing the project analysis meeting last Friday. I am extremely sorry since I know the meeting was a crucial one and should not have been skipped at my end.

What happened is that, I encountered an unexpected exigency at my home. My daughter fell down the stairs from the second floor and her right leg was injured in the accident. My husband and I had to rush her to the nearest St. Thomas hospital, where thankfully the doctor confirmed it to just be minor fracture in the ankle. However, I still decided to stay there while the doctor was examining for a second opinion.

I would like to assure you that I have referred to the minutes of the meetings for the missed meeting, and I am aware of the key points discussed. I have also prepared a list of my suggestions and viewpoints, along with the presentation that I was supposed to share with our client. I would like to discuss the same with you as per your convenience.

Yours sincerely, Emily

Hi Sandra, I hope you are doing well. I sincerely apologize for causing damage to your active scooter. While I was driving within speed limits suddenly a toddler came in front of the vehicle and in order to rescue him I applied brakes and skidded and damaged one side of the scooter. Though the scooter is working fine only one side had a small dent which can be repaired. The very next day I visited the authorized workshop of activa in Meerut and got the whole portion replaced to look new again. They not only replaced the damaged portion with new one but also serviced the scooter for better performance. On Sunday I will drive the scooter to your place and had it over to you. I hope you will forgive me as it was an accident and not intentional. Best Wishes Pushpender Malik

Hi Mark, It’s been a long time we have not talked since we last met at John’s house party. Hope you’re doing great and wishing for your good health. Do you remember the old guitar which I loaned from you last time? I had kept it in my storeroom because nobody was playing it, lately, after my brother left for the United States. I am extremely sorry because I accidentally broke it while cleaning the storeroom. Although I put it inside the guitar bag which you have provided along with the guitar, my vacuum cleaner handle unnoticeably hit the edge of the instrument, and a part of the wood on its neck came out. I immediately rushed to the music instrument repair center near my house. They have already quoted me to fix the neck and also given a warranty for the repair. I will bear all the expenses and return to as soon as possible. I again want to apologize for my wrong deed and promise you to return your favorite guitar to the original state. I hope you understand. Take care, friend. Have a great day.

Best Regards, David

Dear Walker I am really very sorry that It has been long time, I did not returned the book I borrowed from you. Honestly speaking, I am feeling guilty that I damaged your book accidently but I know that how important that book is for you. I am very sorry for the damage. Actually one day I am making notes of the chapters and meanwhile I got tea. And because of my carelessness the tea was splashed over the book and some pages are damaged. I know that you are feeling very angry but I am promising you that I will fix it as you want. I was planning to give the book for repair but I think it will not be like the previous one. So I will get the new one for you. Very soon I will come to you with the new book.

Again I am really very sorry for the damage. And I hope you can forgive me. Best Wishes.

Dear Ufuoma,

Sorry I have not been able to reach you within 3weeks as we earlier agreed I was going to return your laptop. I have been thinking about how to tell you that your laptop is not in the same condition you gave to me. In fact it is damaged. And I feel very guilty to let you that it is damaged.

What happened was that my little daughter spilled water on the keyboard surface while I was away to Lagos. Water has penetrated the system and I have been unable to power it up.

But I have sent it to a technician for repair. I have been assured that it can be fixed and restore to perfectly working condition. Hopefully, I will send it back next week.

Again, I am really very sorry for the damage. I hope you can forgive me.

Yours truly,

I am writing this letter with regrates to inform you that the laptop I have borrowed from you last week has a software technical issue.

Kindly, accept my apology. Since this software issue occurred accidentally while I am using it for my university researches. An anonymous link has been popped up and I opened it by curiosity, which caused malware to the laptop windows program.

Although, fixing it will be costly. I am going to download a new Windows software even more updated version than the installed one. And I am going to make sure a modern Anti-virus to be installed either, to avoid any further defectiveness and to ensure high performance as well.

The last but not the least, I hope this tiny issue won’t affect our good relationship as we are friends since forever, and I wish you and your family a good day.

See you soon.

Sorry, it’s taken me so long to write to you but at last, I decided to own up my mistake why I haven’t returned your new laptop till yet. Actually I want to apologise as I accidentally damaged your new laptop, which I had borrowed for my office presentation. I am feeling bitterly disappointed about this, as I know you had bought a new laptop. To be honest, everything was going well while I was working on my presentation, but after sometime when I was having my cup of coffee, I accidentally spilt coffee over it, and since then laptop is not working. Though I had tried many times to restart the windows all went in vain. I know it’s my blunder mistake and that is why I had already sent the laptop to repair centre and they had promised me to get it to repair within a week. I didn’t want to cause you inconvenience and for this reason, I had arranged another laptop for you to attend your online classes. I hope you can forgive me! Best wishes Ridhi  

Blunder mistake=Blunder

Dear Sara, Sorry for connecting you late, I remember that i borrowed a laptop on last Tuesday and we had a word that i will give it back in our speculated time. Iam extremely sorry that i could nt’ do that. I know how much important the laptop is for As your carry all your task on the laptop. what happened is i was on your laptop and my son knocked out from the table as a result the screen is broken, And i gave it to replace the screen. The work is progress. I hope you understand and i give an assurance that it is repaired as soon as possible.Once again i am very sorry. yours lovingly, Usha.

Dear Aish , I am writing this latter to apology for as your laptop has been damaged, i borrowed from you last on Sunday but unfortunately got damaged I know how much you like it and it gifted from your mother on last birthday when i was packing my bag in the class at that time laptop slip from my hand and fall on floor got damaged hole outer body I show the laptop service center they are assured that can be repair by with some amount of money however next on Friday i’ll get it and i handing over to you Again i really sorry for inconvenience this event will not effect our friendship let’s meet up on Sunday morning.

Regards Mayuraish.

Hope you are doing well. I am writing this letter to apologize as I might have damaged the Bluetooth speaker that I borrowed from you last week.

Your speaker was in an excellent condition when I started using it. Yesterday, I took it with me for a beach party, where it started raining all of a sudden. I was unable to secure it in time and it got drenched in water. Now when I play it, I constantly hear noise with the music.

I am going to show the speaker to a technician tomorrow. I am hoping that there is an easy fix for it and the speaker will be rectified. Otherwise, I will order a new one for you. I will call you tomorrow and update you.

I know how much you liked this speaker. I really apologize for what has happened.

Talk to you soon, Nilesh

Dear Jane, It was great meeting you last week for a play day with the girls. We all had so much fun!! I am writing to explain you that an accident has happened at home and I ended up breaking the blender I borrowed from you that day. It was silly of me, really. I decided to fix a smoothie for the girls yesterday afternoon and the moment I grabbed the handle I dropped the whole thing on the floor. The machine is obviously still working but the cup fell on the floor and broke into a million pieces, leaving glass and smoothie all over the kitchen. I am so very sorry for breaking it and I hope you can forgive me. My husband Ivan has already gone to the shop to get you a brand new one so you do not need to worry about a thing. It´ll be as it never happened. I just thought I should tell you, for the sake of my conscious and our friendship! I´ll see you again next week, dear! Warmly, Iane (10 min – 179 words)

Dear John, I am writing to apologise for missing our team meeting this morning. I know how important and productive those meetings are and I hope you can forgive me for not being there. The reason I missed it was because my biggest client had an urgent matter to deal with and needed my help, leaving me no room for refusal. The good news is that I not only helped him fix the problem but managed to secure us another big deal. He was so happy with the solution I proposed that he decided to expand our partnership. I have already spoken to Mary and Kay about all that has been discussed in today´s meeting and I would like to reassure you that I am already on top of everything that has to be done. It will be as though I was there, I promise you. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow at the office. Best Regards, Iane (11 min – 158 words)

Hi, Liz, thank you very much for your blog – it´s a bless!! If you could be so kind so check the two letters above I´d be grateful. Thank you!

Sorry I do not offer marking on this website. However, other people can feel free to comment.

Dear Kinjal

I am writing this letter to just forgive me as your Favourite mobile tablet has been broken on last night.

It was thanks you to gave me your valuable mobile tablet to complete my science assignment, which will be shown to teacher on 21st Jun but unfortunately it has been broken by me last night when it was kept on the table and my hand would kicked on the corner of it and it felt down and broken it screen.

It is wonder and grateful for me, when i contacted the service center and they ask me the problem, All of a sudden he told me the resolve the problem by replacing the touch screen. I already dispatched the tablet to the Service center and it will get back probably after one week.

So once i will get i will sure to meet you with your lovely Tablet and thanks giving to your support on it. Again sorry and please forgive me for my mistake.

Your Sincerely, Mayur Patel

No need to mark.but Liz,,if u would comment about the falt…we are grateful to you.

Sorry but that isn’t something I can offer.

This was the letter I came with. still I need to practice to write under 20 mins.

Dear Mr. Smith,

I am writing to apologize to you for the important board meeting I missed last Tuesday, 2nd of May. I know how important it is to you that all your team members are present when the meeting is concerning our big client’s projects.

I am sincerely sorry for my absence, however, I was put in an avoidable situation. That day, I decided to commute going to work as my sister need to borrow my car. One my way, while we were approaching King George Blvd. our bus was hit by a delivery truck leaving few people lightly injured. I am thankful I was not injured at all, but the medical volunteers insisted for all of us to get checked at the nearest hospital.

I asked one of my colleagues Anna Birch to go over with me everything that was discussed in the meeting after work today. I will work extra hours tomorrow and the next day to catch up and work with the whole team regarding the pitch we are preparing for our big client next week.

Hoping you forgive my absence.

Yours truly, Ruvi Garcia

Hi Liz, I wrote an apologize letter but wasn’t sure how many mistakes happened. If you could please take few minutes and advise me for improvements & mistakes would be highly obliged. Thanks in advance!

Hope You’re in good health!

I am sorry that i took so long to tell you about this but unfortunately, The printer that i borrowed from you got mishandled & damaged.

It was tuesday morning when i was loading the printer in the trunk of my car, It fell from my hand because of heavy load & sweat in my hands. As you can understand it was bright sunny day. I immediately took it back to the house to check if the hardware part of the printer is still working and unfortunately it wasn’t.

I contacted the HP technical support firm present in my local region for the fixation and they assured me that with a little amount of charge they can replace the whole printer since it was under warranty as it only 2 month old. So i asked for the replacement and deposited the charge and got assured from the firm that the replacement would be sent to the registered address within 2-3 Business days. Hopefully you will receive the replacement product by friday.

Once again, I am sorry about the unfortunate event. Hope you’ll forgive me about it.

Best Wishes SID

Hey Liz, Thank you so much for your great help as your topics and all the stuff provided by you is wonderful..

Dear Mr.Sandeep,

First of all I owe you my apology from my side with regard to the meeting which i had missed on 31st March 2020.

Aside that I certainly know that the importance of meeting which focuses on the companys long term planning and strategy.

As my father is suffering my long term cardiological problems , there is a sudden arise on that day for medical treatment which is inevitable.

To set aside my absence I will take the necessary notes and training from my immediate reporting manager Ms.Shwetangi Tohan.

Yours Faithfully.

I’ve being finding it difficult to explain why I haven’t returned your laptop charger I borrowed from you since on 20th of April 2020.

I’m writing to apologize that your charger was mistakenly damaged last week Saturday, as I was returning back from my Computer Science class.

This was how the incident that led to your charger been damaged happened. I had a Computer Science late night class, and your laptop charger was with me. Unfortunately, there was a heavy rain fall, I couldn’t get a taxi back to my hostel, since it was raining and very late. And nor of my course mates were mobile. So I had to enter into the rain and walked all the way from Science Faculty to the Female Hostel which is a very long distance. Unluckily for me by the time I got into the hostel that night, your charger was already damaged.

Although, I’ve contacted two special engineers to help me fix the charger back to its original state when you gave it to me. These engineers have promised to do a very good job and I promised to return it on or before this coming Monday after fixing is done.

I’m so sorry for this uncontrollable incident, I promised it will never happen again. I hope you will find a place in your heart to forgive me dear.

Thank you so much, Benny.

There aren’t enough word to explain my sadness when I writing this letter to you. Because the drone, which is I borrowed you, is broken. I’m so sorry about that.

As you know, I borrowed it for record some videos when me and Jane visiting new places in our summer vocatiın. I started to fly it when we were in huge and amazing valley. It’s hard to believe, but a wild attacked it and the drone broken. Can you imagine that?

After that unusual issue, I ran and get the drone and it’s broken parts on the road. We went to city centre to fix it. Luckily, there was an electronical repair center. Repairman check it and said “It’s all electronic parts are working well, but we haven’t the broken plastic part here. If you want, I can print it by 3D printer.

So, we waited in there for five hours. Finally, he fix it and it’s working as same as before.

Warm wishes,

Dear Mr Abdul, This letter is to let you know how apologetic I was for not able to meet up with the meeting scheduled for friday.I sincerely apologise for not been present.

I was actually preparing for the meeting when the unexpected happened. My dad collapsed and needed to be taken to the hospital been the only one around that can drive, had to quickly rush him to the hospital. Before we could finish all the test and the medical formalities the time for the meeting has already elapsed.

I have already been given a copy of the minutes of the meeting to update me of the major decisions at the meeting and promised to ensure executions of all decision to the fullest.In addition to this, I promised to work extra hours to increase the productivity of the organisation I sincerely thank you for understanding my plight. Thank you Yours sincerely Hajarat usman

Hi Liz. Thank you for so much valuable information. I wanted to know if we need to include the three points in the question in the same order? Can we add the first point at the last?

You are being marked on your logical order of information. Why would you alter the order? It wouldn’t be logical to alter it. Make sure you spend time getting to know the band score descriptors issued by IELTS. You can find descriptions of them on my site in the Test Info section and also you can google them.

Dear Liz, When writing a formal letter like an absence from an urgent meeting, can we use the sentence that “I know my presence was highly important and I must have been conspicuous from my absence in the meeting”? Is the phrase “conspicuous from absence” informal or formal? Can you please suggest an alternate phrase if this is not appropriate?

It sounds as though you have memorised language to impress the examiner. Yes, you need to write formally. But you also need to write naturally. Also, the words “”my presence was highly important” means that you were an important person for the meeting – are you sure you want to give that impression to your boss?? It is more important to get the meaning right than to push words into your writing to impress the examiner (that will mostly likely be used incorrectly). Don’t aim to impress, aim for accuracy of meaning.

Dear Sandra, Hope you are doing well?

Sorry it took me so long to write, but you remember we met a month ago and I borrowed one of your book, the book named The Alchemist which I know is your favorite.

I am afraid to tell you this, I accidentally damaged it. Couple of days ago, late night i was reading it and when i got up to keep it on the study table I accidentally tipped a ink bottle over it.

I am sorry that the copy of the book is beyond repair now, hence the ink was spread all over the book. I tried my best to look for a solution online, but was not able to find suitable enough to over come this mishapping. I also checked online for the new copy of it and i already have order it, the copy with be delivered to your home address in few days.

I am really sorry once again. Hope this will affect our friendship.

Hi Vanelia, I hope your doing Great!!

You know we met last week and i borrowed a book from you. After meeting with you i went to meet my cousin and he is just 5 year old. I kept your book in my bag, but I didn’t how he took that book from my bag and tear out some pages of that book.

I am so sorry for what my brother did with your book and some how i manage to fix up those pages but it would not be like as earlier but still all pages are readable. I hope this will not impact our friendship.

I will return your book tomorrow and we will plan a meeting for next week.

Dear Albert, I hope that my letter finds you well. I’d like to let you know that the camcoder I took from you for my vacation in Dominicana got broken and I think that it is unrepairable.

I sencerely apologise for damaging your camcoder. I know how you liked your camera. It was very lightweight and easy to use device with crystal clear image.

It all happened two days ago, on a last day of our vacation. I was taking a video of my son swimming in the pool when I accidentally dropped the camera into the water. However, I had a chance to capture all our holiday and had transferred all video files to my computer the night before the accident. videos have amazing quality and I’m very grateful to you for giving me this opportunity to use your camcoder.

By the way, I looked through the Amazon. They have on sale not this exact camera but newer generation of it. It has even better image quality and new features. What do you think if I buy you a new camera?

I will be waiting for your decision. and once again please forgive me for this inconvenience.

Best regards

It’s great but it would be amazing if you use more contractions e.g Instead of writing ‘I will’, you should write I’ld. Try to be as informal as possible. It has slightly formal tone

Thank you for your feedback!

Well, this letter is written to your boss and i think its need to be formal. It relates to work and your senior. Or it can be semi formal, I thought.

Dear George,

Sorry, it took me so long to write to you. I’m writing this letter to explain you why I haven’t returned your car which I borrowed from you.

I am sorry to inform you that I damaged your car yesterday. I know how much you love that vintage car as it was gifted to you from your late grandfather.

Actually, it was not my mistake. I’ve parked the car in a hotel and when I came back, I found the front bumper and the headlight was damaged. I spoke with the hotel management and as we checked the CCTV footage, a taxi damaged the car while parking. But, I’ve lodged a complaint in the nearby police station regarding the issue with the CCTV footage.

Since it is a vintage car, it was hard for me to find the right dealer to fix the car. But luckily, I got one and they’ve already towed the car to their garage. The car will be fixed by Saturday and I will deliver it to you in a brand new condition on Sunday.

I once again apologize for what happened. I hope this won’t affect our friendship. We’ll meet up on Sunday.

Regards, Akhil.

Hope you are fine and doing great. I felt serious impediment due to the guilt i am feeling right now in informing you that the camera I took from you last nigh is now damaged accidently.

I’m writing this letter to apologies that due to some dramatic turn of events your camera is broken. I knew that your mother gifted you this on your last birthday and how much you like it and I am really sorry for the pain it will cause you when you know about it and how it is broken down.

yesterday, I went to hawks bay with my family and we were having lots of fun while taking out pictures and capturing the memories until a boy from nowhere came and hit me so hard that I lost my control and fell down on a rock and during this unexpected event the camera hit the rock and its body got damaged.

I’ve spoken to 2 authorized Nokia dealers and both of them has given me a assurance that its body can be easily replaced and it will become brand new again which quite a bit relief for me to know.

I am expecting that this repair and replacement process will be completed by next Friday and I will personally visit you on Saturday for handing over it to you for.

I hope this misery will not cause any damage to our friendship, so see you on the next week.

Dear Sarah,

I’m writing to you to express my sincere apologies for not returning the USB bin drive on time, as I promised you.

To be honest with you, I’m have been feeling terrible and so guilty for not keeping my word. I have to own up to you that I lost all the data that was stored in your bin drive accidentally. I know how these photos are valuables to you and your wife as they were of your first baby when you were in the USA.

What happened is that I was surfing the Web and downloading some images. Unfortunately, one of the downloaded images was infected by a virus that spread all over my laptop. Badly, it was a ransomware virus that encrypts all the files. I directly disconnected my laptop from the Internet, but it was too late. All the photos were encrypted and no longer accessible.

My friend told me about an engineer who is professional in reverse engineering, and he promised me that he could decrypt the files. In fact, the process is not easy, and he needs time to get it solved and to guess the most efficient decryption algorithm. The good news is that the engineer confirmed to me that he had resolved hundreds of cases similar to mine, so let’s cross our fingers.

Again, I’m so sorry for the delay. I hope you understand and forgive me.

Best wishes, Wesam

I am writing to apologize for damaging your favorite glass. I am so sorry for taking so long to accept my blunder mistake.

I used that glass for drinking water, but by mistake it slipped from my hand and got a crack on it. the glass was not fully broken it just got a crack line on it which is clearly visible. I knew that you will be very disappointed after looking at it that’s why I hide that from you. I am feeling very guilty about it, that glass was very dear to your heart as it is gifted by your husband. But it happened so sudden I dint mean to hurt you.

I bought the same new glass for you yesterday which I am keeping with this letter. I know it wont bring back those sentiments you had for that glass. I have not thrown that cracked glass, I put some glass repair glue on it and potted your favorite flower in it. Its still there in your balcony.

Once again, I apologize for my irresponsibility. I hope you can forgive me.

warm regards Pinky

Dear Alia it was nice day when I see you last week on your house and lend me some dresses that I need to wear in my friend’s wedding party .However I’m so sorry about damaged your blue dress with long tall which I cloth it .When I got to the party and greeted invitors one of them hit me acceidintly that causes to fall orange juice to me and fill your dress’s ,unfortunatily I can not clan it rapidly because the hall was too crowded .

I hope don not aware about it because after party I send it to LC washing shop,and bring me at home very clean and tidy.I will return you in friday evening . best wishes Nour

Dear Mr. Guy,

I am writing to apologize for missing the meeting on Tuesday 25th September about the Marketing Strategy for our new product. I am aware of the importance of this meeting to you but my absence was unavoidable.

The reason for not attending the meeting was due to an emergency. I received a call from the hospital my heavily pregnant wife was registered in saying she was in labor and they needed me to be there as she might have to undergo a CS (Ceaserian Surgery). I wasn’t permitted to leave the hospital until she was delivered of the baby, thankfully without a CS.

I understand how important this meeting is to you, therefore I have scheduled a meeting with one of my colleagues Ben Bruce who was present at the meeting, in order to review to meeting with me. We will go over the Marketing Strategy in order to be up to speed with the meeting.

Again I am truly sorry for my absence at the meeting and I do hope that you forgive me and I assure you of my commitment and loyalty to your organisation.

Yours Truly,

Blessing Okafor.

Wow great, I wish I could write this well. I’m to write the Ielts on the next month and I still have problems on writting

It’s important to have blogs like this to help in exam preparation. I appreciate the work done by Liz as it is not easy do this level of home work and put that in a public domain. Thanks Liz

Thank you, Liz, for the wonderful work you are doing!

Hi Liz Thank you so much for taking out time to expressly coach us on these IELTS tips. Under structure in your essential tips for writing letters, you listed “title” as the first point. Please what do you mean by title? I really hope my question gets answered before I write my test which is scheduled for August 1st. Thank you

“Mr” is a title. “Dr” is a title. “Mrs” is a title.

Thank you so much.

Dear Davina,

I hope you and your parents are doing well, and so am I. It had been a long time since I had contacted you the last time and I finally sat down to write to you this time.

I would like to start with an apology for damaging your thumb drive that I borrowed from you to transfer the files from my office desktop to my personal laptop. I am sure you are aware of the heavy rain in our area that flooded whole of the ground floor of my house. Your thumb drive which was locked in my work table drawer was damaged along with all the electronics that was on my table. The water engulfed the area very fast allowing me no time to secure any of the items in my work station.

Luckily, now after the flood waters had drained I discovered that there is this shop in the city that promised me to recover the thumb drive to its original state. Although, I had lost all the data in the drive, I can recover them from the backup I have in my office desktop.

I should return the thumb drive next time when I see you. I remember that your birthday is coming next week, so I will use this opportunity to meet and return the thumb drive to you.

Sorry for the damage and the delay in returning the thumb drive back to you, and thanks for letting me use it.

Best wishes, Gopi

————————-

Dear Mr. Larry,

I am writing this letter to apologize for the business meeting that I had missed with the Executives from London.

Although it was gushing and raining heavily yesterday, I was still getting ready to travel to work, however, I didn’t realise until I got out of my house that the whole area was flooded and all the telephone and electricity posts were grounded because of the heavy wind and rain. And I was in a situation where I was unable to use the landline phone or computer to inform you about the situation or to request to postpone the meeting.

I am well aware that this meeting is very important for the new project that we were planning to take over, and I am extremely sorry for this unforeseen circumstance. I should have made some other plans, considering the weather reports that were going on in the radios and newspapers for couple of days.

On a positive note, I was made aware that the meeting was postponed to a later day in the week as some of other executives were also not able to join the meeting due to this adverse weather. So I will consider all the warning and plan wisely to not miss the meeting next time.

I am sorry again for missing the meeting and will be more careful in all the future meetings.

Yours sincerely, Gopi

Dear Liz, I would really appreciate if you please review my formal letter as well. I am aiming to get an 8 for my writing part. Many thanks in advance.

Dear Mr Gupta,

I am writing this letter regarding the meeting held on 6th of May, on New Employee Onboarding Plan, which I could not attend.

Please accept my sincere apologies for not being able to attend the meeting or inform about my absence in advance. I would like to assure that this topic is very important to me.

The night before the meeting I got a medical emergency and had to be taken to the hospital, which ended up in a small surgery. Apparently, I had gall bladder stones, which I was not aware of, that was causing the excruciating pain. Now that the stones have been removed, with help from my family and hospital care, the recovery has been very fast. I am now back at office starting today.

I have read the minutes of the meeting, based on which I have prepared a draft plan as per the requirements. If you are available to meet for a short duration any time this week, please let me know so I can come and understand the details myself. This way, I can also share the draft plan with you and take your opinion. I am also open to a teleconference if a face-to-face meeting is not convenient to you this week.

I look forward to your response and hope for a meeting soon. Many thanks.

Yours Truly, John Smith

Dear Liz, I’m trying to get a 8 in writing and was hoping if you would review my letter writing. I have written an informal letter for your review. Many thanks in advance.

Dear Ambily,

Hope you are well. I have been meaning to write to you for quite some time now but couldn’t figure out how to tell you that I damaged the blue shawl you let me borrow.

I am feeling terrible and so guilty for damaging such a beautiful shawl, especially because I am aware that it is one of your favorite shawls, which you so often pair up with your dresses and shoes. I am so sorry for not taking enough care of your belonging.

I had worn it to a office party last week, where I was enjoying a glass of red wine, and out of no where my colleague just came running onto me. The whole glass of red wine spilt on the shawl. This happened so suddenly that there was nothing I could do to avoid the spill.

Well, I have found out a dry cleaning store which claims that they can completely remove the stain and return the shawl as good as new. I just dropped off the shawl at their store this morning and am hoping for the best now.

I look forward to seeing you soon. Sorry again for not telling you sooner about the damage.

Take care, lots of love

Hi Liz, Could you please correct my answer and advice me the areas i need to improve . I want to score 7 .

Dear Divya, I hope this letter finds you well. How is your studies going? Please accept my sincere apologies for damaging your USB drive, which you have given me for study purpose; copying the notes for the university exam. The pendrive got dipped in water by mistake,while washing my cloths I forgot to remove it from my pants’ pocket. I consulted a hardware mechanic and tried to fix the issue but not able to do so. Fortunately , I copied and saved all the datas on the drive to my laptop except the photo folder. I understand it will be a grate loss for you as the folder was full of your last vacation snsps. I have already purchased a new pendrive for you and pasted all the study materials and sending along with this courier. Once again sorry for the loss of your USB . I look forward to here from you . All the very best for your studies.

Best Regards, Sherin Jose

Dear Mr sharma , I am writing to apologise for the meeting I missed on may 6th about the development plans of the company. I am really feeling guilty for not being there but, my absence was unavoidable as I met with an accident while on the way to work. Although it was not that serious and I was taken to the hospital for first aid but, due to all the hospital formalities I was stucked there.

I am again sorry for the same. I do understand the importance of the meeting. Therefore, I have asked one of my colleague to review with me by today. We will work on understanding the development plans ,duties and responsibilties of people’s. Again, I am sorry for my absence on such a important day but, I assure you about by role and commitment towards the company will never be compromised. I will definitely work on and will keep myself updated. Hope you forgive me. Yours sincerely Mrs Payal Gupta

I have written the write up.Please let me know,whether i need to improve my Letter writing.Is it okay.I am expecting Writing task-8. Please review it and let me know your comments.So that i can work on those lines. I have gone through your videos and links.They are so helpful and Thanks is just small word for the service and help you are doing for the all of us.

Formal letter to Boss for missing a meeting:

Dear Mr Rajasekhar,

I am writing to apologise for missing the recent meeting on May 2nd.I am extremely sorry that i was unable to attend the meeting due to personal emergency.

Let me explain you my situation in more detail.I could not attend the Product Review Meeting on 2nd May,2019 at 10:00am as i got a call from my husband that my Father-in-law was admitted in hospital due to chest pain.I rushed to the hospital and they have already done the tests and showed the reports.As he had multiple complications like Blood Pressure,High Sugar levels and he is under dialysis. Doctor suggested us to have 2-3 stunts to clear the heart blockages.They planned to operate him tomorrow.

To compensate for the missed meeting.I will go through the Online recordings of the meeting and the Minutes of the Meetings,So that i am on track with the Meeting status.I will also like to get important information from my collegue Sirisha about the offline discussion after the meeting.

Please let me know,if i need to contact any one for more information.

Regards, Himabindu.

could you please guide me regarding how to change the paragraph? to be specific i want to know that when we change the paragraph do we simply start the next paragraph from the next line or do we need to leave a line and then start the new paragraph from the next line?

please guide.

thanks in advance.

It is best to leave a line between paragraphs.

hii liz Your blogs are very helpful for us. Thank you for your efforts. I am planning to write a computer delivered test can you tell me if changing paragraph strategy is same for computer delivered test. Do we need to skip a line to write next paragraph in computer delivered test also?? Thank you..

When you leave one line empty between each paragraph, it is easier for the examiner to see the paragraphs clearly. This is the same for both paper and computer writing tests.

thank you 😊

Dear Tyrian,

I am writing this letter to apologize for not attending this important meeting about the growth of the company.

I am really sorry for not being a part of the recent meeting. I know it was beneficial to our organization and how much support you needed from my side.

What happened, when I was getting ready for work my wife got serious pain in her stomach. As you know that I am living far away from my home town and it is really hard to get instant support from anyone. I am not well aware of this city so the reason took me a long time to search for different tests centers and forgot to inform you.

I am making a promise with you that I will work on this assignment by giving an extra hour per day. I already talk to the site manager to discuss it in short.

Yours Faithfully, John Snow

Got fan 😂 I think your boss should be addressed as Mr. Tyrion and it should be “Yours Sincerely “ according to Liz instructions. You use Yours Faithfully when no name’s addressed .. I think u did pretty good on d body but I’m no professional anyway

Hi Liz, Thanks a million for your tips. However, I have a question to ask. Although I understand the difference between an Informal and semi-formal letter, I do not exactly understand the difference in writing either of them. Do I use contractions for both? It appears from your tips that booth has similar way of starting the first sentence – “I just want to let you know”, is this correct? Finally, are the signing off styles and languages the same? Thanks a bunch in anticipation of your response.

Formal letters have set opening lines (which are adapted based on the purpose) and set ways to sign off. This is not the case with semi-formal or informal. The open line which be completely different depending on who you are writing to and why. This is also the same for the way to sign off. There is no fixed way for those types of letters. You can use contractions in semi-formal and informal letters.

Hi Liz, thanks for the wonderful lessons. with reference to the formal letter, I noticed how you used ” I am writing to apologize…” in the opening statement and ” I am sincerely sorry…” for paragraph A which is Apologizing for missing the meeting. The question is, was it on purpose you used ”apologize” and ”sorry” to avoid repetitive words or is it okay to use same words like ” I am writing to apologize…” and ” I sincerely apologize…”

You were correct – it was a way to avoid repetition.

Hi Liz, I am sharing my answer below, please let me know where i stand, and what kind of scoring i can accept with such writing in my IELTS test.

Dear Melanie,

I am writing to you to apologize for my absence in today’s new business meeting at Tulip Housing.

I understand, this is an unacceptable behavior from my end, as it caused our firm’s first impression on our prospective client. I feel extremely apologetic for the sudden change change in my plan, as it ended up putting you in a spot.

It may sound unprofessional, but i was pulled into a family medical emergency in the very last minute. My uncle suffered a severe headache early in the morning today, and his son not being in town, left me in charge. Given the nature of the situation, i was in no position to pull myself out of it and not be there for my family in times of need.

I am already in conversations with Mr John, the project manager, to arrange for a second meeting in the coming week, he has been really supportive, and is trying to get us slot on Tuesday with his top management to present our ideas and plans to them.

Thanks and Regards Jane Doe

Hope you are doing well! Sorry it taken me so long to write to you but finally I put pen to paper to explain as why I did not returned back the Portable Speakers that I have borrowed from you. I am afraid and feeling so guilty to let you know that the Portable Speakers that I have borrowed from you are not working properly because they got slipped from my hand and fallen on the ground. I tried my beast to fix them by all were going in vain. So, without wasting any time, I took them to the nearest electronics repairer shop and he ensured me that he will fix them and soon they will working fine, as before. Moreover, in case if any damaged part need to be replaced then I will full pay for it, as ultimately I am responsible for this cause. At last, I hereby again feel apologized for the inconvenience that has been caused because of me and I am looking forward to seeing you soon. Best Wishes Kamal

Dear Mr. Thomas, I am writing this letter with regard to the meeting that I have missed this morning at your company. I am really sorry because I was not enabled to be in such a significant meeting. The reason why I did not attended, due to an accident along my way to the company, which made overcrowded traffic. The result of that I had to spend more than an hour waiting for the road to be open, thus I was be late. I think the best thing to get the important points of this meeting is to let me know which time is convenient to you to get along together and discuss these points. Once again I am so sorry, and as I mentioned above it was not my fault, and that was out of my control, and I am sure that you understand my situation. Thank you in advance for your understanding,and I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible.

Sincerely Mrs.Fatma

A tutor said writing addresses , dates and headings on task 1 general writing will give one extra score. Please how true is it? Thank you Sandra

That is 100% not true. The instructions tell you to start with “Dear Sir” or something similar. Follow the instructions directly.

i have one question, if in writing test, before the last line (do not write below this line) has one spase to write, should i write on those line or i must continue new sheet? is it a problem, if i write on it?

Best Regards, Triyanti

You continue on a new sheet. You should NEVER ignore instructions. If you use a second sheet, please label the sheets: Page 1:2 / Page 2:2. That way the examiner knows there are two pages.

Woaaa i got it, thank you Liz you’re the best teacher 😍😍

You’re welcome 🙂

Dear Sandra,

How have you been? I just got back today from the hiking trip. I am so sorry to tell you that the Bose Bluetooth speakers that you lent me for my inspiration are destroyed.

To tell you the truth I had been very diligent, always kept them in the hard case after every use. However, last Thursday night there was a storm that hit the blue mountains, all our tents were partially destroyed and many of us lost our personal belongings.

Next day when skies got clear, we started packing in order to descend from the peak and I had a chance to observe the speakers that got a dent and were no longer working.

I completely understand how precious these speakers were to you and that your father got them from New York. In order to make up for this, I owe you the exact same pair. I checked that the model is now available on Amazon and I have placed an order for them already, they are likely to be delivered by next week.

Once again I want to apologize for what happened and I will see you as soon as these brand new speakers arrive.

In the informal letter, why is there no comma after ‘Best Wishes’?

Those commas are optional.

Thank you so much Liz for putting all these together for the benefit of everyone. Please, I want to know if it is/not necessary to write a heading for a formal letter. From all I have been reading about writing task for ielts, I have not come across any formal letter with a heading, but the formal letters I am so familiar with always come with a heading. which is the right one please?

As you see in the model above, no heading is needed. Make sure you read all my letter writing tips: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-letter-writing-essential-tips/

Hi liz , thanku so much for your tips . I have been following u since long! I wanted to ask there’s a lot of confusion that short forms like hvnt or I hv cannot be used or vl be negatively marked but I can see them in your sample answer. Can veer use them

I have not used anything like that in the model letter above. What are you referring it? You are referring to DIY which is a standard accepted short form similar to DNA. That is NOT the same as hv = have or havnt = haven’t. Do not confuse texting language, which is not acceptable in IELTS, with accepted English short forms.

o be honest, I’ve been feeling so guilty that I delayed writing to you. I have to own up that I damaged the book accidentally. I’m I was talking about use of I’hv And I’m

“I’hv” is not an accepted contraction in the English language – it is slang used in texting on phones. So, you can’t use it for writing in English. “I’m” is an accepted contraction of “I am” which is used in informal English writing. As you see, the letter above is informal – it is to your friend. That means you should use acceptable English language contractions. If you are unclear between accepted contractions and texting slang, you will have a serious problem. It means you will need to review your basic English grammar to learn about contractions. See this page for more letter writing tips: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-letter-writing-essential-tips/

Ok thankx a lot

Hello,thank you so much for providing this useful website.I have a question regarding the signing off and name.For example,after writing down Yours faithfully or Warm wishes,do I have to skip a line then write my name or i don’t have to,and what about the comma,is it ok with or without it? Much thanks!

There are no fixed rules. You do not have to leave an empty line – I often do. You do not need a comma because commas have become more and more redundant in modern writing.

Thank you so much for the good work. please, I would like to know if the letter below is to be written as a semiformal or informal letter.

” A friend has written to you asking for advice about a problem at work. You have had a similar problem in the past. Write a reply to your friend. In your letter: * Tell your friend you understand the problem. * Explain what happened to you in the past. * Suggest possible solutions to the problem.

This is semi-formal. It is from a personal friend about a serious topic.

So would it be suitable if we start letter with “Dear Mr. Singh” as we usually use to begin the semiformal letter?

As always in IELTS letters, it depends who you are writing to. Would you use that title if you were writing to a personal friend?

No. The greeting and signing off remains same as that of informal

The greeting is same as informal

Dear Liz. Do we make any space between the paragraphs in Writing task GT? Thank you very much for your assistance. Regards. Olena.

It is recommended to do so.

Tnks so much Liz.

Could you please clarify below queries as my test is scheduled in August:

Should I use pencil for Listening and reading in answer sheet as I would be able to correct in case of any error Do Ielts still deduct marks in case answer expected to be in caps and written in small or vice-versa.

Your response is highly appreciated

See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-help-faq/

Hi, Liz I have followed you since last year, you are doing a great job!! Tonnes of thank you . what I just looked while reading the sample letters the letter of informal to write up for a friend has minor mistake of “SO VERY SORRY” I think its not appropriate way to aplogize. Please do reply

It is 100% fine. It is a very normal expression in English.

Can we say ‘AM SO VERY SORRY’

Yes, it is informal English.

Liz is “SO VERY Right” (See what I did there) Look at the non-English speakers doubting the English speaker. Jesus! What is the world coming to 🙂

I have a question regarding writing task 2. while preparing ideas for essay if i find factual information. for example for essay topic for Art. I found facts like “Business in UK arts and culture industry generated an aggregated turnover of 12.4 billion in 2011” similar facts about the employment in art and culture industry. so can we used these facts or would it make our essay look like memorized? -Prashant

The examiner has no interest in facts. You aim is to explain using your own words, not memorise numbers.

Hey Liz Thank you so much for being there. You are truly a saviour. Today it was my first day for ielts training. I wrote a letter. The teacher told me not to use abbreviation as well as short form like i.e. for that is, it’s etc. Could you please suggest whether it’s true? And maximum how many paragraphs should be there. Thank you

You can find your answers on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-letter-writing-essential-tips/

Write an apology reply after receiving a complaint from neighbours for noise came from my house Write a letter to your lecturer or professor for a reference letter to apply for a new job. Are these 2 formal or semi formal ? Shall I write Dear neighbours or dear everyone?

The first is formal. The second is formal. You do not have a close personal relationship with your lecturer – you don’t tell them secrets or enjoy quiet dinners together – a lecturer is not a friend.

Liz, you’ve said “first is formal. The second is formal”. I reckon you meant the first is “informal”.

They are both formal. The letter to your neighbours is plural – this means you are written to them all as a group. You might have a close personal relationship with your closest neighbour, but it is highly doubtful you are very close and personal with them all. So, they are both formal.

Am I allowed to ask for extra papers for writing exam ?

Hello mam, I have a doubt regarding 1 GT task 1 topic could you please clarify that The ques. Is You recently took a part-time job working for a local company. After a few weeks, you realised there were some problems with the job. Write a letter to the manager of the company.In your letter *Explain why you took the job *Describe the problems that you experienced *Suggest what could be done about them.

So in this ques. Whether the examiner wants to ask that you have the left the job now write a letter OR it’s about that right now you are working over there and then you have to write a letter.

I really need this response soon it’s urgent please I’m looking forward for your response

There is no information that you left the job. It says you took the job and have found problems.

Ok ok got it mam Thanku so much for clearing my query that too so quickly 😃 I’m really a great admirer of yours .

Thank you so much for these tips. They are really very helpful for me. I have a letter i am confused with I cannot understand what to write in exam my exam is tomorrow morning if you can please help me in this. Thank you Topic is: GT WRITING LETTER- YOU WORK AS A PART TIME AND YOU ARE Attending a course And yo manager offered you full time and asked you to leave the course. Write a letter about Your decision on job offer? What can i say in this and what type of letter it is The the other thing is i am from India and my exam is in canada so what if examinar asks me about my hometown should i say india? I am on work permit here in canda.

You have not written the full instructions. You have also included mistakes which make it hard for me to understand. However, I will say that any letter to your boss or your manager will always be formal. In speaking, you tell the truth. The question “where are you from” is before the test starts, before the recording device is switched on. It is part of the ID check. You say the same information that is on your ID card or your application. Be open, direct and honest in your speaking test. After the recording device is switched on, speak as much as you can until the examiner interrupts to ask a new question.

Dear Mr Abiodun,

I am writing to apologise for the meeting i missed on 15th April about developing plan of our great company. I know how important it is for every staff to attend the meeting as the company is presently adopting new branding and market strategies.

I was on my way to the office on that day when i got a call from my wife that my only child mistakenly drank poison and was rushed to the hospital. I was confused, but i managed to get to the said hospital as soon as possible. Thank God, he was attended to before things got out of hand.

To reduce the impact of my absence, i have already placed calls to both branding and marketing mangers to bring me up to speed as regards the meeting agenda and i have started working on the parts assigned to me so as to meet up with the deadlines.

I hope you will pardon my absence and be assured of my commitment to this company and it’s future.

Yours faithfully, Orola Joseph.

Your closing is suppose to be; yours sincerely…

Firstly ,I would like to thank you for all your great service through this blog for the students. It’s a great help !

I was going through the comments section on this page. I’m not clear on the answer given for speaking advise. Kindly clarify me

For an Instance, I get a cue card to speak on the topic ” A successful Business Person” and I speak on the Successful holiday trip i went , is it not wrong? will my score not go down.

My understanding is that we need to speak on the topic given but not go off from the topic or speak about entirely a different topic. Is my understanding correct?

Kindly advise, as i have only few more days left for my speaking test.

IELTS examiners will not accept memorised answers. This means if you get the topic of a business person, but instead speak about a holiday – it is obvious to the examiner that you are changing the topic in order to give a talk with a prepared answer. This will not work. So, stick close to the topic – talk about a business person who isn’t successful, or a successful company but you don’t know who owns it – these are all similar to and very closely related to the given topic. A holiday is not similar to a business person.

Thank you so much for your efforts in bringing to us the useful materials/videos.

Need your clarification on the below question from Listening section.

Transcript: Don’t be late while returning in the evening, as the last bus leaves at five thirty.

Answer in one word and/or a number.

Question: The last bus leaves at __________________.

Which of the following answers are correct.

a) 05.30 b) 05:30 c) 5 Thirty d) 5.30 PM e) 5.30 pm f) 5 thirty

I answered in as “b”. Thought of writing it as in “c” or “f” as it fits in the condition of one word and/or a number.

The possible correct answers are: a, b, d and e

a cannot be the right answer because we dont use any symbols in military timing. it shud be 0530

This is for IELTS. I am telling you what IELTS will accept as an answer.

Dear Andrea, It’s been long since we met last.Since 2016, I didn’t hear from you. Hope you are doing well. To be honest, I’ve been feeling guilty that I delayed writing to you. I have to own up that I damaged your I Pod accidentally. I’m so very sorry. I know how important that I Pod is to you as it was presented to you by your mother on your birthday. What happened is that I had been listening to music when the I Pod feel into the sink. When I researched I realized that it is possible to repair the I Pod. I’ve sent it away to be repaired. Anyway, it should be working properly when I get it back next week and then sent it on to you. Again, I’m so sorry for the delay in letting you know. Hope you can forgive me

Best Wishes,

Dear Liz, Thanks for the great job and effort putting together to guide us. Kindly review my informal letter below and tell me your mind and the band score l’ll will get for this.

Dear John, Hope you’re fine? Sorry it’s now two weeks over l’m supposed to have returned the keyboard l borrowed from you to use for our yearly musical concert.

To be honest, I’ve been feeling guilty and worried on how to explain to you that your 7 octave multipurpose beautiful keyboard has been damage in our hand right at the peak of the concert.

The damage happened due to a sudden high voltage of current power supply and interrupted the audiences’ fun at that great music show.

I’d delayed in writing to you all because l couldn’t get a good hand on time to put it back to it’s original state. But two days ago l was directed to a professional home specializes ONLY on keyboard repair and promised to put it back to normal and in good condition

Hope you’ll accept my apology and forgive me for the delay.

l look forward to seeing you soon, Again, sorry for not telling you sooner about the damage.

Take care Emma

Dear Liz I appeared today for my IELTS speaking test (24/3/18). Your guidance worked well and I felt very much confident in handling the questions. Part 1 was about my work, how many times I take food, with whom I want to take food, changes in food over the period of time Part-2 was the personality in a foreign country I like, who, why. Supplementary questions included my views about need of learning language and culture in foreign country, why it is need, why people go abroad, what is the best way to know about people living in other parts of the world. Tomorrow, my test is scheduled for Reading, Writing and Listening. Again looking at the tips and appreciate your acumen of putting up all the things in order. Masha Allah

Glad your speaking test went well 🙂 Good luck tomorrow! See my last minute tips for LR&W: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-exam-tips-on-the-day/

hey liz I am taking my ietls eam day after tomorrow. I have got new passport issued (I uploaded scanned copy of new one while registering). I just wanted to know if I have to carry photocopy of only new passport or the old passport photocopy is also important? Do I need to carry both passports(old as well as new in original) to ielts test center ?

You need to ask your test center about this.

HI this letter is less that 150 words so is it ok

It contains well over 150 words. It contains 184 words.

I have a horrible hand writing. How would that affect my writing test?

If the examiner has a problem reading your writing, then it will be a problem. Practise writing with bigger gaps between words to make your writing clearer. You can also allow yourself 2 mins after you finish writing to ensure that words are clearer.

I want to sincerely appreciate your effort for people like us, doing all of these without you asking for anything in return. However, my question in on the tone to use to write letters. should the tone be according to formal, informal and semi-formal that you mentioned above?

The tone changes depending on who you are writing to and the purpose of the letter. This means is depends on the letter being formal, informal (or on rare occasions semi-formal, which means a letter to close personal friend based on a serious topic such as work).

It is been so long since we last met. Since October, 2017 I did not hear from you. Hope will meet you soon in next summer.

I would like to apologise to inform you that the flash drive i have borrowed from you is got damaged. It is not anymore workable when it get affected by severe virus attack.

When i was using it to transfer data from it to my laptop suddenly i have received virus notification on the screen and i was trying to scan with anti virus which was not success anymore. I have tried even in a repairing shop and they informed me it will not be repairable as it’s chips get distorted by the virus affect.

I would love to buy a new one with same storage capacity in terms of volume. I may will not get same brand. In that case if you have any preference about brand let me know. Hopefully i will arrange myself to buy one as your recommendation and will send you by couple of days.

Hope hearing back from you soon.

Yours Sincerely, Y

sorry to say but it sounds thats user doesn’t have any regret for damage …. i think a person should be more polite…. with his words!

Do you need to skip a line between signing off and name, for example

or Yours truly, Monica

It makes no difference before IELTS.

Thank you for clarifying.

This is a general question with respect to the writing test. Can we use running or cursive handwriting for the writing test?

Up to you. If the examiner can read it, it’s fine.

Hello Liz, Is it necessary to have equal number of lines in each paragraph? someone said it should be done that way…

Not for a letter.

Request you to please guide me, if the below sentence is grammatically correct; ‘Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this opportunity.’

Awaiting your response.

Best Regards, Shubhra

Don’t memorise sentences.

Hello liz, i noticed you used ‘this’ instead of ‘the’ in formal letter. Pls explain. Thank you

“this” is used for referencing. It is part of English grammar. Please look in a grammar book. I do not provide English language lessons.

Hi Liz, I have been going through almost all your educational videos, therefore my query for this Task 1 video is that I’m aware of 4-5 paragraphs in Task 2 but as per your examples, there are many paragraphs in Task 1 as well, can you enlighten me on this as I’ve been advised to only have three paragraphs, Intro- covering all the asked parameters in the second one – Ending. Need your expertise on the above-stated matter.

Regards, Kanwar.

I have not made any videos for GT letters writing task 1. See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-letter-writing-essential-tips/

Hi Liz, in letters related to complain to airlines, where we have to mention our name, flight no. and contact no.

The instructions will tell you what to include. Usually they will ask for your details (as you have mentioned above).

hi liz I notice that you used S and not Z when you spell some words..will you be penalized if you used American spelling of words in the writing task?

“s” is UK spelling and “z” is US spelling. You can choose which one you like. But choose only one – don’t mix them.

Hi Teacher Liz, I have practiced few letters from your page “Letter Writing Essential Tips” and I want to share my answers with everyone. Where can I post my letter samples for students help?

You can post them on any page relevant to letter writing.

Dear Liz, Thanks for such wonderful tips and practice matters provided. I have a very basic question about starting the next paragraph in writing tasks. Should we start new paragraph from the immediate next line or leave space of one line ?

See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/should-i-indent-my-paragraphs-in-ielts-writing/

Thank you so much. Need help on one more thing. Is it Ok to write “&”. I am more used to it than “and”.

No, you can’t. You need to write the linking word “and”.

Great, thanks for clarifying even the smallest doubt. Respect your commitment.

Dear Liz, Could you please explain the difference between semi-formal and formal letters? I’m not sure about the difference between those two

Formal letters are about formal subjects and to someone you do not have a personal relationship with. Do you understand the term “personal relationship”? This means you chat to them about your dreams, your problems and share your family life with them – such as a good friend. Although you know a boss, you do not have a personal relationship with them. A semi-formal letter is to someone you have a personal relationship with, such as a good friend, about a serious topic, like a job. It is not about a party or a personal topic.

Dear Liz, Today was my speaking test, despite knowing the difference between natural tourism sites and built tourism sites, I gave my answer regarding the built tourism sites and how they got effected with visitors. P.S. The question was something like, ‘Does natural sites get effected with a number of visitors every year?’

Is it a major mistake ?? :,(((

The examiner marks your speaking test on the fluency, grammar, vocab and pron – not on your ideas.

Hello Liz, what if instead of I, we use Undersigned in the formal letter?, does that make any sense or its better to go ahead with I itself

Follow my sample formal letter above so see what language is appropriate.

Liz thanks in advance . I have a doubt regarding the sign of line,I read somewhere that yours sincerely only used for informal…is that correct plz reply Liz…..

An informal letter is to a good friend – I would NEVER sign “your sincerely” to my close friend or family member. See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-letter-writing-essential-tips/

Hi Liz, Can we use a word ‘ To recapitulate’ in stead of ‘to conclude’in assays writing task 2? Kindly confirm.

Why? It won’t help your score.

Also aren’t there suppose to be headline on a formal letter?

There are no headlines or titles for any IELTS writing.

Does that mean it won’t be necessary for me to put address for ielts purpose when writing my task 1? Plus thanks for thanks for answering my previous question. You are so good to have around as a companion. Soon I will be one of your bloggers that will make you proud.

There is no address written on IELTS letter. You only write an address inside the body if the instructions ask you to.

Thanks Liz. Such a simple example of formal / informal letter you have given beautifully, even laymen can understand.

My question is to you is, at the time of test if we write this type of letter in simple form whether it’s formal or informal. What band we can expect from the examiner?

I do not understand “simple form”. Your layout and paragraphs should be simple and easy to understand in order to get a high score. Ideas should be easy to understand and relevant to the task for a high score. Sentences should be complex (in IELTS criteria for complex, this means not simple) and vocabulary showing a range with less common items. So, the letters above fulfil the marking criteria of higher band scores for IELTS.

Thanks Liz for clarification

Thanks Liz. Your lessons are very helpful

Is there a specific number of words I suppose to write in either forms of letters above?

As with all writing task 1, you must write over 150 words. How can you not know the rules of IELTS? Surely, you have practised real IELTS tests at home.

Thanks for sharing Liz! Really helpful!

Very Good lesson. Thank you for your helf .

Hello Liz. Thanks for the great job you are doing. I did my speaking test but I was down with cough which I informed the examiner before the test. Subsequently I discovered that the cough really affected the flow of my speaking and it made my pronunciation thick. Hope this will not affect my score ?

Hopefully the examiner will understand.

I have a slight difficulty with analysing semi formal and formal letters.

Informal letters are to people who you know closely as a personal friend – so you write in that style. Formal letters are to people who might know (not closely – possibly through work only) or don’t know and the content is formal.

So,I can write the semi formal letters equivalent to informal one or slightly similar to that

Please visit my tips page for letter writing. There is a link given on the page above.

Kindly review your post here, guess there is a mistake. Formal letters shouldn’t be to those u know very closely as stated in the first few lines. Informal I suppose you intend to write.

Hi Liz, this question had appeared inmy exam on oct 14 (about borrowing something from a friend which got broken and next steps). At first i apologized to my friend. I had written about a “party glasses” which got broken on dance floor as someone pushed me and it fell under someone’s feet. As they were imported one, i could help my friend getting the same one as my elder brother was supposed to return from abroad or i could pay in cash. He has both the choices. I had written that story. Let me know if it is good to get score. My result is awaited on this Friday Nov 3.

Your score is based on Task Achievement, Grammar, Vocabulary and Coherence & Cohesion.

Dear Liz, I am writing to ask you how I can regiter to your lecture

I do not offer lectures. I have tips and practice exercises on this site which you can use for free at this month. Go to the main pages accessed through the red bar at the top of the website.

How to identify whether to write a formal letter or informal letter? Is it mentioned in the question specifically?

You write formally to someone you have a formal relationship with. You write informally to someone you have an informal relationship with. It isn’t difficult. It is common sense and “no, IELTS do not tell you which one to write”.

Dear Liz, Thank you so much, you are great, these letters and so easily to learn and so simple to remember and to study, I am following up all your emails and free lessons and it’s really useful, thank you again for your time and effort that you spent.

how to differentiate whether we need to write formal apology letter or informal?

Look at the person you are writing to.

Thanks a million Lize for useful letter writting samples and modele answers.

Good morning Liz, I hope you are well. I just read the formal apology letter. I do not understand the last bullet point about compensating the company if you are late for a meeting. Is it not mentioned in the example letter. Please clarify this for me. Kindest regards, Tien

You need to be very careful with vocabulary. To compensate a company means money. But this is not compensating a company. It is about compensating missing a meeting – the meaning is “how will you catch up” / “how will you make up for missing the meeting”. Don’t confuse the different meanings of compensate which depend on the context.

Ok Thank you. ☺

Thanks Liz… your lessons are very helpful.. just one question ..in the informal letter above , i did not understand “should be a good as new” ..is it – as good as

thanks again

Excellent !! Well spotted 🙂

Thanks a lot

Woooooow….many many thanks It was my request…you are great God bless you 💗💗

I’m a little confused reading the informal letter, as there are many contractions in it. Is it ok to use contractions in a letter for the exam? I was told by a teacher not to use any contractions while writing, bit use them while speaking. Thanks

Be careful following rules. Contractions are informal and can only be used for informal writing. You will see that contractions are used for the informal letter above but they are not used for the formal letter above. If you fail to use contractions in an informal letter, you will lose marks.

Pleeeeease liz answer because me because I am very worried 😢 in my speaking test the card was about businesses person and I talked about famous heart surgeon ? Is it wrong ? 😢😢😢

You are marked on the level of your English language which you speak – not on your ideas or choices.

Dear Liz, Is it adviseable to leave one line before starting new paragraph in writing Task 1 and 2

Yes. The easier it is for the examiner to see each individual paragraph, the better.

Thank you Liz for sharing this.. you always come up with extraordinary lessons and tips.

Thanks so much dear for your work and time and you are always giving us the free materials,techniques and traits that are highly appeticaited . Really,I always go through with your all statagies which you uploaded and its very conducive and helpful. God bless you. Asma khan

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Apology Letter

Ielts apology letter:, sample apology letters with answers:, your neighbours have recently written to you to complain about the noise from your houseflat..

•  explain the reasons for the noise
•  apologise
•  describe what action you will take

You have been invited to attend an interview for a place studying a course at a college. Unfortunately, because of a previous appointment, you cannot come at the time they wish.

• explain your position
• apologise and offer to come on another day or later the same day
• also ask how long the interview will be, and whether there will be any tests during it

You have arranged to visit a friend in England but an important event at home now means that you must change the dates of the visit.

• explain the important event
• apologise for the situation
• suggest a new arrangement

One of your friends recently had a birthday celebration, but you missed it and you forgot to tell your friend that you couldn't attend.

• apologise for missing the birthday celebration
• explain why you missed it and why you didn't tell your friend
• and say what you would like to do to show that you are sorry

You are having a graduation party next Saturday night. You have invited 50 people to celebrate at an outdoor barbecue evening, which may continue till late night.

• explain what will be happening
• offer your apologies in advance
• invite him/her to visit your house someday

You have borrowed something from your friend and it has got damaged.

• apologize for damaging the product/stuff
• explain what happened
• say how are you going to fix the issue

You borrowed an important textbook during the last term from a classmate. You now realize your classmate has returned home overseas and you still have the book.

• apologize for the mistake
• find out how important the book is to him/her
• say what you will do

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IELTS Apology Letter: How to Write an Apology Letter, Sample Letters 

• Updated on  
• Dec 30, 2023

The IELTS General Writing Task 1 throws a diverse range of writing prompts at test takers, and apology letters are a prominent theme/topic. Apology letters demand clear and mature communication, allowing you to acknowledge your shortcomings and address the recipient’s feelings effectively. Whether tackling a formal or informal scenario, these letters hinge on precise details. Begin with accurate sender and recipient information, dated appropriately. Then, craft a concise and informative subject line that acts as a roadmap for the rest of your apology.

If you’re yearning to refine your apology-writing skills, this article is your compass. Packed with valuable insights and expert guidance, it delves deep into the art of crafting impactful letters that convey genuine remorse and pave the way for reconciliation. So, dive in and discover the secrets to expressing regret eloquently, making this article your essential companion for acing the IELTS General Writing Task 1.

This Blog Includes:

What should you include in an ielts apology letter , ielts task 1 –  how to write an apology letter , ielts apology letter: sample questions with answers .

Whilst writing an apology letter in the IELTS General Writing Task 1, test-takers such as yourself must include the following elements: 

• In the opening line (or lines) of your letter, keep an apologetic tone. Express your remorse by saying ‘I am sorry’ (informal letter) or ‘Please accept my apologies’ (formal letter). 
• Once you’ve written your opening line, state the reason why you are apologising in the body paragraphs.  
• You should take ownership of your mistake and keep a firm tone whilst apologising. There’s no shame in being sorry for a misstep you took. This will make the reader feel affirmed that you are truly sorry. 
• In your letter, ensure that you suggest or offer to make some amends. 
• Whilst writing apology letters in IELTS writing task 1, keep the tonality in mind. For instance,  an apology letter to a friend usually has a more casual tone. On the other hand, if you are writing an apology letter to your boss, try writing in a more formal tone. 

Clearly understanding the specific prompt and pinpointing the exact reason for writing is crucial. The opening paragraph should concisely and unambiguously introduce the letter’s objective. When crafting a formal apology letter, remember to adopt an appropriate tone. Utilise apt vocabulary and expressions, avoiding informal language and contractions.

Every IELTS General Writing Task 1 letter follows a specific structure: sender information, recipient details, date, salutation, body paragraphs, closing, and signature. By mastering this format, students can confidently approach any letter-writing task.

The IELTS Apology Letter Structure is as follows: 

• Dear ._____ (Name of recipient)
• Paragraph 1 (Purpose): Write a sentence or two stating the purpose of the letter, i.e., to apologise. 
• Paragraph 2 (Explanation): State the reason for your misstep or mistake. 
• Paragraph 3 (Offer an Apology): Write that you are truly sorry for your mistake.  
• Paragraph 4 (Suggestion): Suggest or offer a proposal to make amendments. 

Let’s delve deeper into each segment of an apology letter to get a better grasp of its nuances. 

Mention the name of the recipient in your opening line. For instance, start your letter by writing Dear XYZ (name of the recipient). Now, keep in mind that you should mention the name only if you are writing an informal apology letter, i.e., to your friend/family.  If you are writing a formal letter, then start your letter by writing ‘Dear Sir/Madam’. Ensure that your greeting encapsulates the appropriate tonality of your letter as it would infer how you write your body paragraphs and the sign-off. 

You can sign off your formal apology letter by writing ‘Yours sincerely’ or ‘Yours faithfully’. Now, you may use ‘Kind regards’ for an informal letter. It is to be noted that you should always sign off a formal letter with your full name, i.e., 

     Yours sincerely,

     Shubham Das

If you are writing an informal apology letter to a friend/family, you can write: 

All the best/See you soon/Keep in touch 

(Your Name) 

Paragraph 1   

You must state the reason for writing the letter in your para 1. It is imperative to start your paragraph by apologising for your misstep. It is to be noted that using too many contractions in formal apology letters can result in the loss of your scores. 

Example: I’m writing to apologise / to say sorry for…  

Paragraph 2

The second paragraph of your apology letter should include an explanation for your misstep. In the second paragraph, you write about bullet point 1. Whilst writing the second paragraph, keep the language formal/semi-formal and do not exceed the word limit of 50 words. 

Example: My laptop is not functioning properly due to which I had to miss the online meeting yesterday. 

Paragraph 3

Offer an apology to the recipient in the third paragraph. 

Example: I sincerely apologise for my inefficacy and regret that my pendencies have put your work on hold. I was hoping that most of the work would be done by the end of the day but I admit I behaved irresponsibly and could’ve made the process much easier and faster. 

Sample IELTS Apology Letters: Here are some sample apology letters that you can refer to whilst attempting the IELTS General Writing Task 1. 

Question 1:

You missed an important meeting at work. Write a letter to your manager. 

In this letter

•  Apologise for not attending 
• Explain why you did not attend
• Say what you will do to make up for it. 

“Dear Abhinav Sir, 

I am writing to express my apologies for not attending the important meeting yesterday. I know the meeting was important and a lot was at stake. Unfortunately, my father’s ill health stopped me from attending the meeting. 

My father suffered a minor heart stroke and I was required to take him to the hospital immediately. Since there was nobody in my family to look after me, it left me with no option but to drop the meeting and to be with him. 

Just following up to ensure I’m caught up on everything discussed yesterday. Aditi will be supplying all the crucial details, and I’ll have a clearer picture of what’s needed from me by the end of today.

Please accept my sincere apologies for missing the meeting. I understand my absence may have caused inconvenience, and I greatly regret it. The circumstances surrounding my absence were unforeseen, and I hope you understand.

Shubham Das” 

A friend of yours plans to visit your place and stay with you, but you do not have time on that date. Give your friend another alternate date to come.

In your letter, you should:

• Apology for it
• Explain what you will be busy with on that date
• Suggest to him/her an alternate time to come.

Dear Manasvi, 

I hope this letter finds you in good health. I was thrilled to hear about your plans to visit! The thought of you staying with me fills me with excitement, and I know we’d have a fantastic time together. 

However, I regret to inform you that I won’t be available during the dates you had in mind. 

I’ve been called away for urgent work in Kathmandu for the entire month. I’m beyond disappointed to miss your visit, and I understand this throws a wrench in your plans. Please believe me when I say I feel awful about it.

But here’s a potential silver lining! If you’re still flexible with your dates, how about planning your stay sometime after the second week of this month? By then, things should settle down on my end, and I’d be thrilled to host you. We could even visit Majnu and Tilla and go shopping, and make the most of your postponed visit.

I hope this alternative idea sounds good to you and you forgive me for the inconvenience. I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Warm Wishes

Shubham Das

So that was all about IELTS Apology Letters. Hope the blog has answered your queries regarding the topic. 

Ans. You can write an apology letter by stating the purpose of your letter, mentioning the reason for your misstep, offering your apologies and providing some suggestions to make amendments.  

Ans. Test takers can use a range of linkers, adverbial phrases, references, and punctuations to bolster their overall scores in IELTS writing. 

Ans. The IELTS General Writing Task 1 (Letter Writing) requires individuals to complete the task within 20 minutes. 

Related Reads:

Visit the Leverage Live page of Leverage edu or contact our study abroad experts at 1800-57-2000 to strengthen your scores and application to secure your spot in your dream college. 

Shubham Das has been working as an educational content writer for the past two years and has a background in filmmaking & screenplay/ teleplay writing. He is fascinated by the human psyche, literature and cinema.

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How to Write an Impressive Apology Letter

Millie Dinsdale

“I said something I wish I hadn’t.”

“I really messed up.”

“I upset someone and I regret it.”

Humans are not perfect. We make mistakes—but we can also own up to those mistakes to atone for them.

That’s where an apology letter comes in.

Writing an apology letter shows that you recognize your mistake and allows you to ask for forgiveness.

Asking for forgiveness is a difficult but inevitable part of life. But how do you do it? We will break down how to write an effective apology letter in this post.

What Is an Apology Letter?

What should you include in an apology letter, what are the different types of apology letter, how do you write a business apology letter, how do you write a third-party apology, how do you write a mass apology letter, how do you write a personal apology letter.

At its most basic, an apology letter is a letter which says sorry.

But it’s not that simple. Often saying sorry is not enough.

Sorry is not a catch-all phrase for any mistake. If you accidentally spill someone’s drink, sorry is a perfectly acceptable response (you might also buy them a replacement!). But if you inadvertently cause someone to lose their job, the word sorry is not enough.

In this case you’ll probably need to apologize, own up to your mistake, suggest a solution, and only then ask for forgiveness. Writing an apology letter is a good opportunity to cover that content.

Before we look at the different types of letters, there are a few things that you should do in each one.

1) Acknowledge Your Mistake

You should start every letter by explaining why you’re writing. An apology letter is no different.

By acknowledging your mistake, you can both own up to your error and inform the reader what the letter is about.

Acknowledging your mistake will let the reader know that you are sincere and that you are seeking forgiveness. It is important to acknowledge your mistake straight away—by not doing so, you can annoy the other person and make the situation worse.

For example, if you broke your friend’s favorite mug at work, you should go straight to them and explain your mistake instead of squirreling it back into the cupboard for them to find later.

2) Apologize for Your Mistake

Now that you have stated your mistake it is time to apologize. Although sorry sums up what you are trying to say, it is sometimes better to be more specific.

Explain why you are sorry and acknowledge any negative outcomes from your mistake.

For example: if you accidentally lost an important document, acknowledge the extra work the person had to do and the stress that this loss must have caused.

Taking full responsibility is the best way to approach an apology, so try not to shift the blame onto anyone or anything else.

It is also best to avoid excuses if you can. Excuses can aggravate the situation and detract from your apology.

3) Share Your Plan to Resolve the Issue

It is all well and good to apologize, but what can you do to improve the situation? Let’s look at our previous example. Although there is nothing you can do about the lost document, you can promise that it will not happen again.

To convince your reader that your promise is not just empty words, you could present an action plan, like this:

I will create a physical backup folder for all documents in the future.

In addition to this, I will save all documents to an independent hard drive which I will leave at work. This means that they will stay safe, even if I lose my laptop.

4) Ask for Forgiveness

Asking for forgiveness is very important because it hands control of the situation over to the reader.

It also acknowledges that there are pieces of the relationship which need to be repaired. If you wanted to, you could take the opportunity to invite your reader to suggest their own solution before they forgive you.

This will help the person to feel like their opinions have been heard. It will also help you to understand the effect that the mistake had upon them.

For example:

I want to ask for forgiveness for my error. Are there any further steps I can take to ensure that this never happens again? I hope we can resolve this and continue to work together.

There are four main types of apology letter:

Business Apology Letter

Third-Party Apology Letter

Mass Apology Letter

Personal Apology Letter

Each category has multiple usages.

For example, if you needed to write to your neighbor due to a disagreement, that would be a personal apology letter.

If you were writing to your boss after making a mistake, this apology letter would fall under the business category .

A business apology letter could be addressed to a client, a partner, a supplier, another firm, a partnered retailer, or stakeholders.

A business apology letter should be:

Be clear about the purpose of the e-mail and do not skirt around the point. Avoid any vague language as it will undermine the purpose of the letter.

Straight to the point

Business professionals receive multiple e-mails a day. If you waste their time with unnecessary words you may annoy them further rather than placate them.

Professional

Match the professional tone normally adopted by your company or business sector. If you are unsure what language to use, err on the side of caution. It is far better to be too formal than not formal enough.

Focused on a solution

Instead of focusing your e-mail on the problem, focus on the proposed solution which will put a positive twist on the letter without ignoring the issue.

As a result your business will be presented in a better light and you will have a higher chance of repairing your professional relationship.

Dear [insert customer name], We’re sorry we weren’t able to deliver your product on time. COVID-19 has caused a significant impact to our supply chain and has made restocking difficult. We understand your frustration and we are doing all we can to prevent any future incidences of this kind. While this does not make up for any inconvenience caused, we would like to offer you a 20% discount on your next order Please let me know if you have any other concerns or questions. Sincerely, [Name], [Title]

When Should You Write a Business Apology Letter?

You could address a business apology letter to a colleague, a boss, a customer, a supplier, or anyone else related to your place of business.

Here are a few examples of situations where a letter of apology might be needed:

If you have a problem with your supply chain and need to delay a delivery.

If you forgot an important meeting and arrived unprepared.

If you had to take a day off at the last minute meaning that a colleague has to take up extra work.

A third-party apology letter is one in which the writer is apologizing on behalf of someone else , such as a letter from a manager to a customer on behalf of an employee who behaved rudely.

A third-party apology letter should be:

Clearly directed

In the first line, let the recipient know who is writing and on behalf of whom. Explain why you are writing, and not the guilty party.

This may sound obvious but third-party apology letters need to be handled very carefully. Not only do you need to apologize for the actions of the perpetrator, you also need to apologize that the letter is not coming from them and likely apologize for your part in the situation, even unintentionally.

The recipient is not frustrated with you personally, so try to build and maintain a relationship with them. Treat the letter as an olive branch and take full advantage of the fact that you can shift blame.

Example of a third-party apology:

Dear [insert name], We’re Chad’s parents, and we would like to apologize for Chad’s behaviour yesterday which resulted in Jen being bitten. We fully intend on having Chad apologize to Jen himself, but as his parents we wanted to add some context to the situation and also say we’re sorry as well. Chad often gets overstimulated, and we think that might have caused yesterday’s tragedy. He looks forward to his playdates with Jen, which leads us to believe that this is a one-off incidence. Nonetheless, his behavior is unacceptable and we have given him a strong talking to on why what he did was wrong. He has also been grounded, and will write an apology letter to Jen. Once again, we are truly sorry for any distress this may have caused. Yours sincerely, Bod and Sharon (Chad’s parents)

When Would You Require a Third-Party Apology Letter?

A third-party apology letter is required in one of two cases:

• If the person at fault is unable to write an apology themselves.
• If it is inappropriate for the person at fault to write the letter and it would be better for someone else to write it.

Examples of this second type are:

If a customer at a restaurant was abusive to another customer, the manager may wish to write an apology on behalf of the restaurant.

If a child bit another child at preschool the parent may wish to write an apology to the other parent.

If a dog was noisy and kept waking up next door’s baby, the owner may wish to write an apology to the parents.

A mass apology letter is one in which many people have been affected by a single issue. A mass apology letter should be:

Many people will need to read this letter so it should get to the point as quickly as possible. Make a sincere apology, and then say how you will fix the situation.

Use basic terminology and grammar to ensure that everyone can understand the meaning. You can use ProWritingAid’s Readability Report to identify any hard-to-read paragraphs. To achieve this, you should aim for a reading level that is suitable for a 5th grader or below.

Try the Readability Report with a free ProWritingAid account.

When Would You Require a Mass Apology Letter?

Mass apology letters are usually written by someone with responsibility for the care or experiences of a large group of people. It's important to strike the right tone so that you can maintain your authority and trust with the recipients.

Here are some instances in which you might need a mass apology letter.

To consumers if one of your products needs to be recalled after an issue was detected.

To residents if there was an avoidable power cut in your housing stock.

To parents if students were given the wrong information about upcoming exams.

Example of a mass apology letter:

Dear People of Townsville, On Friday, November 19, 2021 the city of Townsville was without electricity for four hours as a result of an overloading of the city’s grid. This was not scheduled, and therefore required an emergency response. We understand how difficult this must have been for you the citizens, particularly the business owners. We’d like to offer our sincerest apologies for the inconvenience caused, as well as any disruptions. We take incidents like this very seriously, and our team is already refining our maintenance schedules in order to avoid similar events in the future. We remain committed to ensuring that we sustain the high standard of service delivery that we hope you expect from us. Best, The Team at ABC Electrical

If you are writing your apology letter to friends, family, neighbors, relatives, acquaintances, or even strangers, and if it doesn’t serve or include a commercial purpose, you’re writing a personal apology letter.

A personal apology letter should be:

Conversational : Keep the tone informal to avoid sounding pompous and false. Make a direct apology to the recipient without hiding behind complex language.

Full of remorse : Unlike in the previous example, it is advised that you express your own emotions about the situation. It is important that the recipient believes you are truly sorry.

Focused on the relationship : The most important thing is to limit the damage that your mistake causes to your personal relationship with the person so make it clear that you care.

When Would You Require a Personal Apology Letter?

A personal apology letter is probably the most versatile type on this list. Almost any apology that is not directly related to your work will require this form of apology.

Examples of when this type of apology might be appropriate are:

When you broke your mom’s favorite ornament with a bouncy ball.

If you lost your friend’s guinea pig whilst looking after it.

If you crashed into your neighbor’s garden wall and damaged it.

Example of a personal apology letter:

Dear Mrs. Steel, I’m really sorry for running over your garden gnomes the other day. My dad was teaching me to drive and I mistakenly touched reverse instead of forward. I’d be happy to replace them, though that may not happen immediately. I’ve taken a summer job at the mall and I’m committed to saving every penny so I can buy them back. I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me. Best, Ash

Should You Write a Letter, Text, or Call to Apologize?

When it comes to business, third-party, and mass apologies, letters and e-mails are the only way of doing things professionally.

A personal apology may feel stilted or unnatural as a letter and may be better delivered by text, phone call, or even in person. It totally depends on the situation and your relationship with that person.

The way that an apology is delivered is just as important as the content of it, so give this question some thought.

However as a general rule:

E-mail or letter :

If you are only acquaintances or if there is a large age gap between you and the other person. For example , if a 14-year-old cycled over her 67-year-old neighbor’s flowers, an e-mail or letter apology would be best.

If the mistake was minor and you are friends with the person or a similar age. For example , a student accidentally smashed another student’s mug.

If the mistake was bigger and you are friends with the person. This can also be a good option for family members when you cannot see them in person. For example , someone forgot their grandma’s birthday and the card arrived late.

In person :

If the mistake was major and it is a friend or family member that you can reasonably visit. For example , someone had a big argument with their best friend and realized afterwards that they were totally out of line.

I sincerely apologize that I can’t write your letter for you. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t help. You can always revisit this article if you need a refresher.

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IELTS task 1: How to write an apology letter

Learn how to write an apology letter for use on the IELTS Task 1

Content Tags

I wanted to begin this blog about writing IELTS exam letters with the above quote to help those of you who struggle with apologies to see that there's a silver lining in the task.

There are two good reasons you should smile if you're given an apology letter on your General Training IELTS exam.

The first reason is that you'll be able to demonstrate that you can say sorry in written English.

The second is that you'll have a chance (even if imaginary) to admit a mistake, make amends and show that you know how to care for others. The former is good for your test score; the latter will make the world a better place.

It’s no secret that admitting we were wrong is uncomfortable. That’s why the apology letter might seem challenging. It’s simply because many of us don’t have a lot of experience doing it.

To provide some guidance, you will find sample letters in this blog that demonstrates how to say you are sorry in a formal business letter as well as a personal one.

First, take a moment to look over these two tasks. Think about what makes them the same and then what makes them different.

Dinner party

 You said you would attend a friend's dinner party but you did not go.   Write a letter to your friend.  In the letter:  - Apologize for not attending  - Explain why you did not attend  - Say what you will do to make up for it

Missed important work meeting

You missed an important meeting at work.  Write a letter to your manager.   In the letter:  - Apologize for not attending  - Explain why you did not attend  - Say what you will do to make up for it

Content differences

What should stand out to you is that the first letter is a personal situation where you've done something that offended a friend. Your relationship with that person is on the line, and you want to mend it because you value them in your everyday life.

In the second letter, something different is at stake, mainly your job and your relationship with the team of people you work with. You need to make this right because you value your paycheque and your reputation in the business world.

Both apologies are equally important and necessary and on the exam and you would address each of the three bullet points with the same vigour.

THE CONTENT or how you address these points is essential to note. Apologizing is not usually a light topic and so joking will not go over well in either case. Neither will anger or a complaint about the situation that may have led to your error.

In these two examples, your job is to:   

Admit that something you did may have inconvenienced, hurt or offended another or others.

Take responsibility for how or why it happened.

Make amends.

If you focus on these three things, your letter will be effective, and your score will reflect that.

You'll also need to use the correct TONE in your letter.

TONE indicates your relationship with the person you're writing to and the seriousness of the topic you're addressing. Writing to someone at work usually requires more respectful language and phrasing than to a friend.

In regards to words specific to apology letters, some phrases are useful, and these can be modified to the level of formality you wish to use.

For example, “I’m sorry” would be more formally written as “I am sincerely sorry”.

Tone examples

Here are some sample phrases in different tones:

Sample responses

Similarities and differences.

Opening and closing:

The personal letter addresses the receiver by first name and signs off the same way whereas the formal letter uses a title “Mr.” for formality and signs off with a first and last name for the same reason.

Language and Tone:

The business letter contains vocabulary that's specific to the working world (budget meeting, forecast, minutes, project) whereas the personal letter has common words (movie theatre, smartphone, blunder, your favourite).

Additionally, you can see two different levels of tone. The personal letter uses contractions (I’m, didn’t, can’t) but you won't see that in the business letter. Also, saying “I’m so sorry” is more personal than “I am writing to apologize for . . .”. The same can be said for “sorry that I didn’t make it” and “sincerely sorry that I was unable to attend”, as mentioned above.

The tone is also indicated by the phrase used to sign off the letters. The first uses “Sincerely” which is a safe ending to a personal apology letter. “Yours truly” is also a good choice for the business world if you are apologizing for something.

Otherwise, the letters look the same in layout. The paragraphs are short. The entire length exceeds 150 words and each bullet point from the task is addressed and extended in detail.

Knowing how to apologize appropriately is a skill that is useful beyond the IELTS exam. I hope these sample letters and explanations give you further understanding of how it’s done. 

Good luck and have fun with your preparation.

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How to Write an Apology Letter?

Question structure.

All questions for IELTS letters have the same structure. They are made up of 3 parts.

Part 1  –  The topic.

Part 2 – The person you must write to.

Part 3 – What you should write about (listed as 3 bullet points).

Here is a sample question for a letter of apology with the 3 parts illustrated.

Understanding this will help you to quickly analyze the question and plan your answer. To help you plan, use the letter structure below.

Letter structure

The layout of IELTS letters should follow the structure of the question and consist of four paragraphs with a greeting at the beginning and signoff at the end.

Use this easy to remember 6 part structure.

1)  Dear …..

2)  Paragraph 1:  Purpose – why you are writing

3)  Paragraph 2:  Write about 1 st  bullet point

4)  Paragraph 3:  Write about 2 nd  bullet point

5)  Paragraph 4:  Write about 3 rd  bullet point

6)  Signoff

All you need to do to create your plan is to add in the details from the question, like this:

  1)  Dear ….. (neighbour)

  2)  Paragraph 1:  Purpose –  to apologise for the noise

  3)  Paragraph 2:    explain the reason for the noise   (bullet point 1)

  4)  Paragraph 3:   offer your neighbour an apology   (bullet point 2)

  5)  Paragraph 4:   tell them what action you will take   (bullet point 3)

  6)  Signoff

Formal & Informal IELTS Letters

IELTS letters must be written in the appropriate tone and style. There are two options:

• Formal  – to someone you don’t know or don’t know well.
• Informal  – to a friend.

It is essential that you are able to identify what type of question you’re required to write.

Follow this rule:

• If the question includes the word ‘friend’, use informal language.
• If the question  does not  include the word ‘friend’, use formal language.

The only exception is if the letter is to a close family member when you would also use an informal tone.

One situation that can be confusing is where the person you have to write to is a neighbour, as in our sample question. Assume that you do not know them very well and keep the letter formal.

This leads us on to the opening of your letter – the greeting.

The Greeting & Signoff

The greeting.

It is most likely that you would know the name of your neighbour so make one up, e.g.  Mrs Dixon.

If you did not know their name you would write, ‘ Dear Sir / Madam ’.

If you were writing an informal letter to a friend, you would use their first name, e.g. ‘ Dear John ’.

The greeting you use will determine how you sign off your letter.

The Signoff

For a formal letter, there are two main options. The correct one will depend on who you are addressing:

• Dear Mrs Dixon (name known) –  Yours sincerely
• Dear Sir/Madam (name unknown) –  Yours faithfully

You could also use ‘ Kind regards ’. This is formal but friendly and is appropriate for most situations. It is particularly useful if you struggle to remember how to spell ‘sincerely’ and ‘faithfully’.

Always sign off a formal letter with your full name, e.g.

     Yours sincerely,

     Jacky Spear

For an informal letter to a friend, use one of these phrases followed by your first name:

• All the best
• See you soon
• Keep in touch

For example,

      Keep in touch,

     Jacky

For our sample letter, we will use this greeting and signoff:

      Dear Mrs Dixon…

     ….Yours sincerely,

We are now ready to think up some ideas to write about. We have the guidelines of the 3 bullet points to help us so this won’t be difficult.

How To Generate Ideas for IELTS Letters

With only 150 words to write, you won’t need many ideas. Just make sure that you write about each bullet point and develop each idea fully.

They don’t have to be the best ideas you can possibly think of. Go with your first thoughts and don’t waste time trying to think of better ideas. Just make sure that they are directly related to the bullet points.

Note your ideas beside each bullet point on the exam paper, like this:

Your neighbour has written to you to complain about the noise from your flat.

Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter:

• explain the reason for the noise

Having the flat rewired

• offer your neighbour an apology

Sorry the noise has disturbed them

• tell them what action you will take.

Ask electrician to be as quiet as possible. Pay for additional electrician so job finished sooner.

That’s our planning complete. Once you’ve had some practice, you’ll be able to do this in just a few minutes. Taking time to plan makes writing IELTS letters far quicker and easier than if you don’t do this step. You will also write a better letter and get higher marks.

So, let’s write our letter.

Writing the Letter

Here’s our plan again with all our notes added in.

1)  Dear ….. (neighbour)

2)  Paragraph 1:  Purpose –  to apologise for the noise

3)  Paragraph 2:    explain the reason for the noise   (bullet point 1)

4)  Paragraph 3:   offer your neighbour an apology   (bullet point 2)

5)  Paragraph 4:   tell them what action you will take   (bullet point 3)

We’ve already decided on the greeting so we’ll start with paragraph 1.

Paragraph 1

In the first paragraph, you must state the reason for writing the letter, that is, its purpose.

Paragraph 1:  Purpose –  to apologise for the noise

Many students make the mistake of missing this purpose sentence out but it’s very important. Including it will gain you marks.

It only requires one sentence. He’s an example appropriate to our letter of apology.

I am writing to apologise for all the noise coming from my flat over the past few days.

Top vocabulary tip:  Do not use contractions in formal letters. They are informal language.

For a letter of apology to a friend, it would be appropriate to write, I’m writing to apologise / to say sorry for…  

Paragraph 2

In the second paragraph, you write about bullet point 1.

Paragraph 2:    explain the reason for the noise   (bullet point 1)

Remember to keep the language formal for this question. Aim for around 50 words for paragraph 2, 3 and 4. You could write something like this.

I am having the whole place rewired at the moment as I was experiencing some electrical faults that could not be repaired. The old wiring had been in since the flat was built and needed replacing so I had no choice but to undertake this necessary work.

Paragraph 3

The third paragraph should cover the second bullet point.

Paragraph 3:   offer your neighbor an apology   (bullet point 2)

I do appreciate that there has been a lot of banging going on during the day. I sincerely apologize for this and regret that you have been disturbed. I was hoping that most of the work would be done while you were out at work but I admit that it did continue into the evening the other day.

Paragraph 4

Paragraph 4 addresses the third bullet point.

Paragraph 4:   tell them what action you will take   (bullet point 3)

To get the job finished as quickly as possible, I will employ an additional electrician. Although there will inevitably still be some noise, I will ask them to be as quiet as possible and be sure to finish by 5 p.m. when I believe that you usually get home.

Now we just need to add the signoff we decided on earlier and our letter is complete.

Informal Letter

A foreign friend of yours plans to visit your place and stay with you, but you do not have time on that date. Give your friend another alternate date to come.

In your letter, you should:

• apology for it
• explain what you will busy for on that date
• suggest to him/her an alternate time to come.

Sample Answer:

Dear Sansa,

I hope this letter finds you in good health. I am happy to know that you have plans to visit my place and how excited you are to stay with me from 04/05/2021 to 21/05/2021. But I’m sorry to inform you that I will not be able to be with you on the given dates, as I have to travel to Kolkata for some work. 

I hope you believe me when I say how sorry and guilty I feel about it. I will be busy during the entire month, but I have an amazing idea. You can plan your stay after 01/06/2021, and we would invite some more friends and spend time together, and I will take you on a short city tour as well. I hope this alternative idea sounds good to you and you forgive me for the inconvenience. 

I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Warm Wishes

Kirti 

Semi-Formal Letter

You missed an important meeting at work. Write a letter to your manager. 

In this letter

•  Apologise for not attending 
• Explain why you did not attend
• Say what you will do to make up for it. 

Dear Ms Rose,

I am writing to sincerely apologise for not attending the financial year-end meeting yesterday morning. I know such meetings are important, especially when we allocate funds to different departments of the company. Unfortunately, my child’s poor health stopped me from attending the meeting. 

My child was suffering from a high fever, and I was required to take him to the hospital. Since nobody in my family knows how to drive, it left me with no option but to drop the meeting. I have followed up to make sure that I have all the information that was discussed yesterday. Sussi is going to provide me with all the necessary paperwork, and I will update you about the details required from my side by the end of this day. Once again, I sincerely apologise for not being able to attend the meeting and hope you understand my circumstances that led to my absence. 

Yours Faithfully

Formal Letter

You have been invited to attend an interview for a place studying a course at a college. Unfortunately, because of a previous appointment, you cannot come at the time they wish.

Write a letter to the admission tutor. In your letter,

• explain your position
• apologise and offer to come on another day or later the same day
• also, ask how long the interview will be, and whether there will be any tests during it

Dear Sir/Ma’am

I am Kathreena Joseph. I was expected to join the public relations program in the upcoming semester at your university. I am writing this letter to apologize for not being able to attend the interview scheduled on 1st September’ 2021. Unfortunately, I am in a very perplexing situation. 

I work in an organization, and they have scheduled an urgent meeting on the same date. Since many colleagues are travelling from different cities for this meeting, it is not likely to get postponed. I understand the importance of this interview in order for you to finalise my candidature for admission. I hope you would allow me to alter the interview date from 1st September 2021 to 2nd September 2021. 

I sincerely apologise for the inconvenience, and I request you to accept my request and reschedule my interview date. Also, please let me know if I need to appear for any test as part of the interview process and how long the interview process might take. 

I am looking forward to hearing a positive response from you.

Yours Sincerely

Dinesh Sharma

Prefabricated Sentence Structure:-

Writing a purpose

• I am writing to apologise for my absence…
• I’m writing with regards to the meeting…
• I just received your email about the meeting…
• Many thanks for your invitation to…
• Just got your text about the party…

Introducing the Apology

• Unfortunately I will be unable to attend…
• I’m afraid I won’t be able to attend…
• I’m really sorry but I have already made other arrangements…
• What a pity! I can’t make it that day…

Asking Apology:-

• Please accept my sincerest apologies for my absence.
• I would like to apologise for missing the meeting.
• I’m (ever so) sorry I couldn’t make it to your party last weekend.

Giving Explanation:-

• I fully understand how important this meeting is/ was but…
• I know how much the party means to you, but…

Making Amendments:-

• (I assure you that) I will do everything possible to avoid this happening again.
• I promise it won’t happen again.
• I’ll make it up to you, I promise!

Expressing Regrets

should/shouldn’t + have + Past Participle

• I  shouldn’t have left  it so late to book the tickets 
• I  should have booked  the tickets earlier 

wish + had + Past Participle

• I wish I ’d  known  about this earlier. 
• I wish I  hadn’t said  yes.

could/would + have + Past Participle

• I  could have/would have done  something about it (if I’d known about it earlier)
• Once again,  I sincerely regret  missing the activities and hope you understand the unavoidable circumstances that led to my absence.
• I hope that this will not cause too much inconvenience and would be very grateful if you could keep me up to speed with any developments.
• I hope the meeting goes well and look forward to hearing about the plans as soon as possible.
• I really hope you will accept my sincerest apologies.
• Please let me know if you have any further issues
• Hope you have a great time at your party!

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How to Write An Apology Letter: Tips, Guidelines, and Apology Letter Examples

Are you wondering how to write an apology letter? Maybe your professional relationship with a work colleague has gone sour, or maybe you spoke without thinking in a conversation with a friend or family member. If a simple “sorry” won’t cut it, you can show your sincere regret by expressing your apology in writing.

This article explains how to write an apology letter, including how to craft an effective introduction and conclusion. It also contains apology letters examples that can help you get started on your own.

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What is an apology letter.

An apology letter is a written document or an email that acknowledges a mistake, expresses remorse, and asks the recipient for pardon or patience. It is a relatively formal letter, and it should assure the recipient that the mistake won’t happen again.

What Are the 4 Elements of an Apology Letter?

• Say you’re sorry. When writing a letter of apology, you should include a clear “I’m sorry” statement. Don’t beat around the bush or leave your recipient wondering why you’ve written. Give a direct apology.
• Acknowledge responsibility . In an apology letter, you must acknowledge your mistake. First, explain what occurred: the person you wronged needs to know that you understand what you said or did and why it was hurtful to them. Then take full responsibility for your actions and state that you know that what you did or said was wrong. This can make your apology stronger.
• Explain how you’ll make it better. Saying you’re sorry is a key step because it shows your regret and remorse. But taking proper action to make things right again is just as important. You need to explain what you’re going to do to fix the situation and ensure it doesn’t happen again in the future.
• Ask for forgiveness. One of the last moves in your apology letter is to ask for forgiveness. Remember, before you ask for forgiveness, you need to promise that the unwanted or bad behavior will not happen again.

How to Write an Apology Letter: Beginning and Ending

As in all types of writing, knowing how to begin and end an apology letter is paramount. Here’s some guidance on crafting two crucial parts of any apology letter: the introduction and the conclusion.

How to Begin an Apology Letter

The best way to start an apology letter is by saying you’re sorry. Get it out there right at the start. Saying you’re sorry and acknowledging that what you said or did was wrong are the first two steps in any apology.

How to End an Apology Letter

The best way to conclude an apology is to ask for forgiveness. When you do that, you’re giving the other person the option to accept the apology and restore your relationship. This also shows that you value the relationship and are committed to making it work. Two common closings in an apology letter are “sincerely” and “best regards.”

How to Write an Apology Letter: 5 More Useful Tips

Keep Your Word

Stay true to your word if you claim you won’t repeat your mistake. Be ready to back up your words with action and keep any promises you made. This will show people that your apologies are sincere.

Show Genuine Interest

You can show genuine interest in the other person by writing a sincere, genuine apology. By showing sincere regret and concern, you can mend fences with those you’ve wronged.

Don’t Excuse Yourself

When writing an apology, don’t make it about yourself. Don’t write about why you did what you did. Try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes and ask yourself why they would feel the way they do. Definitely don’t justify your actions. This is a common mistake.

Don’t Focus on How You Feel

Similarly, when writing an apology letter, don’t focus on how you feel. You can seem self-centered and make a bad situation worse. A letter of apology should demonstrate your empathy for the other person.

Ask for Forgiveness

Asking for forgiveness is one of the best ways of showing genuine grief. By asking for forgiveness, you show vulnerability. A small amount of vulnerability can go a long way toward demonstrating that you mean what you say.

Apology Letter Examples to Help You Get Better at Apologizing

Apology letter examples can inspire you if you’re not sure where to start. There’s a wide range of different types of apology letters. For example, you may find yourself apologizing to a friend or family member or to upset customers in a customer service role. Your apology may also be handwritten, typed and printed, or sent as an email .

Apology Letter Example 1: Apology Letter to a Boss

Dear Mr. Moran:

I am writing to you to express my regret for my mistake. I emailed our client the wrong materials. I apologize, and I recognize the difficulties that my careless oversight must have caused the company.

I know that an apology cannot undo my error. However, I am writing this letter to express my regret for the mistake I made as a result of my negligence. I had no ill intent when I was carrying out my duties. Please accept my sincerest apologies and rest assured that I will exercise additional caution in the future.

Best regards,

Bruce Paige

Apology Letter Example 2:  Apology Email to a Colleague

I truly apologize for deleting the project files. I want to be clear that it was an accident and happened as a result of my carelessness, and I sincerely regret it.

I accept full responsibility for this event, which caused problems not only for the company but for you as well. I met with the manager and explained that this was my mistake, not yours.

You can be sure that I’ll be extremely careful in my future work. 

I look forward to working with you again.

How to Use Apology Letter Examples to Write Your Own 

By studying these apology letter examples and following their structure and approach, you can improve your apology writing. You’ll know how to write an effective apology letter on your own after a few tries. Remember to incorporate the tips and elements of apology letters discussed in this article.

If you need to improve your writing skills, you can also visit Purdue OWL , where you can find many writing tips. You can also get better at writing if you start writing every day .

Everyone has moments of poor judgment. Letters of apology can mend fences with coworkers, upset customers, friends, family members, and others. We hope this article has helped you learn more about how to write a successful apology.

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How to Write an Apology Letter FAQ

A good apology is a sincere apology. In a genuine apology, you will notice that the person at fault admits to their errors and attempts to correct them if they can. Even if the person can’t do anything to undo the mistake, an effective apology letter will communicate genuine regret.

You can get better at apologizing by practicing self-affirmation. An article published in The Journal of Experimental Social Psychology states that self-affirmation reduces defensiveness and increases the comprehensiveness of apologies . Again, everyone has moments of poor judgment. Making a mistake doesn’t mean you’re a bad person.

People write apology letters to repair relationships with people in their lives they may have wronged. In a high-stress work environment, it can help to develop and maintain effective work relationships .

It’s okay to apologize by text, but it’s better to deliver an apology in person or write a formal apology. It takes more time and effort to apologize in one of these ways, which demonstrates your sincerity and the importance that you ascribe to your relationship with the other person.

About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication .

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How to Write an Apology Letter

Last Updated: February 4, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Tami Claytor . Tami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 2,089,751 times.

While apologizing in person often conveys more sincerity, there are times when a formal, written apology might be your only option or could otherwise be the preferred method. To write an apology letter, you'll need to address your error early in the letter, acknowledge the other party's hurt feelings, and accept full responsibility for your part in the matter. In many cases, you'll also need to offer a solution that will fix any underlying issues related to the original problem. If you want to make sure that your apology is effective and doesn't cause even more hurt, aim for both clarity and sincerity while you write.

Sample Apology Letters

Forming Your Apology

• Say something like: “I wanted to write you a letter to apologize for what i did”.

• Say something like: “What I did last weekend was horribly inappropriate, disrespectful, and wildly selfish . Your wedding is supposed to be all about your happiness and celebrating your love. By proposing to Jessica, I turned that focus on to me. I tried to steal your moment and that was wrong.” [3] X Research source

• Say something like: “Jacob told me that my actions ruined not only your experience of your wedding, but also are now making your honeymoon less than the incredible experience that it should be. I hope you understand that that was never my intention. I wanted you to be able to look back on this time and remember only happy things but I have ruined that with my selfish actions. I've robbed you of those happy memories. While I can't truly know how this feels to you, I can certainly understand that what I did was one of the worst things I could possibly have done to you.”

• Say something like: “This is an especially terrible thing for me to have done to you after how warmly you have accepted me into your family. You have not only shown your incredible, beautiful love to my brother, but you have also shown me support and kindness that I never could have possibly expected. To hurt you in this way was an insult to all the things that you have done for me and I hate myself for that.”

• Say something like: “I would try to offer an explanation for what I did, but there are no excuses. My intentions, though good, don't matter here: only my poor choices. I absolutely take responsibility for my selfish actions and the terrible pain I have caused you.”
• Don't make excuses for your actions but you can explain your reasoning very carefully. If you really feel like it's needed or would make the situation better, you can explain why you made the choice that you made. This should be done only if you think understanding your choices would give the person you hurt some comfort.

• Say something like: “But just being sorry isn't enough. You deserve better. When you come home, Jessica and I would love to throw a big welcome-home party in your honor. This will be the party to end all parties and it will be 100% devoted to celebrating the incredible love you share with my brother. If you would rather not do this, that's fine: I just want to find some way to help you create the incredible, happy memories that I took away from you. ”

• Say something like: “I can’t expect your forgiveness, though I certainly hope for it. All I can say is that I truly want things to be okay between us. I want you to feel okay and eventually even happy when you're around me. I want to earn back the wonderful relationship that we had. Hopefully, in the future, we can find a way to move past this and create happier times together.”

Apologizing Correctly

• "Mistakes were made..."
• "If" statements like "I'm sorry if your feelings got hurt " or "If you felt bad about this..."
• "I'm sorry that you felt that way."

Formatting Your Letter

• You'll also need to adjust the syntax of your letter to sound formal and better fit the situation.

Expert Q&A

• Simply say what you mean and mean what you say. Sincerity is key. If you make a promise, stick to it. Thanks Helpful 77 Not Helpful 13
• You may have to bury your pride when you apologize. Pride gets you nothing; good relations can often become priceless. Thanks Helpful 74 Not Helpful 14
• Make sure that your letter is not too short. Just two or three sentences will not do the trick here. Show the person that you put time and effort into this letter. Thanks Helpful 70 Not Helpful 21

• Don't add anything that makes the person feel bad. They will not take the letter to heart, and probably won't forgive you. Thanks Helpful 51 Not Helpful 13
• Remember that sorry doesn't magically fix everything. If the other person decides not to forgive you, move on and know that you tried. Thanks Helpful 10 Not Helpful 3

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://gallaudet.edu/student-success/tutorial-center/english-center/writing/how-to-write-letters/how-to-write-apologies/
• ↑ Tami Claytor. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview. 16 February 2022.
• ↑ https://news.osu.edu/the-6-elements-of-an-effective-apology-according-to-science/
• ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/apology-letter/
• ↑ https://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/making_an_effective_apology
• ↑ https://www.yourdictionary.com/articles/write-apology-letter
• ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/making_peace_through_apology
• ↑ https://www.plainlanguage.gov/resources/content-types/writing-effective-letters/
• ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-art-of-a-heartfelt-apology-2021041322366
• ↑ https://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/honest-apologies-can-help-leaders-organizations-rebound/
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/professional_technical_writing/basic_business_letters/index.html

About This Article

To write an apology letter, start by explaining right away that you're writing to apologize so the recipient isn't confused. Then, go on to explain what you're apologizing for and acknowledge that what you did was wrong. Let the person know that you understand how your actions have affected them, and accept responsibility for what happened. When you're writing your letter, avoid making excuses for what you did or your apology may not seem sincere. Finish your letter by offering to make things right in any way you can. If you want to learn more, like how to correct your actions with promises that you can keep, continue reading the article! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Write a Thoughtful Apology Letter (Inspiring Examples)

By Status.net Editorial Team on October 13, 2023 — 14 minutes to read

• Understanding Apology Letters Part 1
• Components of an Effective Apology Letter Part 2
• Professional Apology Letter Template Part 3
• Business Apology Letter Template Part 4
• Professional Apology Letter Template (Workplace Mistake) Part 5
• Apologizing to Your Manager: A Professional Email Example Part 6
• Coping with Customer Complaints: Apology Email Example Part 7
• Offering Compensation: Example Part 8
• Delivering a Third-Party Apology: Example Part 9
• A Formal and Sincere Apology Template with Example Part 10
• Writing a Personal Apology Letter Part 11
• Personal Apology Letter Template Part 12

Part 1 Understanding Apology Letters

Why apology letters matter.

Apology letters hold significant importance because they help mend relationships and restore trust. When you make a mistake or hurt someone’s feelings, sending a sincere apology letter demonstrates that you genuinely regret your actions and wish to make amends. Having a well-written apology letter can improve the chances of forgiveness, reduce tension, and pave the way for an improved relationship.

The Art of Apologizing

Mastering the art of apologizing is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships.

• The first step in writing an effective apology letter is acknowledging your mistake. Be honest about what you did wrong and take responsibility for your actions. It shows that you recognize the impact your mistake had on the other person and their emotions.
• Next, express your remorse and convey that you are truly sorry for your actions. It’s important to ensure your apology comes across as genuine; insincere apologies can often make matters worse. Focus on the feelings of the person you hurt, letting them know you understand their emotions and the consequences of your actions.
• Finally, offer a solution or ways to make amends. This could include making changes in your behavior, rectifying the issue you caused, or offering support to the affected person. Commit to taking steps to prevent a similar situation from happening again in the future.

When you follow these guidelines for writing an apology letter, you have a better chance at being forgiven and strengthening the bonds with those you care about.

Part 2 Components of an Effective Apology Letter

Writing an apology letter can be a thoughtful way to express your remorse and show that you truly wish to make amends. There are specific components that can make your letter more effective and genuine. These elements include:

Step 1. Acknowledging Your Mistake

When addressing a mistake, it’s important to be upfront and take responsibility for your actions. Clearly describe the wrongdoing and try not to make excuses, as this demonstrates your sincerity. For example:

“I apologize for missing our appointment yesterday. I understand I caused you inconvenience, and I should have managed my time better.”

Step 2. Expressing Regret

In addition to acknowledging your mistake, express your regret or remorse for the situation. This is a critical part of the apology, as it shows that you empathize with the feelings or difficulties your actions may have caused to the other party. For example:

“I’m truly sorry for any trouble I’ve caused you. I realize that my actions have led to disappointment and frustration on your end, and I wish I could take them back.”

Step 3. Offering A Solution

Finally, it’s important to provide a solution or a plan to rectify the mistake. This demonstrates that you are willing to take steps to ensure it doesn’t happen again and helps in rebuilding trust. Be specific about what you can do, but also be realistic with your commitments. For example:

“To make it up to you, I would like to reschedule our appointment at a time that’s convenient for you. I will work on improving my time management to prevent similar situations in the future.”

Keep these components in mind when crafting an apology letter, and your message will come across as sincere and heartfelt.

Templates and Examples of Apology Letters

Part 3 professional apology letter template.

When addressing a workplace issue, ensure that your professional apology letter remains respectful and follows a formal tone. Accept responsibility and outline your plans to rectify the situation:

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to apologize for [the mistake or action that caused the offense]. It was my responsibility to [prevent the mistake], and I acknowledge the negative impact it had on you and our team.

I take this matter seriously and am taking the necessary steps to correct the issue. [Include steps you are planning to take or have taken.] I am confident that we can learn from this experience and prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Please accept my sincerest apologies, and if there is anything further I can do to make this right, please do not hesitate to let me know.

[Your Name]

Part 4 Business Apology Letter Template

When extending apologies to customers or clients on behalf of your company, use a polite and sincere tone. Address the issue directly and briefly mention any steps you are taking to rectify the situation:

We would like to express our deepest apologies for [the mistake or action that caused the offense]. At [Your Company Name], we pride ourselves on [company values], and this incident is not reflective of our commitment to providing exceptional customer service.

In response to this situation, we have taken the following steps to rectify the issue: [include steps taken or planned to prevent similar incidents]. We believe these measures will help improve our service quality in the future.

Again, we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and appreciate your understanding. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

[Your Name] [Your Position in Company]

Part 5 Professional Apology Letter Template (Workplace Mistake)

Dealing with workplace mistakes.

Mistakes at work happen, and when you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, it’s important to address the issue promptly. A professional apology letter is a great way to express your regret and take ownership of your mistake. Start by acknowledging your mistake and be specific about the incident. Next, express your regret and take responsibility for the consequences of your actions. Make sure to offer solutions and steps to prevent similar mistakes in the future:

I am writing to express my sincere apologies for the mistake that I made [insert specific incident]. It was an error on my part, and I take full responsibility for it.

I understand that my mistake has caused inconvenience and frustration, and I am truly sorry for any negative impact it may have had. I want to assure you that I am committed to making things right and preventing similar mistakes from happening in the future.

To rectify the situation, I have [insert solution or action you are taking]. I am also willing to work with you and the team to ensure that we are all on the same page and that we can move forward together.

Again, please accept my apologies for any trouble caused. I value our working relationship and hope that we can continue to work together positively in the future.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Part 6 Apologizing to Your Manager: A Professional Email Example

Apologizing to your manager.

When apologizing to your manager, be sincere and direct. Begin your letter with a clear statement of your intention to apologize, and acknowledge the issue that occurred. Remember to express your regret sincerely, and outline the actions you’re taking to rectify the situation:

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I am writing to acknowledge my recent actions [or insert specific incident] and the impact they may have had on the project and the company. I take full responsibility for my actions and understand the importance of rectifying the situation and preventing similar incidents from happening in the future.

To address the issue, I am taking [insert solution or action you are taking]. I am also open to working with you and the team to ensure that we are all aligned and moving forward together.

Thank you for your understanding and for the opportunity to learn from this experience.

Part 7 Coping with Customer Complaints: Apology Email Example

When dealing with customer complaints, it’s vital to address the situation promptly and professionally. Start by acknowledging what happened and offer a sincere apology. Make sure to show empathy and understanding towards the customer’s experience:

Dear [Customer’s Name],

We apologize for the inconvenience you experienced with our service. We understand how frustrating this must have been for you, and we’re committed to making it right.

Then, outline the steps you’ve taken or plan to take to resolve the issue. This will demonstrate your commitment to customer satisfaction and reinforce trust in your business:

We’ve investigated the situation and discovered that [explanation of problem]. To prevent this from happening in the future, we will [steps to improve the issue].

Part 8 Offering Compensation: Example

In certain cases, offering compensation may be necessary to make amends and restore customer goodwill. Consider the severity and impact of the issue when deciding whether compensation is warranted. If you choose to offer compensation, be specific about what you’re offering and how the customer can claim it. For example:

As a token of our apology, we’d like to offer you [compensation, such as a refund, discount, or free service]. To claim this compensation, please [instructions to claim the compensation].

Remember that compensation is not always monetary; sometimes, a simple gesture like providing a free upgrade or extending a warranty can go a long way in demonstrating your willingness to make it right.

Part 9 Delivering a Third-Party Apology: Example

There may be situations where your business must apologize on behalf of a third party, such as a vendor or partner. In these cases, it’s still important to address the issue and apologize to the affected customers. Acknowledge the role your business played in the situation, and explain the steps you’re taking to prevent it from happening again:

We apologize for the [issue caused by the third party], which we recognize has impacted your experience with our business. While this issue was beyond our direct control, we understand that we are accountable for the partners we choose, and we promise to improve our supplier selection process.

Following these guidelines, your business apology letter will set the foundation for rebuilding trust with your customers and maintaining a positive reputation for your company.

Part 10 A Formal and Sincere Apology Template with Example

_______________________________

[1. Acknowledge the mistake and provide a sincere expression of regret] [2. Explain the situation, avoiding excuses or blame] [3. Discuss steps you’re taking to address the issue/resolution] [4. Offer a solution, amends, or compensation if appropriate] [5. Close with your commitment to prevent a recurrence of the issue]

“Dear Mr. Johnson,

I am writing to apologize for the delay in delivering the project report that was due last week. I understand that this delay has caused inconvenience to you and your team, and I take full responsibility for it.

I want to assure you that this delay was not intentional, and I deeply regret any negative impact it may have had on your business. The delay was due to unforeseen circumstances that were beyond my control, but I understand that this does not excuse the situation.

Moving forward, I am taking steps to ensure that this does not happen again in the future. I have put in place a new system that will allow me to better manage my workload and ensure that deadlines are met on time.

If there is anything else that I can do to make up for the inconvenience caused, please let me know. I am committed to doing everything in my power to make things right.

Once again, I apologize for any inconvenience caused, and I appreciate your understanding and patience.

John Doe”

Part 11 Writing a Personal Apology Letter

In this section, we’ll focus on crafting the perfect personal apology letter.

Apologizing to Family

When apologizing to a family member, sincerity is key. Start by acknowledging the wrongdoing and express remorse for your actions. You can start with something simple like, “I realize that I hurt you when I [specific action], and I’m truly sorry for that.”

Next, take responsibility for your actions. Admitting your mistake demonstrates maturity and a genuine desire to make amends. For example, “It was thoughtless of me to [specific action], and I understand how it affected you.”

Offer a solution or a concrete way to make amends. This step shows you’re committed to improving your relationship. You could say, “I promise to be more mindful of your feelings in the future, and I hope we can work together to rebuild our relationship.”

Be open and willing to listen to their feelings and concerns. This will help you better understand their perspective and take any necessary steps to rebuild trust.

Writing an Apology Letter to a Friend

When apologizing to a friend, you’ll want to keep the same principles in mind. Begin by acknowledging the hurt you caused them and express genuine remorse. Use specific examples where you can, such as, “I know I let you down when I didn’t show up to your birthday party, and I’m truly sorry for that.”

Take responsibility for your actions and any wrongdoing on your part. An example might be, “I should have planned better and made your celebration a priority, instead of allowing other things to get in the way.”

If applicable, offer a solution or a way to make it right: “I’d love to take you out for a special meal to celebrate your belated birthday and make up for not being there.”

Be ready to listen to your friend’s feelings and concerns, and make an effort to rebuild trust through your words and actions.

Part 12 Personal Apology Letter Template

A personal apology letter works best when you want to express regret towards a friend or family member for something you did. Keep it concise, genuine, and focus on your feelings during the apology.

I am truly sorry for [the mistake or action that caused the offense]. It was not my intention to [cause the negative impact]. I understand how it made you feel, and I want you to know that your feelings are important to me.

I take full responsibility for my actions and will do everything in my power to make it right. [Include possible solutions or ways to make amends, if applicable.]

In the future, I promise to be more mindful of my actions and consider how they will affect you. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should be included in an apology letter to a customer.

When writing an apology letter to a customer, you should first acknowledge the issue and express your sincere regret. Apologize for any inconvenience or disappointment the customer may have experienced. It’s also important to take responsibility for the situation and explain the steps you will take to rectify it. Offer a solution or compensation if appropriate, and close by expressing your commitment to providing excellent customer service in the future.

How can I craft a heartfelt apology letter to a teacher?

To write a heartfelt apology letter to a teacher, start by acknowledging your mistake and expressing genuine remorse for your actions. Explain why your behavior was wrong and what you’ve learned from the experience. You should also describe how you plan to improve and avoid making the same mistake in the future. Be specific, sincere, and respectful throughout the letter, and show genuine gratitude for the teacher’s dedication and understanding.

What are the key elements of an apology letter to a friend?

The key elements of an apology letter to a friend include acknowledging the wrongdoing, expressing genuine remorse, and offering amends or a solution. It’s also important to consider the feelings of your friend and empathize with their perspective. Demonstrate that you understand the impact of your actions on your friendship and express your desire to rebuild trust and strengthen your bond. Close the letter by expressing your appreciation for their friendship and your hope for reconciliation.

How can I make a convincing apology letter to a family member?

To craft a convincing apology letter to a family member, begin by acknowledging the mistake you made and expressing sincere regret. Be specific about what happened and how it affected your relationship. Show empathy for your family member’s feelings and express understanding for the hurt you’ve caused. Offer a solution or plan for addressing the issue and discuss how you’ll prevent it from happening again. Finally, reiterate your love and commitment to your family member and express your hope for moving forward together.

What are some tips for writing an apology letter to my boss?

When writing an apology letter to your boss, it’s important to be professional, respectful, and straightforward. Acknowledge your mistake and express genuine remorse. Be concise in your explanation, focusing on the impact of your actions and the steps you will take to correct the situation. Offer solutions or potential ways to rectify the issue and demonstrate your commitment to improving your performance. Lastly, express your gratitude for the opportunity to learn from the experience and your dedication to your job.

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IELTS Apology Letter for General Training

Updated On Dec 17, 2021

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IELTS General Training Writing test is for 60 minutes and consists of 2 tasks. Task 1 of the IELTS General Writing exam is letter writing, and task 2 is essay writing. It is suggested that you spend 20 minutes on writing task 1 as you are expected to write only 150 words, and  40 minutes on writing task 2 in which you are expected to write over 250 words. 

Task 1 in the IELTS General exam is always letter writing. So in this post, we will focus on letter writing.

Types of letters asked in the exam:

• Formal (Written to someone whom you don’t know)
• Semi-Formal (Written to someone whom you only know professionally)
• Informal (Written to someone whom you know personally)

What is an Apology Letter?

An apology letter is written to someone to let them know that you are sorry for something. You may have offended, hurt, injured someone or damaged something, and you want to apologize for the same.

How to Write an Apology Letter:

• State how sorry you are for your actions.
• Explain the reason and take responsibility for your actions.
• Provide information on how you can cover up for the mistake. 

Informal Letter

A foreign friend of yours plans to visit your place and stay with you, but you do not have time on that date. Give your friend another alternate date to come.

In your letter, you should:

• apology for it
• explain what you will busy for on that date
• suggest to him/her an alternate time to come.

Sample Answer:

Dear Sansa,

I hope this letter finds you in good health. I am happy to know that you have plans to visit my place and how excited you are to stay with me from 04/05/2021 to 21/05/2021. But I’m sorry to inform you that I will not be able to be with you on the given dates, as I have to travel to Kolkata for some work. 

I hope you believe me when I say how sorry and guilty I feel about it. I will be busy during the entire month, but I have an amazing idea. You can plan your stay after 01/06/2021, and we would invite some more friends and spend time together, and I will take you on a short city tour as well. I hope this alternative idea sounds good to you and you forgive me for the inconvenience. 

I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Warm Wishes

Semi-Formal Letter

You missed an important meeting at work. Write a letter to your manager. 

In this letter

•  Apologise for not attending 
• Explain why you did not attend
• Say what you will do to make up for it. 

Dear Ms Rose,

I am writing to sincerely apologise for not attending the financial year-end meeting yesterday morning. I know such meetings are important, especially when we allocate funds to different departments of the company. Unfortunately, my child’s poor health stopped me from attending the meeting. 

My child was suffering from a high fever, and I was required to take him to the hospital. Since nobody in my family knows how to drive, it left me with no option but to drop the meeting. I have followed up to make sure that I have all the information that was discussed yesterday. Sussi is going to provide me with all the necessary paperwork, and I will update you about the details required from my side by the end of this day. Once again, I sincerely apologise for not being able to attend the meeting and hope you understand my circumstances that led to my absence. 

Yours Faithfully

Formal Letter

You have been invited to attend an interview for a place studying a course at a college. Unfortunately, because of a previous appointment, you cannot come at the time they wish.

Write a letter to the admission tutor. In your letter,

• explain your position
• apologise and offer to come on another day or later the same day
• also, ask how long the interview will be, and whether there will be any tests during it

Dear Sir/Ma’am

I am Kathreena Joseph. I was expected to join the public relations program in the upcoming semester at your university. I am writing this letter to apologize for not being able to attend the interview scheduled on 1st September’ 2021. Unfortunately, I am in a very perplexing situation. 

I work in an organization, and they have scheduled an urgent meeting on the same date. Since many colleagues are travelling from different cities for this meeting, it is not likely to get postponed. I understand the importance of this interview in order for you to finalise my candidature for admission. I hope you would allow me to alter the interview date from 1st September 2021 to 2nd September 2021. 

I sincerely apologise for the inconvenience, and I request you to accept my request and reschedule my interview date. Also, please let me know if I need to appear for any test as part of the interview process and how long the interview process might take. 

I am looking forward to hearing a positive response from you.

Yours Sincerely

Dinesh Sharma

Practice IELTS General Writing Task 1

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Glen has been an English teacher for 10 years. She has also been associated with various English training institutes. She joined IELTSMaterial a few months ago and soon became the most sought-after writer. Her essays are engaging and detail-oriented. Her English teaching experience comes in handy for delivering content that is agreeable from an examiner’s point of view. Having majored in English Literature from Birmingham University, she is passionate about imparting English knowledge.

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• Apology Letter Format

Depending on the circumstances, you may have insulted or disappointed someone in your life. In the business environment, sending an official apology letter to a colleague, client, or boss is the most effective and professional approach to apologize. In this article, we will learn about apology letter format and how to create apology letters by looking at some sample letters in this article.

Apology Letter

An apology letter is a written declaration, either in the form of a physical document or an email, that admits error, mistake, misunderstanding, or misbehaviour and requests forgiveness or tolerance. The purpose of writing an apology letter is to repair broken relationships and trust between two individuals, who could be friends, employees, bosses, clients, customers, wives, boyfriends and girlfriends, and so on.

When it comes to writing an apology letter, one of the most difficult problems is deciding what words to use. You must ensure that you compose the apology letter in a polite tone.

What to include in an Apology Letter

There is a basic four-part pattern you can follow when writing an informal apology to a friend or family member or a formal apology letter to a colleague or client.

• The first thing you’ll want to explain is why you’re sending the letter, and to do so, you’ll need to apologize first and foremost.
• You must accept full responsibility for your error. Accepting responsibility entails admitting what went wrong. Demonstrate empathy for the individual by demonstrating that you realize why your actions or words were inappropriate or painful.
• You will also explain why you did what you did, whether it was deliberate or unintentional.
• Finally, convince the other party that this error will not be repeated.

Guidelines to Write an Apology Letter

• Show integrity and don’t be afraid to apologize. Sincerity is essential in an apology, so make sure your letter expresses real regret.
• Because an apology letter is a formal document, ensure that the tone and content are formal.
• Accept responsibility for the event and apologize.
• If necessary, provide the event’s specifics. However, do not try to justify yourself.
• Provide a solution or plan of action for the error.
• Maintain your word and finish it to demonstrate to others that your apologies is genuine. You can also demonstrate your trustworthiness in this manner.
• Consult a legal professional, if necessary, before extending an apology.

Sender’s Address

Recipient’s Address

Subject: Apology Letter for __________

Body of the Letter: Begin with an apology, Accept responsibility for the event and, if necessary, explain the situation, Explain the steps done to correct the wrongdoings, and Assure the receiver that such an occurrence will not happen again.

Complimentary Closing

Sender’s Name

Sender’s Signature

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Apology Letter Samples

Sample 1 – formal apology letter for bad behavior.

Sam Fernandes

XYZ International School

5 th April 2022

Mrs. Mary Joel

Subject: Apology letter for Bad Behavior

Dear Mrs. Mary,

With all due respect and humble submission, I would like to sincerely apologize for my harsh behaviour in class. I’m sorry for my conduct and the repercussions. I didn’t mean to disrespect you in any way, nor did I want to ruin the mood of the class, and now I see that my behaviour was entirely wrong and disrespectful.

I will make certain that such an incident does not occur again in the future. Your effort to instil knowledge in us is incredibly inspiring. I hope you will forgive me for my acts and allow me to continue learning and growing under your supervision.

Yours Sincerely,

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Sample 2 – Apology Letter for Incorrect Delivery of Products

The Manager

ABC Clothing

High Street Phoenix

Delhi – 46

23 rd November 2021

Karan Sharma

5 th Avenue, MGM Road

Subject: Apology for delivery of incorrect products

Respected Sir,

In response to your raised query on  (date), we respectfully apologize for the wrong delivery of your products from our end, which you had ordered on our website on (date). First and foremost, we apologize for any difficulty caused by our error. We will replace it as soon as you return the inaccurate items to us (to the above-mentioned address). We’d also want to express our apologies by providing a coupon code (Coupon Code No.) that you can use on your future purchases. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with you.

Please bear with us for a short period of time. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact us by phone or email.

We apologize once more for any inconvenience this has given you.

Thanking you,

Yours truly,

Designation, name and signature

Company name

Sample 3 – Apology Letter for Delay in Report Submission

Viraj Desai

XYZ Company

Sales Associate

1 st June 2022

Mr. Cameroon

Senior Sales Manager

Subject:  Apology for Delay in Submission of Project Report

Dear Mr. Cameroon,

I am deeply sorry for failing to meet the project report submission deadline. I assume full responsibility for my actions and the resulting difficulties.

The entire Project Report was supposed to be completed by June 1st, 2022, which I failed to meet. I am taking this very seriously and working on it day and night in order to complete and submit the Project Report by June 3rd, 2022. I promise to make every effort possible to make this initiative a success. I am once again grateful for the opportunity to collaborate on this project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What exactly is an apology letter?

Answer. In an apology letter, the sender writes to the recipient to apologize and make apologies for any mistakes made by the former. The ultimate purpose of an apology letter is to work toward restoring a relationship’s lost trust.

Q2. What are some suggestions for writing an apologetic letter?

Answer. Focus on the recipient’s sentiments and experience when writing a meaningful apology letter. Avoid using the letter to justify yourself or your point of view. This can be accomplished by writing clear and concise apologies for the specific transgression and admitting your role in the circumstance. Then, explain how you want to prevent repeating old mistakes in the future.

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How to Write an Apology Letter: Sample and Tips

14 May 2021

Apologizing is an essential aspect of maintaining healthy relationships, both in personal and professional settings. Whether it’s a mistake we’ve made with a loved one or a misstep in our workplace, taking the time to apologize sincerely can help mend the damage caused and rebuild trust. In this article, we will explore the importance of apology letters and provide valuable tips on how to craft a genuine and effective apology.

Understanding the Importance of Apology Letters

Apology letters can have a profound impact on our relationships. They provide an opportunity to acknowledge our mistakes, take responsibility, and express genuine remorse. Whether it’s a heartfelt apology to a friend or a formal letter to a business partner, the act of apologizing through writing demonstrates our willingness to make amends and shows respect for the offended party.

Why Apology Letters Matter in Personal and Professional Relationships

In personal relationships, a well-written apology letter can help bridge the gap caused by hurtful actions or words. It allows us to convey our deepest apologies and sentiments in a thoughtful manner, emphasizing our understanding of the pain we have caused. Similarly, in professional settings, an apology letter can salvage damaged business relationships and highlight our professionalism and dedication to rectifying the situation.

When it comes to personal relationships, an apology letter can be a powerful tool for healing and reconciliation. It provides a platform for us to express our remorse and take responsibility for our actions. By putting our thoughts and feelings into writing, we are able to articulate our emotions more clearly and sincerely. This level of introspection can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the impact our words or actions have on others.

Furthermore, an apology letter allows us to demonstrate our willingness to make amends. It shows that we are not only sorry for what we have done but also committed to repairing the damage caused. This commitment is crucial in rebuilding trust and rebuilding the relationship. By taking the time to write a heartfelt apology letter, we show the other person that we value their feelings and are willing to put in the effort to make things right.

In professional relationships, an apology letter can be equally important. In business, mistakes happen, and conflicts arise. However, how we handle these situations can make all the difference. A well-crafted apology letter can help salvage a damaged business relationship by showing our professionalism and dedication to resolving the issue at hand.

An apology letter in a professional setting should be concise, clear, and to the point. It should acknowledge the mistake or issue, take responsibility, and outline the steps being taken to rectify the situation. By doing so, we demonstrate our commitment to maintaining a positive and productive working relationship.

Moreover, an apology letter can also be an opportunity for growth and learning. It allows us to reflect on our actions and consider how we can prevent similar situations from occurring in the future. By acknowledging our mistakes and taking steps to improve, we show a willingness to learn from our experiences and become better individuals or professionals.

In conclusion, apology letters play a significant role in both personal and professional relationships. They provide a platform for us to express our remorse, take responsibility, and demonstrate our commitment to making amends. Whether it’s healing a personal rift or salvaging a business partnership, a well-written apology letter can have a profound impact on the way we are perceived and the relationships we have with others.

Assessing the Situation and Taking Responsibility

Before diving into the writing process, take the time to assess the situation and reflect on your involvement. Understand the impact of your actions or words and acknowledge your responsibility. This self-reflection is crucial to crafting a sincere apology that addresses the core issues at hand.

When it comes to assessing a situation, it is important to look beyond the surface level. Take a step back and analyze the events that unfolded, examining the context and the underlying factors that contributed to the conflict. By gaining a deeper understanding of the situation, you can better comprehend the perspectives and emotions of all parties involved.

Reflecting on the incident that led to the need for an apology is a valuable exercise. It allows you to delve into the complexities of the situation and consider the various factors that played a role. As you reflect, put yourself in the shoes of others and try to see the situation from their perspective. This empathetic approach can help you gain insights into their feelings and experiences.

Reflecting on the Incident and Identifying Your Role

Look back on the incident that led to the need for an apology. Carefully consider the perspectives and emotions of all parties involved. Identify your role in the situation, and be honest with yourself about your actions, intentions, and any mistakes made. By acknowledging your part in the conflict, you demonstrate integrity and a genuine desire for resolution.

Identifying your role in a conflict requires a deep level of introspection. It involves examining your own behavior, thoughts, and motivations. Ask yourself tough questions: Did you act impulsively? Were your words or actions hurtful? Did you contribute to the escalation of the situation? By honestly answering these questions, you can gain valuable insights into your own behavior and take responsibility for your actions.

Taking responsibility for your role in a conflict is not about assigning blame or beating yourself up. It is about recognizing that your actions have consequences and understanding the impact they may have had on others. This level of self-awareness is an essential step towards personal growth and building stronger relationships.

When you acknowledge your responsibility, you show a willingness to learn from your mistakes and make amends. This demonstrates maturity and a genuine desire to repair any damage caused. Remember, taking responsibility is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength and character.

Structuring Your Apology Letter

An apology letter should be organized and structured in a way that effectively conveys your remorse and commitment to change. Breaking the letter into three distinct sections – introduction, body, and conclusion – ensures that your apology is well-rounded and coherent.

Introduction: Setting the Tone and Establishing Empathy

Start your apology letter by setting a respectful and empathetic tone. Begin with a polite salutation that addresses the recipient by name. Use this opening paragraph to express your understanding of the hurt or disappointment caused by your actions. It is essential to convey genuine empathy and remorse from the very beginning.

Body: Acknowledging the Mistake and Expressing Sincere Regret

In the body of your letter, delve deeper into the specifics of the incident. Clearly and concisely acknowledge your mistake, taking full responsibility without making excuses. Express your sincere regret and apologize sincerely for the pain or inconvenience caused. Offer an explanation only if it helps clarify the situation or provides necessary context.

Conclusion: Offering Amends and Committing to Change

Wrap up your apology letter by offering amends and committing to personal growth. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your dedication to preventing similar situations from happening in the future. Offer to make reparations, if appropriate, and assure the recipient that you have taken valuable lessons from the incident and are actively working to improve yourself.

Crafting a Genuine and Effective Apology

Writing a sincere apology letter requires careful consideration of both language and intention. The following tips will help you craft an apology that is both genuine and effective, fostering understanding and forgiveness.

Using Clear and Concise Language

When writing your apology letter, strive for clarity and simplicity. Use language that is easy to understand and free from ambiguity. Avoid technical terms or jargon that may confuse the recipient. By using clear and concise language, you ensure that your message is conveyed effectively and without confusion.

Avoiding Excuses and Shifting Blame

It is crucial to take full responsibility for your actions and avoid making excuses or shifting blame onto others. An apology requires accountability, and attempting to deflect or minimize your role in the incident undermines the sincerity of your apology. Take ownership of your mistakes, demonstrating maturity and genuine remorse.

Demonstrating Empathy and Understanding

Show genuine empathy for the feelings of the person you are apologizing to. Make an effort to understand their perspective and validate their emotions. Acknowledge the impact your actions had on them and use language that reflects your understanding. By demonstrating empathy and understanding, you show that you respect and value the other person’s feelings.

Including Relevant Details and Examples

Adding relevant details and examples to your apology letter can help provide context and clarify the situation. These details can help the recipient better understand the circumstances surrounding the incident. Be mindful, however, not to overwhelm the letter with unnecessary information. Focus on the most pertinent details that will help the recipient grasp the situation more fully.

Providing Context and Background Information

When appropriate, provide context and background information that sheds light on why the incident occurred. This additional information can help the recipient understand the underlying factors that contributed to your actions. However, be cautious not to use this as an excuse or justification for your behavior. The primary goal is to provide clarity, not deflect responsibility.

Sharing Specific Instances and Actions

Use specific examples and instances to illustrate your points and emphasize the sincerity of your apology. Concrete examples and personal anecdotes can make your letter more relatable and help the recipient see the effort you put into introspection and personal growth. By sharing specific instances, you humanize the apology and make it more genuine.

Writing an apology letter can be a challenging task, but when done sincerely and effectively, it can help repair damaged relationships and restore trust. Understanding the importance of apology letters, taking responsibility for our actions, and crafting a genuine and effective apology are vital steps towards reconciliation.

Remember that an apology letter is an opportunity to demonstrate growth and a commitment to change. By using clear and concise language, taking responsibility without making excuses, and providing relevant details and examples, your apology will carry authenticity and have a positive impact on the recipient. Use the tips provided in this article as a guide to writing a heartfelt apology letter that fosters understanding and paves the way for healing.

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How to Write an Apology Letter to a Friend

While apologizing in person is the preferred approach for most people, sometimes a formal, written apology conveys more sincerity.

Here are some useful insights that will help you write an apology letter to a friend.

Table of Contents

Make sure your apology is genuine

Think deeply of the message you are trying to convey, don’t overcomplicate your apology, close with aspects of your friend and your relationship with them that you really appreciate, evaluate if what you are writing will be helpful to your friend or yourself, when writing, let everything out, ignore your ego and reputation, empathize to the best of your ability, acknowledge specific terms of what you’re apologizing for, validate your friend’s feelings on the letter, make sure to adjust your behavior, acknowledge the error, mistake or hurt, show remorse for what happened, make the situation right. take action to make restitution., decide what you’re really apologizing for, be truthful, use dbt’s think skills in times like these, authenticity, accountability and responsibility, commitment to change behavior, re-establish why do you value their friendship, do not make it about you, tell them all the reasons why they matter to you, tell them what you are going to change for the future relationship, be authentic, take full ownership, ask for forgiveness, take responsibility for what you did but do not take responsibility for their part, be vulnerable, speak only about you and your intentions, remember that it’s important to validate, be careful in providing an explanation, take responsibility for your actions, do not demand that the person accept the apology, or respond to it in any way, start with the apology, rephrase the problem, validate their feelings, show them you understand the consequences, talk about amends and prevention, acknowledge your actions, apologize by saying that you are sorry and be specific, amend by making an offer you intend to keep, be open and honest as you could be, acknowledge that your friend may not fully believe you are sorry, suggest ways to make amends, identify what you are apologizing for, don’t over-explain, include how you will improve in the future, give the recipient of the apology an opportunity to comment, don’t put yourself down, only write an apology letter if it’s going to be a true apology, don’t spend too much time explaining yourself, don’t forget to acknowledge how much the person means to you, articulate your hopes for the future, acknowledge how much you have hurt your friend, express gratitude, after sending the letter, do not expect your friend to answer you immediately, frequently asked questions.

Dena DiNardo, Psy.D., LMFT

Licensed Clinical Psychologist | Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

In order to write a successful apology letter to a friend, it has to be genuine. By genuine, I mean, you must sincerely feel sorry.

People apologize all the time because they want to avoid the discomfort associated with having someone be angry or upset with them. They also apologize because of their own egos; they can’t stand to think that something they’ve done, or didn’t do, said, or didn’t say has been recognized by someone else, especially someone they care about.

So start by taking some time to consider your motivation for apologizing.

Do you clearly understand why the other person is upset and deserving of an apology? Do you believe that they deserve an apology? Are you sorry for the action or inaction you took or are you sorry that they are upset about it?

Taking some time to shuffle through these answers will help you focus on what needs to be included in your letter and help you to clarify where you are coming from.

If you’ve decided that you really are sorry and that this friend deserves an apology, you’ll want to think deeply about the message that you are trying to convey.

There really are two parts to an apology: empathy and the apology itself. A true and meaningful apology letter is one that starts with empathy; a clear and deep understanding of the other person’s experience that you feel is deserving of an apology.

Start by sharing as much as you can with your friend about why you understand that they are upset.

This requires you to step outside of yourself and really slide your feet into their shoes. What do you think happened to them as a result of your behavior?

If they’ve told you already, great; use their words and combine them with how you best understand them. For example, someone tells you that they are very hurt that you did not invite them to a social gathering at your house and they feel “left out” and “unimportant.” Use their words by saying, “I understand that my not inviting you caused you to feel left out and unimportant.”

If you aren’t sure how they feel, you’ve got two options: 1) do your best to either take a good, educated guess based on what you know about them and let them know you are doing your best to try to understand or 2) ask questions in your apology letter.

“I know you are very upset with me and while I want to apologize, I would first love to better understand what your experience was and how you were feeling.”

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Empathy can also be communicated by an earnest effort on your part to dig a little deeper to show how much you really care to understand your friend.

After you’ve communicated empathy and shown that you clearly understand what their experience was, you can begin to deliver the second part of your apology – the apology itself. And, you don’t need to overcomplicate it. The words, “I am sorry” go a long way.

An important distinction here is whether or not you are sorry for what you did or you are sorry for how they feel. A beautiful apology usually involves the experience of both. People are quick to feel upset by apologies that do not include the apologizer taking responsibility for their own actions.

Make sure to be clear that you are sorry for both their experience of hurt and for the actions you took that caused it.

You can deepen this apology by sharing some of your insights around why you did (or didn’t do) what you did unless it sounds like blame. You want to be careful not to blame the apologizee for your own behavior, which unfortunately happens a lot in apologies.

If you do that, it becomes less of an apology and more of a justification for what you did (or didn’t do) and misses the whole point.

Now, that’s not to say that something isn’t also the responsibility of the friend you are apologizing to. Often times, there is joint responsibility in an exchange that leads one person to apologize to the other.

To use the previous example, maybe the apologizee has felt “left out” in the past and have never communicated this to their friend. Or, maybe the apologizee often declines social invitations, leaving the apologizer in a place of thinking, “they wouldn’t come anyway.”

In this instance, the apologizer might have some questions and some confusion about an aspect of the relationship that wasn’t previously communicated about, leading to hurt feelings, leading to a need to apologize.

There’s room to address this in an apology, but not by pointing fingers. The most effective way to incorporate this into an apology is to be constructive with this toward the end of the apology.

Share your desire to communicate in such a way as to ensure that something like this doesn’t happen again. Share that you’re interested to deepen the relationship by communicating some of your experience with them if they feel open to it.

Invite, don’t demand that they engage you on a deeper level when they feel ready and after they’ve accepted your apology. If your friend is a true friend and wants to have a healthy relationship with you moving forward, they’ll most likely be totally down.

Let them know the specific, not just general, ways that you appreciate them and value their friendship in your life. It’s not enough to just say, “you are very kind and I love being your friend.”

Give some examples of how they’ve been kind toward you (or toward anyone) that you’ve noticed. Show them that you see them, appreciate them, and love them. Remind them about why they’re in your life and why you’d like them to continue being in your life.

Make them feel good, cared about, and appreciated. Let them know that you’re ready to talk when they are and hope for the best. Again, if the relationship is quality, this is an opportunity and not an obstacle.

Nance L. Schick, Esq.

Conflict Mediator | Founder, The Law Studio of Nance L. Schick

Although I focus on workplace conflicts, this often includes conflicts among friends. Of course, I have also had my share of conflicts with friends and other loved ones throughout my life.

I am not a fan of apology letters to “friends”, assuming we share the same definition of a friend and the apologizer wants to repair, transform, and continue the friendship.

If so, a call will lay a much better foundation on which to build again. It will take courage, and it will probably be uncomfortable, but that might also help the recipient recognize true remorse, even if the words aren’t perfect.

A letter doesn’t give them the opportunity to hear the discomfort and pain, nor does it give them an opportunity to respond authentically at the moment.

Nevertheless, there are situations in which a letter is the most appropriate way to open communication after a misstep by a friend. Perhaps many years have passed, the friend is refusing to accept calls, etc. In those cases:

• Acknowledge the less-than-ideal form of the apology. Open with something such as, “Forgive me for choosing to do this in writing. I am still open to talking this through, whenever you are ready, and I understand that you might need some time.”
• Apologize for the specific error. “I am sorry for _______________.” Stop. Do not try to explain. Take responsibility for your error(s), and keep everything focused on that. Otherwise, you seem disingenuous. If you can’t do this without bringing in all the reasons for your behavior, wait. This probably isn’t the time to attempt reconciliation. You might even benefit from coaching.
• Share how you will make amends. If you don’t know how to make amends, ask the friend what you can do and remind that you welcome a call to discuss this.
• Do what you say you will do. The behavior after the apology is probably more important than the apology itself. Once trust has been broken, only consistent behavior modification is likely to rebuild it.
• Keep the communication going. Don’t expect a quick fix. If this is a friendship you truly want, you will need to keep cultivating it.

Dr. Vassilia Binensztok, Ph.D., LMHC, NCC

Licensed and Board Certified Mental Health Counselor, Juno Counseling and Wellness

Is it just making you feel better? While there is nothing wrong with seeking our own relief by giving an apology, the main point is for the person receiving the apology.

We should ask ourselves, “Will this information be helpful, or is it something I just want to get off my chest? Which details are necessary for the apology? Am I being more defensive and explaining myself or am I sincerely taking responsibility?”

Apologies require us to take responsibility for our actions in order to be genuine and effective. We can evaluate our apologies to see if they are really apologies or merely defenses of our own egos.

Write everything that comes to mind. Don’t censor yourself or your emotions. You can then edit the letter, but be sure to put it aside for at least one to two weeks, if possible. Do not look at it at that time. If anything else occurs to you, you can jot it down somewhere, but do not revisit the letter.

When you do revisit the letter with fresh eyes, evaluate if this is still what you want to say, if you still feel compelled to communicate every part of what you wrote, if you like the way it is worded, and if there is anything you need to add or remove. After this, you can feel ready to send the letter.

Connection Coach | Author, We Should Get Together: The Secret to Cultivating Better Friendships

Friendships are usually smooth sailing but inevitably something will go wrong one day and you’ll need to make an apology to patch things up and keep your friend.

The best apologies are ones in which the apologizer focuses on the impact on their actions and resists the urge to frame their message around how harmless their intentions were.

Most people jump right to, “I didn’t mean it!” or “I wasn’t trying to [do that hurtful thing].” Of course, you weren’t — most harm is done accidentally.

The fastest way to make things better to ignore your ego’s attempt to save your reputation and instead to focus as compassionately as you can on the other person and their pain.

Remember that an apology should be focused on the person who has been hurt, not the one who did the hurting.

Apologize, reflect, ensure that you understand the other person fully, and empathize to the best of your ability. The way you choose your words matters, so practice apologizing effectively.

When you make an apology, don’t say “I’m sorry if you felt ____” or even “I’m sorry you feel that way.” These are not apologies, they’re deflections of responsibility.

Start with the truth, and end on your intention to do better. Try: “I’m sorry that I ____ and that it led to ____. In the future, I’ll ____ so this doesn’t happen again.”

If you want to practice this skill in a lower-stakes way, talk to a friend about something that happened in the past that you could have done a better job apologizing for.

Try giving them a better apology using your new skills now. Building up your muscle memory for giving better apologies will help you the next time you need to apologize for real.

Dr. Dana C. Avey, LMFT BC-TMH ADS

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist | Owner, Fulfillment Counseling & Life Coaching, PLLC

Learning how to extend an honest apology is one of the most important communication skills you’ll ever learn in life. Holding yourself accountable and taking responsibility for your actions is respected within families, by employers, from strangers, and among friends. It’s a universal method for mending connections. It is quintessential daunting.

A meaningful letter of apology can be handwritten or typed, but consider how much value you, yourself, might place on someone taking the time to actually sit and write out their words to you. Either way, you want to reflect on your behavior and acknowledge specific terms for what you are apologizing to.

Instead of, “I apologize for all that negative stuff I put you through,” think about what “negative stuff” actually translates to: “I apologize for being rude to your Mom when she visited over the holidays and for not keeping my commitment to watching your cat.”

In addition, validate your friend’s feelings if they have expressed them to you in some way, as in “I understand how this would make you angry with me.”

If you do not know how they are feeling, it is not wise to assume. Instead, you can label your behavior after acknowledging it specifically. For example, “What I did was insensitive and disrespectful.”

It is also acceptable to share any feelings of remorse that you are experiencing, as in “I feel tremendous regret.”

Be sure to avoid adding in your excuses. The power of an apology is lessened when it’s followed by “but…” For example, “I apologize for not picking you up at the airport as scheduled, but, I stayed up really late the night before working on a project for my boss, and I’ve just been so overwhelmed lately.” Omit the but; not helpful. The focus of the apology letter is to acknowledge what you’ve done and express remorse.

Finally, the power of an apology is also lessened if we do not adjust our behavior. Your apology is invalidated if you keep doing the very thing that inspired the apology.

Also keep in mind that a letter of apology can really go a long way in correcting a misstep, but everyone has the right to not accept an apology if they choose.

Your letter of apology does not dictate a particular outcome, as there are no guarantees. It a healthy, mature, and constructive step worth taking for the sake of a connection that is meaningful to you.

Lynell Ross

Certified Health and Wellness Coach | Relationship Expert | Founder and Managing Editor, Zivadream

Here are the three main components of a sincere and meaningful apology letter:

A sincere apology must include that you see how what you did impacted your friend and let them know you understand what you did. When you take responsibility for your actions, you show your friend that you are not trying to lay blame elsewhere.

Dear (Friend), I sincerely apologize for breaking your confidence and embarrassing you in front of your boyfriend.

Tell them you are truly sorry in a way that shows remorse and empathy. Admit your part in it and the negative impact on your friend.

I am truly sorry that I said too much, shared information that wasn’t mine to share, and spoke carelessly. I see now that it put you in an awkward place. I feel terrible that I hurt you, and understand if you feel you can no longer trust me.

Your friendship is very important to me, and while I can not take back the things I said, I want you to know that I will do everything I can to earn back your trust. I would like to meet for lunch to let you know how much I care, and to apologize in person for being careless. I truly did not mean to hurt you. I hope you will give me another chance to be in your life because I do care about you.

A true apology is to make amends with the person you hurt. It isn’t about you getting something, it is about you giving back and making up for your mistake.

Elise Guthmann, LMFT

DBT-trained Practitioner | Clinical Program Director, Evolve Residential Treatment Center for Teens – Ojai, CA

In DBT, this is called “Check the facts.” In a specific situation where there are hurt feelings, review the facts of what happened.

If you think you’ve wronged someone, or your behavior went against your own moral code, continue with the apology letter and specify exactly what you did wrong. But if you did something you believe was right, there’s no need to apologize.

Apologize for what you regret and are actually sorry for. Excessive apologies (in frequency) or apologizing for things you aren’t actually sorry about isn’t effective.

Don’t downplay what you did, even if you’re tempted to do so to minimize the blame. When describing something that happened, stick to exactly what happened.

Put yourself in the other person’s shoes and try to articulate as best as possible how your actions impacted them.

“When I lashed out at you, you probably felt really embarrassed and hurt. It must have felt awful. I am so sorry.”

• Think: Think about the situation from the other person’s perspective. For example, let’s say I invite out a friend to go on a hike with me, and later on, another friend finds out and reports that I hurt their feelings because she wasn’t invited. Consider her perspective… “Perhaps she believed I was intentionally leaving her out when I didn’t invite her on our walk? Or that I don’t value her friendship?”
• Have empathy: “What might she have been feeling or thinking? For example, did being left out leave her feeling sad? hurt? angry? lonely?”
• Interpretations: Can you identify more than one interpretation, or an alternative explanation, for her behavior(s)? Make sure to consider at least one positive, or good, interpretation of the situation. For example, maybe she was just feeling really lonely and isolated due to the shelter in place, and when she learned that we were getting together without her it just made her feel even more isolated and alone.
• Notice: How has the other person been trying to improve the situation, or show she cares? OR notice how she may be struggling with stressors or problems of his or her own. For example, did she reach out to me to tell me that she was upset? Or is she already dealing with a lot already – perhaps she’s feeling depressed, or there’s lots of conflict between her and her parents right now.
• Kindness: Remember to use a kind and gentle approach when interacting with your friend.

Rachael Wolff

Speaker | Transformational Coach,  From A Loving Place  | Author,  Letters from a Better Me

If you are not authentic, don’t be surprised when the apology doesn’t work. If this person is a true friend, they know you. If you are saying something just to appease them, they will not feel validated.

Be accountable and responsible for your feelings, thoughts, actions, and/or reactions. Do not blame. Don’t say you’re sorry then turn the responsibility of your actions on someone or something else.

If you were mad at someone else, his/her actions can’t make you treat someone else badly. If you were drunk, it’s not alcohol’s fault that you made the choice to drink as much as you did.

The worst thing you can do in an apology is to put the blame for what you did elsewhere. Many people have heard the excuses before, so if you aren’t responsible and accountable, they can’t trust that you won’t repeat the behavior.

Related: Why Do We Blame Others for Our Failures, Mistakes, and Problems?

Commit to change your behavior. In order to do this, you need to take a look at the situation and see how making different choices could prevent something like this from happening again.

This shows that you learned from your mistakes and you care about the effect your actions have on your friend.

Let your friend know how much you value the friendship and why. When a person feels wronged, they often feel disrespected, amongst other emotional triggers. If they don’t feel like they hold value in your life, they may not find it in their hearts to keep you in theirs.

You want the recipient to know exactly how much they mean to you without using manipulation or guilt tactics, remember to be responsible and accountable.

Once you’ve written the letter, give the person time to process and absorb what you’ve said. If you get concerned about them not responding right away and react by bombarding them with messages, you can actually push the person further away.

Stay committed to making the changes that are necessary, because no matter what happens there is a valuable lesson to be learned.

Audrey Hope

Addiction Therapist | Relationship Expert

An apology letter is only a good idea when it is sincere and written from the heart. Before you start writing you need to ask yourself: What is the motivation for the writing? Do you want something? Do you feel guilty? Do you have your own needs for writing it?

The intention of the apology letter will make all the difference in how it is received because, in the invisible world of truth, people tend to read between the lines.

Here is some advice on how to write an apology:

Think of them, how are they feeling? Think about the harm you caused and step outside of your own shoes. Have a timeout on selfishness and make it all about them. Don’t worry about your side of the story at this juncture, that can wait.

An apology is about saying “I am sorry” , without adding a “but also this is why I was mad.” Leave out being right and leave out your side for the moment. This way your message will come off as more sincere.

Tell them why you need them in your life and how much you value the relationship. Having a successful friendship is not about who wins what argument, but about how each respects one and another’s opinion and perspective of said argument.

There is nothing to win, so surrender and tell them how you feel in full gratitude for having them in your life.

Explain what you have learned about the experience and how it will never happen again. And mean it. It isn’t always easy to admit wrong and say you’re sorry, but it is even harder to prove them with actions.

So after you give them the letter, live by those words, don’t give any empty promises.

Jaime Bronstein, LCSW

Psychotherapist | Licensed Clinical Social Worker,  The Relationship Expert

Make sure that your words are genuine and from the heart. Most people can acknowledge if someone isn’t being genuine, so take the time to cultivate a really heartfelt apology. Be clear that you are remorseful, and you have compassion for your friend; you can understand why they might be upset at you.

No one wants to hear a lackluster apology. You want the person reading the letter to see that you truly are sorry, so don’t just say that you’re sorry. Give an in-depth explanation as to why you are sorry and explain that you won’t do it again in the future. Reassure your friend that they don’t need to be fearful that it’s going to repeat.

Fully own what you are apologizing for. Admit that you were wrong explaining why and how you were wrong. Explain why you did (or said) what you did.

Taking ownership is helpful in an apology because it strengthens the friendship by instilling a sense of mutual trust and confidence.

Forgiveness is key to any relationship repair. Without true forgiveness, a relationship will never be 100% genuine and authentic. Point out that you are not a bad person. Behaviors can be seen as “bad,” but the person doing the action is not bad.

Remind your friend that you are a good person who isn’t perfect; No one is perfect, and everyone makes mistakes and deserves to be forgiven. The bottom line, forgiveness is needed in order to repair and heal the friendship.

Related: What Is Forgiveness and Why Is It Important?

Tracy Crossley

Behavioral Relationship Expert | Podcast Host,  Deal With It!

That is not apologizing that is trying to gloss over what could be a meaningful exchange in terms of the relationship mending. A letter is just a start, you want to actually communicate in a way with this person where you are being emotionally mature and available.

Being honest and sharing how you feel, why you feel the way you do, and why this is your issue is key. You do not want to blame the other person as that will get you nowhere either, you may as well not write a letter at all if you plan on blaming.

Do not tell the other person what you want him/her to do, they will get defensive and it really counteracts the purpose of apologizing.

You can state what you would like to do and ask them if they would like to do that as well. Ie. I’d love to have a conversation with you about it, how do you feel about that? Yes, open-ended questions are okay.

Remember an apology should be heartfelt and meaningful otherwise it is just words with no meaning.

Mikela Hallmark, MS, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor | Founder, Rise Counseling

Validation might include honoring the feelings your friend may have experienced, how difficult the situation might have been, and sharing that it makes sense that they experienced it the way they did.

Be very careful about avoiding explaining yourself unless you absolutely 100% know an explanation is needed. Often times explanations come off like the person is just defending themselves, and that doesn’t usually go over well in an apology.

Take responsibility and accountability for what you did, and apologize. Make it known that you understand and take full responsibility. Even saying things like ‘what I did was hurtful, and it wasn’t okay. I’m truly sorry’ can be helpful.

Let them feel how they feel, without feeling obligated by you to forgive or ‘be okay’. You can however invite them to share if they want. Something like ‘I want you to know that I’m open to hearing more about how this hurts you, and I miss you.’

Tenesha L. Curtis, MSSW

Licensed Psychotherapist | Creative Director | Owner, Volo Press Books

In my years as a psychotherapist, I had to help a lot of people repair relationships with their family, friends, and co-workers. As an editor, I’m tasked with helping people write in a way that gets their message across effectively.

When it comes to writing an apology letter, these two skills combine. Using what I’ve called the “anatomy of an apology,” you can help resolve the problem and heal the relationship when you go beyond a quick “I’m sorry.”

Often, two words don’t respect the severity of the pain you caused. Instead, use these tips.

Open with a clear and direct apology. “I’m sorry,” and “I apologize” works great.

Sometimes people don’t believe that you’re sorry about something because you don’t write exactly what you did. When you stop at “I’m sorry,” you could be writing those words, yet thinking about being sorry that it’s cold in the room or that it’s raining outside.

Stronger apologies sound something like: “I’m sorry that I used your car without your permission,” or “I apologize for calling your son an idiot.”

Now both parties are clear on exactly what problem is being addressed in the letter.

The victim may already have told you how they felt about the situation but even if they haven’t, make an attempt to understand how they might feel by putting yourself in their shoes, then put that information in your letter.

“I’m sorry that I used your car without your permission. I can understand how you might be angry and disappointed in me.”

“I apologize for calling your son an idiot. I get that you probably feel surprised, frustrated, and disrespected by my actions.”

What are some of the worst-case scenarios based on what you did? Or what actually happened that was so hurtful to the other person? Let them know that you’re aware of the consequences of your behavior.

“ I could have wrecked the car or it could have been stolen, both of which would have meant you couldn’t get around and would probably have a higher insurance payment. I know no one can afford that kind of extra expense right now.”

“ If he heard me call him that, there’s no telling what would have happened to our relationship or his self-esteem. As a parent, it can’t be easy to hear anyone you care about talk about your child that way.”

Let them know how you’re going to make up for what you’ve already done and made sure there won’t be problems like this from you in the future.

“To make amends, I hope you’ll accept my offer to hand wash and detail your car tomorrow afternoon when you get home from work.

In the future, I will be sure to never take your car without your express permission. I’ll ask via text so that I have a clear, documented response and can’t forget or mishear your reply.”

“To make it up to you, please let me take you and Junior with me to the next Raiders game so we can sit in my company’s box. He loves football as much as you and I do, so I’d love to see him enjoy himself that way.

Going forward, I will work on managing my frustrations and minding my tongue so that I never hurt you like this again. I’ll walk away if that’s what I need to do to avoid a disrespectful comment.”

The final touch to any decent apology is to ask to be forgiven. Don’t just assume they will and don’t demand it from them. Request forgiveness and let them give it to you in their own time.

“ In the future, I will be sure to never take your car without your express permission. I’ll ask via text so that I have a clear, documented response and can’t forget or mishear your reply. I pray you can find it in your heart to forgive me. “

“ Going forward, I will work on managing my frustrations and minding my tongue so that I never hurt you like this again. I’ll walk away if that’s what I need to do to avoid a disrespectful comment. I hope you can forgive me someday.”

And that’s all there is to it! If you can be clear, honest, and vulnerable (without making excuses or defending your actions) in writing your apology letter, it will be a lot easier for someone to know that you are truly remorseful so that they can (hopefully) forgive you.

Alicia Henry, LCSW

Wellness Coach | Psychotherapist, Upper East Side Therapy

When writing an apology letter to a friend, it is helpful to remember the three ‘A’s’: acknowledge, apologize, and amend.

Acknowledge your understanding of what actions have upset your friend and/or disrupted your relationship. While it is okay to give a brief explanation of your perspective at the time, avoid making any excuses.

By taking responsibility for your role and behavior you are simultaneously validating your friend’s experience which is often a key factor in he/she/them being able to accept your apology and move on.

A general, “I’m sorry about what happened” does not clarify with the recipient that you understand what actions or behaviors have hurt them. Also avoid saying “I apologize,” as this does not hold the same intrinsic meaning as “I am sorry” which reflects an emotion of remorse.

Unless your friend has verbally communicated to you exactly how you have made them feel, abstain from making assumptions about this in your apology.

Give allowance for your friend to take their time with your offer. By letting your friend know that the ball is in their court, you are communicating that you accept accountability for your actions, and you respect their decision.

Kathryn Gates, LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Gates Therapy

I’d that suggest the two most important elements in an apology letter to a friend are being: 1) genuine and 2) empathic.

Make sure that everything you are saying is true to your thoughts and feelings and as open and honest as you can be. If you are really interested in re-establishing a good relationship with someone, that has to come from an honest place about what you are sorry for, how you see what went wrong, and your feelings about it.

Until your friend knows you understand how they feel, it will be hard for them to believe you are sorry. Let them know what you imagine they felt or are feeling. This will go a long way in communicating that know you care and that you want to make amends.

Those two are first and foremost. Additionally, if you are able to suggest ways of making amends, you are showing that you want to make things right again.

“I would like to make up for this by ___. If you need something else from me, please let me know,” is an example of what seeking to make amends could look like in a letter.

Margaret J. King, Ph.D.

Cultural Analyst | Director,  The Center for Cultural Studies & Analysis

Apologies are an acknowledgment that something went wrong because of your own behavior, and you want to re-establish balance by making a statement and accepting responsibility.

• I would begin this way: “This is a letter of apology, and it’s a hard one to write—apology letters always are.”
• State what happened and your role in it: “I did X and I should have done Y.”
• Say what effect this had: “You have been affected adversely – and you shouldn’t have been. My bad.”
• Then say what you want to happen as a result: “I hope you will accept my apology in this spirit, and that we can resume our friendship/colleagueship into the future.”
• Does the person you wronged want to discuss? “If you would like to talk this out, I’m available ___ [when].” “Thank you for considering my thoughts on this matter. Hope to see you soon.”

Kathryn Pirozzoli

An apology is an admission of responsibility for injuring someone else. It is taking time to honor another human by acknowledging how my actions affected them in a negative way.

It is also a time to consider how these actions need to be changed on my part so that when I apologize, I’m clear I don’t intend to injure the person in the same way again. I have a process for apologizing to my people. It works for adults and kids. It is in four parts.

• I ask myself if I’m ready to stop doing whatever the behavior is to the other person. If the answer is yes, then I proceed. If it is no, then I must get to an authentic place where I’m ready to let the behavior go, otherwise, my words will be empty.
• When I am ready to let the behavior go, I tell the person I’ve wronged that I’m sorry. I tell them that they probably have certain feelings because of what I did to them. I admit I was wrong.
• I will ask them what I can do to make it right and to help make them feel better. I listen closely to their answer. I ask myself, “What did they say?” I listen to what I need to do now to make it better.
• I will commit to doing what it will take to make them feel better. I make every effort not to repeat the offense.

Sabrina Manhas Hutchinson

CEO and Publicist, Defiant Public Relations

When writing an apology letter, there are a few key elements to keep in mind. Clarity, humility, and simplicity are a few guiding concepts that will help communicate your regret while also allowing the apology to be about the recipient, rather than the writer.

It’s a good idea before sitting down to write to identify the essence of what you are apologizing for. What did you do to the person? Distill that down to its essence and make the point clearly. Own your part.

It’s also essential when you apologize that you don’t over-explain why you did what you did, which can negate the apology and make it feel like you’re justifying your behavior.

Remember that this is an apology letter, and not an “I’m going to explain why I did what I did” letter. Be honest, and keep things simple.

Something helpful to include is a line about how you will behave going forward in the relationship (or in your life, if the relationship has ended.) For instance, “Going forward, I am going to be a better listener.” Then keep to your word.

You may wish to close the letter with “Is there anything more I can do to correct this situation?”

Of course, that doesn’t mean you should accept unreasonable responses here, but sometimes we aren’t fully aware of how our behavior impacts others and this last concept can open communication for an even better relationship in the future.

Katie Dames

Relationship Expert, Feely Feelings

You must own the wrong, and state it so your friend knows with 100% certainty that you get it, and then offer a possible way to make things right.

Ask for forgiveness and let your friend know that your relationship is important and that you want to resume your friendship knowing that you won’t repeat your error.

The most assuring gesture you can really offer is that you know you were wrong and that you’re very sorry that you caused a friend’s pain.

The point of the apology is that you will try not to hurt them again. Although you want to be humble, you should not make unreasonable promises or put yourself down.

You may have done wrong but that doesn’t mean that you are a bad person. End your letter with a plea for forgiveness and reiterate that you value them as a friend.

Bryn Donovan

Novelist | Former Greeting Card Writer

As a former greeting card writer with Hallmark Cards, I’ve done lots of research on nurturing relationships and I’ve written many “I’m Sorry” cards. Here’s my advice:

If part of your intention is to explain to the person why they shouldn’t have been upset with you in the first place, the letter may make things worse. No matter what, don’t bring up any of their past wrongdoings as evidence that you should be forgiven.

It’s okay to say “I intended this” or “I was going through this,” but follow that up with, “…but that’s no excuse.”

Explain that you’re especially sorry because they—as your partner, your sister, your friend, or a client you respect—are someone you’d never want to hurt.

If you hope you’ll have a better marriage where you’re more careful about your words or actions, or that you’ll get along with the relative you offended when you see them again at the holidays, say so.

Sirarpi Sahakyan

Relationship Expert,  Self Development Secrets

An apology letter to a friend aims to ask for forgiveness for wrong words or actions. Saying “sorry” it’s a way of maintaining friendship: it is not a sign of your weakness but how strong you are.

Once you have gathered enough strength to apologize to your friend, make sure that your apology letter is effective and doesn’t cause even more hurt. Aim for both clarity and sincerity while you write.

In order to write a sincere apology letter to a friend the first thing is to acknowledge your mistake and how much you hurt the feelings of your friend. You need to accept full responsibility for your part and offer a solution on how to fix the problem or how to continue your friendship and start a new chapter.

The majority of conflicts arise because of misunderstanding. The true apology has the guts to replay the story to clarify the case. Express the true motivations behind your words and action, let your friend understand why you had to act the way you did.

Besides that, express your gratitude and show your friend how much you appreciate your friendship and your relationships. In the end, state a desire to have better interactions in the future for you both.

You should understand that you heart your friend’s feelings and each individual needs a different amount of time to heal the wounds, to forgive you genuinely, and to finally answer. Do not prompt for an answer, wait as long as your friend needs to respond.

Samantha Moss

Editor & Content Ambassador, Romantific

We all have friends. Sometimes it’s usual for friends to fight and have arguments and misunderstandings. But what’s important is that we mend broken bridges and learn how to apologize.

I myself know that sometimes it’s very difficult to say sorry to the people we’ve hurt, especially our friends. What we’ve got to do is accept our faults and patch things through. You’ve got to step up and accept your mistakes, apologize, and move on.

One thing to remember is that letters are just a way to express ourselves and as long as we are really serious about apologizing and it’s from the heart, your friend is bound to forgive you. Here are some helpful tips on how to say sorry to a friend:

• Have an idea of what you’re going to write. It is best that you write those things that you are sorry for. You should be clear of what you are sorry for. This makes it more sincere.
• Write to them on how you plan to fix the relationship. Be willing to build the relationship from scratch if that’s what it takes to mend the friendship. It’s always best to stay humble and ask for forgiveness.
• Don’t blame your friend in the letter. Don’t accuse anyone of whose fault it is. It’s correcting what you did wrong that’s important. This shows that you value more the relationship than your ego.

Athlete | Life Coach

I started writing apology letters at an early age. My parents actually used this as a disciplinary measure when my brother and I would act out of line. I wrote many letters to both my brother and parents, with my parents’ guidance on how to craft a good apology.

This struck me as a very effective tool, not just for parents and children, but for friendships and other relationships as well. I have continued writing apologies into my adult life and have found that they always aid in healing and communicating effectively.

For me, the first element in an apology letter should be an acknowledgment of wrongdoing and of course, an explicit apology. Explain what you did that was wrong, and also why it was wrong

Next, consider explaining why you did or said the thing for which you are apologizing. It is also a great idea to communicate your understanding of how the said act came across to your friend. Validate their feelings and make them feel heard.

Finally, reiterate the apology and explain what you will do to make sure the wrongdoing doesn’t happen again . Ask for forgiveness and state how important the friendship is to you.

Overall, the letter should focus on your friend’s feelings and what you are doing to heal the relationship. Always write from a place of understanding and humility.

What is an apology letter?

An apology letter is a written expression of regret for something you did that caused harm, pain, or inconvenience to another person.

By doing so, you show that you’re sincerely sorry for your actions or words, and you ask forgiveness from the person you wronged.

Writing a letter of apology can be a difficult and emotional task. Still, taking responsibility for your actions and attempting to make amends is important. It shows that you value the relationship and that you are committed to improving yourself and your behavior.

When writing an apology letter, it’s important to be sincere and honest and to take ownership of your mistakes. Use the opportunity to explain your behavior, express regret, and offer a genuine and heartfelt apology.

Should I include a gift with my letter of apology?

While it may be tempting to include a gift or token of apology with your letter, this isn’t necessary and can sometimes be perceived as insincere or even manipulative.

The most important thing is to focus on the quality and sincerity of the apology itself and not try to make up for your mistakes with a material gesture.

Instead, use the letter as an opportunity to express your regret and commit to making things right, and outline concrete steps you’ll take to improve the situation.

If you choose to offer a gift as amends, make sure it’s well thought out and appropriate and not seen as a way to buy forgiveness.

Remember that the most important thing is to show that you’re truly sorry and are making an effort to improve the relationship.

What if I apologize, but my friend keeps bringing up the past?

It can be frustrating and disheartening if your friend continues to bring up the past, even if you have apologized and made an effort to make amends.

However, it’s important to remember that healing and forgiveness are a process and that it may take some time for your friend to fully recover from the damage done.

If your friend continues to bring up the past, it can be helpful to approach the conversation with patience and empathy. Try to listen to their feelings and perspective and acknowledge the impact of your behavior on them.

It may also be helpful to reiterate your promise to improve the relationship and take steps to make amends. However, it’s important that you don’t become defensive or dismissive, as this can escalate the situation and make it more difficult to find a resolution.

Remember that forgiveness is a two-way street and that it may take time and effort from both you and your friend to fully repair the relationship.

By approaching the situation with patience, empathy, and a desire to improve the relationship, you can help to rebuild trust and move forward positively and constructively.

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The Editors

• Letter Writing
• Formal Letter Writing In English
• Apology Letter Format

Apology Letter Format - How to Write and Apology Letter Samples for You

Saying you are sorry is one of the hardest things you will have to do. As human beings, we make mistakes. Owning up to it is not as easy as it seems to be. Most people do not have the habit of apologising but what people do not understand is that sometimes, all that is required is a heartfelt apology to make things right. This article on apology letter format will explain in detail how to write an apology letter and also give you examples that you can refer to.

• How to Write an Apology Letter?

Formal Apology Letter for Delivery of Damaged Products

Official apology letter for delay in supply of garments, apology mail format for missing to mark attendance.

• FAQs on Apology Letter Format

How to Write an Apology Letter

An apology letter is a formal letter in writing or mail submitted to higher authorities or the concerned person affected by your action as an act of repentance. Most of us would have had the experience of writing at least a letter to the principal , when we were students, to apologise for coming late for class or missing a test. Choosing the right words will always be one of the challenges you would have to face when you sit to write an apology letter. You have to make sure you write the apology letter in a polite tone. You have to understand the difficulty caused as a result of your actions and show that you are truly sorry for what you have done. Making people feel how sorry you are could be hard. In order to do that, make sure you do not make any excuses, even if what happened was not entirely because of what you did or what you did not do.

Letter writing is something that all of us have to do for various reasons at every stage of our lives. Apology letters, especially, are important in every scenario as it helps in mending strained relationships and also serves as documentary evidence. Taking responsibility for your actions and ensuring that such a situation would not occur in the future is not as easy a task. However, the people around you will respect you for the courage you showed in owning up to your mistakes and making an effort to correct them.

Apology Letter Samples

Wondering how to start your apology letter and how long it should be? Here are some apology letter samples for you.

45 C, The Throttlers

Big Bazaar Street

Kochi – 682019

10/227, Jagathala Road

Ooty – 643002

Subject: Apology for delivery of damaged goods

Respected Sir,

I have been informed that the LED indicators you bought were not working properly. You had mentioned that there was a problem with the wiring connection. We regret the inconvenience caused. We can replace it for you at the earliest once you return it to us (to the above-mentioned address).

Yours sincerely,

The Manager

Senta Clothing Company

Tiruppur – 642122

Prague Square Boutique

Chennai – 600025

Subject: Apology for the delay in supply of garments

We regret to inform you that the products that you had ordered on the 24 th of December, 2021 are still in transit due to the current covid situation. We understand that it is a huge inconvenience for you. We are trying our best to clear all the backlogs and deliver the products to our customers at the earliest.

We request you to kindly understand the unlikely situation and bear with us while we sort out these problems. We ensure to get your goods delivered latest by the 10 th of January, 2022. We value your relationship with us, and we will see to it that such a situation does not arise in the future. We sincerely apologise for the delay and hope that you continue to partner with us.

Thank you in advance for your kind understanding and cooperation.

SHIVA SUNDARAM

Receiver’s mail address: [email protected]

Subject: Apology for missing to mark attendance

I am Stanley Rosario, working as a Software Developer in your esteemed organisation. I had a problem with my internet connection today, so I was not able to mark my attendance online for today (11/01/2022). I had informed my Reporting Manager, and I had completed all the projects that were assigned to me yesterday.

I would like to sincerely apologise for not marking my attendance on 11/01/2022 and request you to kindly accept my apology and do the needful.

Thanking you

Stanley Rosario

Software Developer

[email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions on Apology Letter Format

How do you write an apology letter.

You can follow these steps when you are writing an apology letter.

• Make sure you acknowledge your fault.
• Show that you understand the inconvenience caused by your actions and sincerely apologise for it.
• Assure that you will fix the problem. Also, explain how you will do it.
• Request the receiver to accept your apology.
• Ensure that you will not repeat it.

How do you end an apology letter?

You can end your apology letter by thanking them for their time and consideration or thanking them in advance for understanding and accepting your apology. You can close the letter with ‘Yours sincerely’, ‘Sincerely’, etc., followed by your signature, name in capital letters and designation, if any.

How do you write an apology mail?

In your apology mail, see to it that you write your subject line clearly so that the receiver understands the purpose of your mail. Explain the reason for which you are apologising in the body of the mail. Make sure to use a polite tone in your writing.

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How To Write An Apology Letter with Sample Letter

How To Write An Apology Letter: Apologizing is a fundamental aspect of human interaction, and expressing regret through a well-crafted apology letter is a skill that can mend relationships and restore trust. In this guide, we will delve into the intricacies of writing an effective apology letter, exploring the key components that make a heartfelt apology.

Table of Content

What Is An Apology Letter?

Tips for writing an effective apology letter, examples of apology letters.

An apology letter is a written expression of regret and remorse for any actions or words that may have caused harm, inconvenience, or offense to another person. It serves as a tool to acknowledge mistakes, take responsibility, and communicate a genuine desire for reconciliation.

Start with a Greeting:

Begin your apology letter with a formal greeting, addressing the recipient by their name.

Express Sincere Regret:

Clearly and sincerely express regret for the specific actions or words that led to the need for an apology.

Take Responsibility:

Acknowledge your mistakes and take full responsibility for your actions. Avoid blaming others or making excuses.

Be Specific:

Provide specific details about the incident, demonstrating a genuine understanding of what went wrong.

Offer a Genuine Explanation:

If appropriate, offer a brief and honest explanation for your actions. Avoid lengthy justifications but provide context if necessary.

Show Empathy:

Demonstrate empathy by acknowledging the impact your actions had on the recipient. Put yourself in their shoes to understand their perspective.

Apologize Without Conditions:

A true apology does not come with conditions or expectations. Avoid attaching strings to your apology.

Propose Amends:

Clearly outline any steps you are willing to take to make amends for the situation. This shows your commitment to rectifying the issue.

Promise Improvement:

Assure the recipient that you are committed to learning from your mistakes and taking steps to ensure they are not repeated.

Close with a Positive Note:

End your letter on a positive and hopeful note, expressing your desire to rebuild trust and maintain a positive relationship.

Workplace Apology Letter:

A letter addressing a mistake made at work, acknowledging the impact on colleagues, and outlining steps for improvement.

Dear [Recipient’s Name], I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to sincerely apologize for the oversight in the recent project. Upon reflection, I recognize that my actions contributed to the delay and added stress for the team. I take full responsibility for not double-checking the details before submitting the report. I understand the impact this has had on the team’s timeline and the additional effort required to rectify the situation. To make amends, I have decided to conduct a thorough review of the project to identify any other potential issues. I will also implement a checklist to ensure all details are accurate before submission as well as provide adequate assistance to my team members to avoid any further delay. I want to assure you that I am committed to learning from this mistake and improving my attention to detail. I value our team’s success and will do everything in my power to prevent a recurrence. Thank you for your understanding, and I appreciate the opportunity to rectify this situation. Sincerely, [Your Full Name] [Your Position]

Personal Apology Letter

An apology to a friend or family member, expressing regret for a specific action and proposing ways to mend the relationship.

Dear [Friend/Family Member’s Name], I hope this letter finds you in good health. I am writing to express my sincere apologies for my behavior during our recent disagreement. Looking back, I realize that my words were hurtful and completely uncalled for. I want to take full responsibility for my actions and the pain I may have caused. It was never my intention to hurt you, and I deeply regret the impact of my words on our relationship. I promise to reflect on my behavior and work on controlling my emotions. I will ensure that I listen more actively and consider your perspective in future discussions. If required, I will seek counseling to address any underlying issues contributing to my behavior. I value our relationship immensely and am committed to rebuilding the trust and understanding between us. Your forgiveness means a great deal to me, and I am willing to put in the effort required to make things right. Thank you for your time and understanding. Sincerely, [Your Full Name]

Business Apology Letter:

A formal apology from a company to a customer for any inconvenience caused, with a commitment to better service in the future.

Dear [Customer’s Name], I hope this letter finds you well. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience you experienced with our recent product/service. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we deeply regret any frustration this may have caused. To address this issue, we have taken the following steps: Conducted a thorough investigation to identify the root cause. Implemented additional quality checks to prevent similar occurrences. Provided additional training to our customer service team to better assist in resolving issues promptly. We understand the importance of delivering a seamless experience, and we appreciate your patience and understanding. As a token of our apology, we would like to offer [specific compensation or discount] on your next purchase. Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention, and we look forward to the opportunity to regain your trust. Sincerely, [Your Full Name] [Your Position]

Academic Apology Letter:

An apology from a student to a teacher for a lapse in behavior or academic performance, expressing a sincere desire for improvement. Dear [Teacher’s Name], I hope this letter reaches you in good health. I am writing to apologize for my recent lapse in behavior and academic performance. I understand the importance of maintaining a positive learning environment, and I am disappointed in my actions. I take full responsibility for my failure to submit assignments on time. I sincerely apologize for causing any disruption in class due to my behavior and the negative impact my actions may have had on the overall classroom environment. I commit to catch up on missed assignments and submit them within the given timeframe. I will demonstrate improved behavior and show respect towards classroom rules. I will seeking additional support from the teachers to enhance my academic skills. I am genuinely sorry for any inconvenience or disruption caused, and I appreciate the opportunity to make amends. Your guidance is invaluable, and I am committed to being a more responsible and respectful student. Thank you for your understanding. Sincerely, [Your Full Name] [Grade/Class]

Crafting an effective apology letter is a skill that can help repair relationships and demonstrate personal growth. By incorporating the tips outlined in this guide and using the provided examples as a reference, you can create sincere and impactful apologies that pave the way for reconciliation and understanding. Remember, a well-articulated apology can be a powerful tool for building and maintaining strong, healthy connections with others.

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How to Write an Apology Letter to Customers [12 Templates & Examples]

Published: March 15, 2023

As a customer service rep, it can be disheartening when you know you've made a mistake. Writing an apology letter to customers can go a long way in righting your wrong.

But how do you make sure your apology is meaningful and heartfelt while still staying professional?

Here are some tips on how to write a good apology letter along with templates you can use for different scenarios.

Continue reading or jump ahead:

What To Do in an Apology Letter

What not to do in an apology letter, 12 customer apology letter examples and templates, how to write an apology letter to a customer.

When writing an apology letter to a customer, always start with some variation of 'I'm sorry.' Next, own up to any mistakes that were made and provide an explanation of what went wrong and why. Then, be sure to outline the steps you're taking to make things right and to help the customer meet their goals.

There's a right (and a wrong) way to write an apology letter to a customer. Here are a few do's and don'ts to keep in mind.

Say you're sorry.

It sounds obvious, but the first thing you should do is apologize. A simple "I'm sorry" can go a long way, and it shows that you aren't taking a defensive approach to the situation.

Example: "First, I'm sorry for [mistake]. Let's discuss how we can make it right."

Admit when you're wrong.

Take ownership for your mistakes, no matter how big or small. By being responsible for your actions and admitting your faults, you can prove that you care about making things right.

Example: "I can tell that you're upset, and this mistake is on us."

Free Apology Letter Templates

50 Customer Service Email Templates, Including:

• Price Increase Letter Templates
• Customer Apology Email Templates
• Referral Email Templates

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

Offer an explanation of what happened.

A great way to calm down a riled-up customer is to show that you clearly understand their pain points. Plus, restating what they feel you did wrong in their own words demonstrates empathy.

Example: "It sounds like your biggest concern is that you lost access to your account. Our systems were down temporarily which is likely why this issue occurred."

Acknowledge the customer's goals.

Customers understand that every business makes mistakes. But make sure that you express that you don't want your mistake to prevent them from achieving their goals.

Example: "I recognize that you rely on us to manage your contacts, and we'll make sure to get your account back up and running as soon as possible."

Give clear next steps.

Always offer a plan of action for moving forward. Show the customer how you are going to change in the future based on this incident, so they're encouraged to stick around.

Example: "I'll start by restoring your account access on the backend. Then, I'll have you log in to confirm the issue is resolved."

Ask for forgiveness.

Asking for forgiveness helps humanize the conversation even further. It shows that you aren't a robotic voice on a phone but an authentic person with heartfelt intentions.

Example: "We really value your business. I hope you can accept our apology for [mistake]."

Remind yourself it isn't personal.

It's natural to slip up once in a while, and that's not reflective of your character or work ethic. Once you hit "send," let bygones be bygones and move on with your day.

Example: "I appreciate you raising this concern. Have a nice day, and feel free to reach out to us if anything comes up in the future."

Provide customer feedback options.

When you ask for regular feedback , you're showing customers that they have a voice and you want your business to improve as much as they do.

Example: "How are we doing? Use this survey to share your feedback."

Follow up as needed.

You should consider following up with a customer after you apologize. Wait for the appropriate amount of time to pass, then reach back out to see if there's anything else you can do for them.   Reschedule meetings as needed and make yourself available.

Example: "You recently reached out to us about [issue]. How are things going?"

Don't get defensive.

Remember, it's not you against the customer — it's you and the customer against the issue. Keep the conversation centered on the resolution rather than assigning blame.

Don't ignore the issue.

If a customer reaches out with a complaint, get back to them as soon as possible. The longer they have to wait, the more time they have to decide to do business elsewhere.

Don't make excuses.

There's often a fine line between explaining what happened and explaining that it's not your fault. Again, focus on the issue at hand because the solution is what really matters.

Don't skip the personalization.

Even if you receive numerous complaints about the same issue, it's important to remember that each customer's experience feels unique to them. Make your apology personal for them.

1. Personal Apology Letter

Subject: Follow-Up & Apology

Dear [Customer Name],

I'm so sorry that I gave you an invalid solution to your software malfunction. I take full responsibility for my actions and deeply regret the inconvenience that it must have caused you.

I misunderstood the issue you were having when we were speaking on the phone, and that's why I ended up giving you a solution that was incorrect. That's no excuse, and I apologize for my unguided actions.

In the future, I will be sure to ask several questions of my customers to fully understand the situation before offering a solution.

I hope you can forgive me and that we can continue to work together if you have any more support needs.

Let me know if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.

[Your Name]

Download this Template

Best for: Situations where a customer service rep is directly accountable for the customer issue.

2. Mass Apology Letter

Subject: An Update on [Issue]

To our valuable [Company Name] customers,

We're sorry. At [time] today, we experienced [description of issue], which affected [number] customers.

Here's what happened: [Detailed explanation of source of problem and status of resolution].

We know what it feels like to be waiting for a resolution to a problem, and we're sorry we put you in that situation. We are lucky to have you as [Company Name] customers, and this morning, we didn't live up to our end of the relationship.

To help make it better, we are doing a full analysis on this issue, the root cause, the impact, and how to prevent this from happening again.

Thank you for your patience with us as we dig in and get back to helping you grow with [product].

[Executive Name]

Best for: Large-scale issues that impact a large number of customers at once — such as an outage, a bug, or a data breach.

50 Free Customer Service Email Templates

Templates to communicate price increases, apologies, thanks, and notifications to your customers with sincere, on-brand messaging.

3. Managerial Apology Letter

On behalf of [Company Name], I want to extend our apologies for your experience with [Employee/Contractor Name].

From our understanding, [explanation of the incident], which prevented you from [customer's goal]. We sincerely regret this misfortunate incident and apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

At [Company Name], our mission is to [company's mission], but in this case, we failed to deliver that experience. Since [Employee/Contractor Name] is under my supervision, I want to personally apologize for this mistake.

[Employee/Contractor Name] has been notified of your feedback, and we are [steps being taken to resolve the issue or reprimand the employee].

Thank you again for bringing this to my attention, and I sincerely appreciate your patience with us as we work to resolve this issue.

I'm confident your next experience with our employees will be up to the high standard that you've come to expect from [Company Name].

Best for: Instances when employees make big mistakes, and management needs to get involved to resolve the issue.

4. Apology Letter for Inconvenience

Subject: Sorry For the Inconvenience

We're truly sorry for the inconvenience that [issue] has caused you. At [Company Name], we pride ourselves on providing top-notch service for our customers.

We expect this to be resolved in [timeframe]. Thank you for your patience and continued support.

Best for: Minor issues or issues with a set timeframe for resolution with minimal interruption.

5. Apology Letter to an Unsatisfied Customer

Subject: Let Us Make Things Right

We're sorry to hear that you're unsatisfied with our [product or service]. At [Company Name], we want you to know that your satisfaction is our highest priority.

To help make things right, we'd like to offer you [discount, freebie, perk, a direct line of communication, etc.].

We know this doesn't make up for your experience, but we hope it's a step in the right direction.

[Customer Service Rep] will be in touch within [timeframe] regarding next steps for your inquiry.

Thank you, and please know that we appreciate you and your business.

Best for: Individual customer service interactions where a customer issue went unresolved, a customer is still upset, or the conversation didn't go as planned.

6. Apology Letter for Product Issues

Subject: We Acknowledge Our Product Failure

It's come to our attention that our product [description of product failure]. Our product team is working tirelessly to correct this issue and to ensure it doesn't come up again in the future.

We will provide another update within [timeframe]. In the meantime, if you have any additional questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact [preferred customer service channel].

We're sorry for any inconvenience this has caused, and we appreciate your understanding.

Best for: Glitches or bugs that affected product performance for one of more customers, but the situation isn't necessarily a mass company-wide issue.

7. Apology Letter for Bad Customer Service

Subject: Our Apology to You

We recognize that our recent interaction with you fell short of the customer service standards we hold ourselves to. We're really sorry about that.

There's no excuse for the experience you received. As a company, we're reflecting on this situation and taking the necessary steps to ensure this doesn't happen again.

[List specific steps that are being taken]

We appreciate your continued support, and we hope we have the opportunity to show you that we're taking action on your feedback.

Best for: Situations where customers feel like they had a negative experience or were treated poorly by your customer service team.

8. Apology Letter for Scheduling Conflicts

Subject: An Update On Your Upcoming Appointment

We're very sorry to inform you that [team member] has an unexpected conflict and is no longer available for your appointment on [date]. We'd like to work with you to reschedule as soon as possible.

Please [visit our website/app, give us a call, etc.] to choose an alternate date and time that works for you.

We understand that reschedules and cancellations impact you the most, and we want you to know that we value your time to the fullest.

Thank you in advance for your flexibility, and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Best for: Appointment or meeting changes that are prompted by the company and otherwise unexpected for the customer.

9. Apology Letter for Mistakes

Subject : We Messed Up

There's no way around it — we made a mistake, and we're owning it. We're sorry for [description of mistake], and how this affected your workflow.

At [Company Name], our mission is to [Company Mission or Customer Service Philosophy]. We hope we can prove to you that we hold ourselves accountable when things go wrong.

Optional: As an additional thank you for your business, here's [discount, freebie, perk].

Best for: General mistakes, big or small.

10. Apology Letter for Delays

Subject: [Item] is Taking Longer Than Expected

We're sorry — [Item] is taking longer than we anticipated. This is due to [include list of reasons].

Our new timeline for [item] is [timeframe].

In the meantime, we'd like to offer you the following alternative solutions as you wait: [Description of alternative solution or helpful resources].

We appreciate your patience and understanding, and we'll reach back out once this issue is resolved.

Best for: Product launch delays, shipping delays, issue resolution delays, and other unintended timing issues.

11. Apology Letter for Company Transgressions

Subject: An Acknowledgement From [Company Name]

Our recent communication about [topic] does not reflect our values as an organization. We're sorry for the language that was used in [communication].

At [Company Name], we have every intention of creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable and empowered. And part of doing so is admitting when we're in the wrong.

To ensure nothing like this happens in the future, we're taking the following steps as an organization:

[Bulleted list of steps being taken]

Thank you for working with us toward [Company Mission].

Best for: Actions or behaviors (e.g., social media communications, email campaigns, etc.) that reflect poorly on the company's mission, culture, or customer service principles.

12. Apology Letter Follow-Up

Subject: Follow-Up On [Issue]

We recently reached out about [issue], and we wanted to check in to see how things are going.

If you have any additional concerns or feedback to share, you can fill out the below survey or contact us via [preferred customer service channel].

[Survey Name]: [Feedback survey link]

Thank you for your continued support.

Best for: Checking in with customers after an issue is resolved to keep the lines of communication open.

An Apology Goes A Long Way

Don't underestimate the power of the words "I'm sorry" when it comes to customer service.

Even the toughest of issues can be resolved with genuine acknowledgement that mistakes were made — and that you'll try your best to prevent them in the future.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in June 2019 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

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Templates to communicate apologies, thanks, and notifications to your customers.

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A: When you have completed the bankruptcy process in your case, an Order of General Discharge (discharging you of all "dischargeable debts", etc.) is entered by the Court, not a "letter". Your bankruptcy case, and most of the documents, including your Discharge Order, are available to the public through the access provided by pacer. Anyone can enroll, and its free to join, although there is a charge of a dime per page of items copied. The more complicated question is, what do you plan to do with the Order once you have it?

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Partisan Controversy Over Easter and Transgender Day of Visibility

By Saranac Hale Spencer

Posted on April 2, 2024

Para leer en español, vea esta traducción de Google Translate.

Both Easter and the Transgender Day of Visibility happened to fall on March 31 this year. President Joe Biden recognized both occasions, as he has done every year in office. But some social media posts and conservative politicians characterized his acknowledgement of Transgender Day of Visibility as “mocking” Easter and declaring “war” on Christianity.

Every year since President Joe Biden took office in 2021, he has issued a proclamation recognizing March 31 as the Transgender Day of Visibility.

Rachel Crandall Crocker , executive director and co-founder of Transgender Michigan, started the day of recognition in 2009. She chose March 31 as the date because it was far enough away from Pride Month in June and the more somber Transgender Day of Remembrance — held every year in November to commemorate those in the community who have been killed out of hate — to have its own presence.

This year, Easter also fell on March 31. Biden issued Easter wishes that day, and the White House held its traditional Easter festivities for children on April 1.

The date for Easter shifts each year, but is always held between March 22 and April 25. The only other year that Easter has fallen on March 31 since the Transgender Day of Visibility began was in 2013.

But the fact that Biden issued his annual recognition of Transgender Visibility Day in a year when it coincided with Easter touched off a firestorm among some conservatives on social media.

One such post claimed Biden was “intentionally and purposely mocking” Easter. Another claimed, “BIDEN DECLARED WAR!!!”

Incidentally, March 31 was also César Chávez Day , honoring the founder of the United Farm Workers. Biden issued a proclamation recognizing that, too, although it didn’t get the same attention as his recognition of a day for transgender people, who have become a focal point in the culture wars .

Former President Donald Trump’s campaign, for example, described the recognition of Transgender Day of Visibility on Easter as “appalling,” and on March 30 his national press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, called on the White House “to issue an apology to the millions of Catholics and Christians across America who believe tomorrow is for one celebration only — the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

Other high-profile Trump allies — including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene , Sen. Josh Hawley and House Speaker Mike Johnson — followed suit.

Johnson’s post on X included screen shots of headlines that said “Biden Proclaims Easter Sunday ‘Transgender Day of Visibility,'” and “White House Bans Religious Easter Eggs From Art Contest.” The speaker wrote, “Banning sacred truth and tradition—while at the same time proclaiming Easter Sunday as ‘Transgender Day’—is outrageous and abhorrent.”

But, like the characterization that the administration had chosen to supplant Easter with Transgender Day of Visibility, the claim about the Easter egg ban is misleading, too.

In a statement , the American Egg Board said that it “has been a supporter of the White House Easter Egg Roll for over 45 years and the guideline language referenced in recent news reports has consistently applied to the board since its founding, across administrations.”

Here’s what the submission form said (emphasis ours):

The Submission must not contain material that violates or infringes any rights of any other party, including but not limited to copyright, trademark, privacy, publicity or any other intellectual property rights; The Submission must not in any way disparage Sponsor or any other person or party; The Submission must not contain material that is inappropriate, indecent, obscene hateful, tortious, defamatory, slanderous or libelous; The Submission must not contain material that promotes bigotry, racism, hatred or harm against any group or individual or promotes discrimination based on race, gender, religion, nationality, disability, sexual orientation or age; The Submission must not contain material that is unlawful, in violation of or contrary to the laws or regulations of the United States or of any jurisdiction where Submission is created. The Submission must not promote illegal drugs or firearms (or the use of any of the foregoing), or any activities that may appear unsafe or dangerous; The Submission must not include any questionable content, religious symbols, overtly religious themes, or partisan political statements ; and The Submission must be consistent with the image and values of Sponsor and be consistent with and satisfy the purpose of the submission.

Similarly, first lady Jill Biden’s communications director, Elizabeth Alexander, issued a statement saying, “the American Egg Board flyer’s standard non-discrimination language requesting artwork has been used for the last 45 years, across all Dem & Republican Admins—for all WH Easter Egg Rolls —incl previous Administration’s.”

The theme for this year’s Easter egg decoration contest was “Celebrating National Guard Families.”

Editor’s note:  FactCheck.org  is one of several organizations  working with Facebook  to debunk misinformation shared on social media. Our previous stories can be found  here . Facebook has  no control  over our editorial content.

Biden, Joe. “ A Proclamation on Transgender Day Of Visibility, 2021 .” WhiteHouse.gov. 31 Mar 2021.

Biden, Joe. “ A Proclamation on Transgender Day Of Visibility, 2022 .” WhiteHouse.gov. 30 Mar 2022.

Biden, Joe. “ A Proclamation on Transgender Day of Visibility .” WhiteHouse.gov. 30 Mar 2023.

Biden, Joe. “ A Proclamation on Transgender Day of Visibility, 2024 .” WhiteHouse.gov. 29 Mar 2024.

Sosin, Kate. “ The history behind International Transgender Day of Visibility .” The 19th. 31 Mar 2021.

Biden, Joe. “ Statement from President Joe Biden on Easter .” WhiteHouse.gov. 31 Mar 2024.

U.S. Navy, Astronomical Applications Department. The Date of Easter . Accessed 1 Apr 2024.

U.S. Census Bureau. Date of Easter (2000-2099) . Revised 8 Oct 2021.

Biden, Joe. “ A Proclamation on Cesar Chavez Day, 2024 .” WhiteHouse.gov. 29 Mar 2024.

Boorstein, Michelle (@mboorstein). “ The American Egg Board has been a supporter of the White House Easter Egg Roll for over 45 years and the guideline language referenced in recent news reports has consistently applied to the board since its founding, across administrations… ” X. 31 Mar 2024.

Alexander, Elizabeth (@EAlexander46). Spokeswoman, First Lady Jill Biden. “ *Fyi on all the misleading swirl re White House and Easter: the American Egg Board flyer’s standard non-discrimination language requesting artwork has been used for the last 45 years, across all Dem & Republican Admins—for all WH Easter Egg Rolls —incl previous Administration’s. ” X. 30 Mar 2024.

‘Help us get answers’: Riley Strain’s family says they still have many unanswered questions

NASHVILLE, Tenn. ( WSMV /Gray News) - Nearly two weeks after the body of Riley Strain was found in the Cumberland River, his family says they’re still searching for answers.

Chris Dingman, a family friend and spokesman, said while the family is grateful for the support shown at Riley’s celebration of life , unanswered questions linger following the death of the 22-year-old.

“Words cannot describe the amount of love and grace that came to the family [at] the service from seeing everyone’s support, thank you,” Dingman shared. “With that said, we still have questions that need to be answered.”

Strain, a student from the University of Missouri, went missing on March 8 after he was reportedly kicked out of Luke Bryan’s bar in downtown Nashville while on a trip with his fraternity.

After a two-week search, his body was found in the Cumberland River on March 22, eight miles downstream from the downtown area.

Dingman said surveillance video viewed by family members showed “too many people” walking around where Strain went missing to not have seen anything in the moments before he ended up in the river.

“The question is how do we find them or let them know we would just like to talk to them?” Dingman wrote online.

He also questioned why Riley was found without pants when his body was discovered. The shirt he wore on the night he went missing was on his body when it was discovered.

“Riley wore a belt daily. I would like to know since the police have said that it’s not uncommon for pants, boots, etc. to come off in these types of situations if any other people that have been recently recovered in the [river] in Nashville, or the last several years, if this has been true to them also,” Dingman shared.

Reports say that Strain’s family has requested a second autopsy be conducted in Missouri where they live.

Dingman said the family is waiting to receive the finalized results from autopsies completed in Nashville and Missouri.

“Thank you to everyone that helped search for Riley and thank you to everyone still trying to help us get answers,” Dingman said. “The family will forever be grateful for all of this.”

Dingman also said he hopes legislation is introduced in Strain’s honor to make it easier for authorities and families to get electronic data to help search for a missing person.

Copyright 2024 WSMV via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Ilia Malinin stirs tensions over perception of male figure skaters with his comment

When 18-year-old U.S. men’s figure skating champion Ilia Malinin was asked in an Instagram Live chat last month if he has to “prove” he is straight, his halting answer led to three quick apologies on Twitter as well as a formal letter of apology to U.S. Figure Skating.

When then-22-year-old Nathan Chen, several months away from winning the 2022 Olympic gold medal, attempted to navigate his way through a 2021 podcast in which he was asked if he ever receives questions about why he isn’t in a “masculine” sport like hockey rather than a “feminine” sport like figure skating, he ended up posting a 78-second video on Twitter apologizing for his answer.

The experiences of these two stars of a new generation in male skating illustrate that a decades-long conversation concerning the sexuality and perceptions of men in one of the nation’s most popular Olympic sports is not likely to end anytime soon.

Scott Hamilton, the 1984 Olympic gold medalist, said in an interview for my 1996 book Inside Edge that he wore one-piece, speed-skating-style suits at the Sarajevo Winter Olympics as a reaction to those men “who were way over the top, wearing these spangly outfits. I was trying to wave this banner of heterosexuality, and I asked myself, ‘What am I trying to prove? What do I hope to gain out of this?’”

Brian Boitano, the 1988 Olympic gold medalist who didn’t come out publicly as gay until 2013, when he was 50, said in a telephone interview last week that he was “told by agents that I wouldn’t have a career if I said I was gay. I was told to go on the Today show and talk about getting married and having kids.”

Many other men in the sport have spoken over the years about accentuating their masculinity, covering up their sexuality or wondering about their place in such a subjective judged sport, be they gay or straight. 

What did Ilia Malinin say?

For Malinin, the question from a fan during his April 22 Instagram appearance surprised him. 

Q: “Ilia, do you need to prove you’re straight?”

Malinin: “What? What?”

Q: “Are you straight?” 

Malinin: “Bro, you know, let’s be honest, I can’t be straight anymore because I need those (artistic) component scores up, you know. I gotta say that I’m not straight, that way my components are gonna go up.” 

Within minutes, Malinin, who is the first person in history to land a quadruple axel in competition, sent out three tweets, which included: “I want to truly apologize to everyone for my ‘teenage’ behavior and I am aware that this mistake can’t really be undone. … I hope that everyone understands I mean no hate to anyone. Thank you all for understanding this mistake and making it known to me that I made a mistake.” 

He followed up with the letter to U.S. Figure Skating CEO Tracy Marek, a copy of which was obtained by USA TODAY Sports.

This was the opening paragraph of the letter, dated the same day, April 22:

“Earlier today, during an Instagram Live question/answer viewed by fans and followers, I made some inaccurate and frankly embarrassing commentary linking sexual orientation and scoring by judges in our sport. While I posted an immediate apology to the viewers for my immaturity, I also now want to additionally apologize to our governing body, the judges and my fellow competitors for even inserting such ill-advised commentary in our competitions. I have no evidence or reason to believe that I have been impacted in my scoring due to my heterosexual orientation. And, I would hope no competitor would be penalized for such private matters regardless of orientation.”

In a statement to USA TODAY Sports, U.S. Figure Skating said, “While Ilia has apologized for his actions, U.S. Figure Skating has advised him to attend sensitivity training to better understand the LGBTQ+ community in figure skating and the larger society. U.S. Figure Skating supports the LGBTQ+ community and does not condone any type of discrimination.”

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Chen’s apology came July 26, 2021, not long after his appearance on the podcast, which has long since been deleted, in which he discussed his frustrations dealing with stereotypes as a male skater. 

“I gave an ignorant response to the question and I want to apologize for that,” Chen said as he looked into the camera. “In that moment I had the opportunity to shut down the perception that there is a thing as a masculine or a feminine sport and to shed light on the fact that these perceptions have created an environment that make it unsafe, stigmatizing and possibly even career-ending for athletes to come out.” 

In our phone conversation, Boitano defended both young men.

“I said the same kinds of things when I was their age — and I was gay. So if we had had Instagram Live back then, I mean, who knows what I would have said?”

Boitano said that because figure skating is a sport measured both athletically and artistically, with abundant attention paid to the music skaters perform to and the outfits they wear, there’s a natural inclination for male skaters, gay or straight, to defend the athletic side of their sport. 

“Most men in our sport are defensive about how hard it is, because it is so hard athletically,” he said. “Just try to fling yourself at 15 miles an hour into the air to do a four-revolution jump while lifting three feet off the ice, traveling 10 feet and landing on a 1/8 inch blade with two edges — and do that on seven jumping passes. If someone tries to negate it in any way, tries to tear it down, tries to question you about it, male figure skaters will defend it.”

Boitano, who has devoted much of his career to mentoring and giving advice to younger skaters, has spent time with both Malinin and Chen. 

“These comments are not a representation of who these guys are as people,” he said. “When you’re taking questions, you’re expecting people to ask about skating, your jumps, your scores. You’re probably not prepared for this other stuff and you don’t have your thoughts in order and then you can say the wrong thing. They’re focused on competing and you can’t always be on top of everything and how you should word it at all times. 

“So,” he said, "we’ve got to give them a chance to explain themselves when they have time to think about it. This is much more complex in the sport of skating than just people getting angry about something that was said on social media, and we need to understand that and talk about it.”