Friends & datingIntermediate

Apologizing in English

Everyday English for apologizing. Key line: “Ben, can I *apologize* for *yesterday* *properly*?”

Full script

LinBen, can I apologize for yesterday properly?
ThemSure. You looked like you wanted to vanish.
LinI was rude, and I hurt your feelings.
ThemYeah, and the silence after that felt weird.
LinI should've called back instead of hiding over one joke.
ThemTo be fair, it was a terrible joke.
LinYou're right. Can we start over? I owe you lunch.
ThemDeal. But I'm allowed one terrible joke at lunch.

Key phrases

The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.

Start

✓ Can I apologize for yesterday properly?

Ask to apologize for yesterday

properly = sincerely, not just for show

Hurt

✓ I hurt your feelings.

Say you hurt the other person

More specific than just saying sorry

Call back

✓ I should've called back.

Say you should have returned the call

called back = returned the call

Restart

✓ Can we start over?

Ask to begin again

Common when fixing a relationship

Quick answers

Start: what to say in English

Say “Can I apologize for yesterday properly?” — ask to apologize for yesterday. properly = sincerely, not just for show.

Hurt: what to say in English

Say “I hurt your feelings.” — say you hurt the other person. More specific than just saying sorry.

Call back: what to say in English

Say “I should've called back.” — say you should have returned the call. called back = returned the call.

Restart: what to say in English

Say “Can we start over?” — ask to begin again. Common when fixing a relationship.

Next: Apologizing All scenes