Apologising and Accepting Apologies - Functional Language
Practise apologising and accepting apologies at B2–C1 level with useful phrase patterns and short situation-based responses. A separate page of suggested answers supports checking and discussion of other appropriate responses.
What’s in the worksheet?
- Useful phrase patterns
- Situation-based response practice
- Space for written responses
- Suggested answers on page 2
Make a specific professional apology and acknowledge one without losing the need for repair.
Worksheet preview
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Page 1 of 2 · A4 printable PDF
Page 2 of 2 · Answer key · A4 printable PDF
A simple way to teach it
Before the lesson
Give learners page 1; use the suggested answers on page 2 after they have written and compared their own responses.
- Compare I regret plus -ing with I should have plus past participle and taking responsibility.
- Write responses about incorrect information, missed deadlines, unannounced changes and incoming apologies.
- Practise a two-turn exchange that names the impact and an agreed corrective action.
Support and extension
Support with mistake/impact/repair notes. Extend with a forward-looking boundary, such as inclusion in future planning. No hard feelings suits some relationships, not every serious loss; accept honest, constructive alternatives.
Suggested approach. Adjust the pace and number of questions to suit your class.
