Let's practice....
Look at these situations with apologies and then try to choose the right answers from the questions below.
1. You accidentally tread on someone's foot on the bus. Man: Ow! Be careful, would you? You say: a. Oh, I was. b. Yes, thank you, sorry. c. Oh dear, pardon me!
2. You are late for a meeting with your friend. Friend: What happened to you? You're late. You say: a. I know - I forgot the time. Let me buy you some coffee b. I really am most extremely sorry. c. I beg you to pardon me.
3. Your friend has split coffee on your jeans. Friend: Oh damn! I'm sorry. You say: a. Yes, you are! b. Ow! I should think so. c. Please do not mention it again.
4. Someone has just asked you the way to Rose Crescent. You say: a. I don't know. Excuse me, I am afraid b. Um .. no, sorry, no idea, I'm afraid c. Excuse me, why don't you buy a map?
5. You have lost the book your friend has lent to you. You say: a. I feel bad about this. I'll buy another one. b. Sorry, I can't find it, ok? c. Excuse me, your sorry book is lost.
6. You are in a bar. Your friend says: I'm sorry, I forgot my money You say: a. You are sorry too. b. That's all right then. c. It's ok, I'm buying the drinks.
7. You have dropped something heavy on a man's foot. You say: a. Oh, excuse me, that was heavy. b. Sorry, did I drop something? Oh dear. c. I'm very sorry. Are you ok?
8. You want to get out of the bus. Someone is in your way. You say: a. Excuse me, get out of the way. b. I'm sorry that I'm getting out. c. Excuse me, I'm getting out.