1. Mr Smith: What are you doing? That's my seat!
Mr Wilson: Oh, am I sitting in it?
No. This is not really an apology. It is obvious that Mr Wilson is sitting in Mr Smith's seat. Mr Smith wants Mr Wilson to apologise and go. Instead, Mr Wilson has made Mr Smith even angrier.
2. Mike: Could you pass me the sugar?
Jane: Sorry - here.
No. Jane has said sorry to be polite. She is showing that she could have seen that Mike needed the sugar and passed it before he asked, but mostly because just "here" is a bit short and rude.
3. Hector: Well, that's a stupid idea!
Mr Blake: I beg your pardon?
No. Mr Blake is very angry with Hector for what he has said. In fact, he is demanding that Hector apologises to him.
4. Kate: Hey! Don't push!
William: I beg your pardon.
Yes. Notice that this is not a question. William is politely telling Kate that he really did not mean to push.
5. Wendy: I'm sorry I'm late.
Jill: Me too.
No. Jill has been waiting for Wendy. She is saying that she is angry with Wendy, and Wendy needs to apologise some more.
6. George: Can I pay by cheque?
Janet: I'm very sorry - cash only.
No. Jane has told George that she is refusing his method of payment, so she says sorry to be polite, but she is not sorry at all.
7. Ann: Oh, you've spilt my coffee!
Jake: Oh, sorry. But why did you leave it there?
No. Jake says sorry just to be polite. But then he says that it is Ann's fault for putting her coffee in the wrong place.
8. Mr Jonson: Is this the best you can do?
Waiter: Well, I'm terribly sorry, I'm sure.
No. The waiter is being sarcastic, and is suggesting that Mr Jonson is being too fussy.
