Business English from All Ears English

BE 513: How to Own Your Apology at Work

12 snips
Jan 6, 2026
Discover the art of apologizing effectively in the workplace! The hosts share personal experiences and practical phrases like 'I apologize' to convey professionalism. Learn the difference between casual and formal tones, and why 'atone' is best left out of everyday conversations. Explore how to make things right after an apology, with tips on admitting fault and following up with promises. Tune in for valuable insights into owning your apologies to build trust and relationships at work!
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INSIGHT

Avoid 'Atone' Outside Religious Contexts

  • 'Atone' sounds religious and heavy, so avoid it outside faith contexts.
  • Use more common verbs for workplace apologies to sound natural and appropriate.
ADVICE

Use 'Apologize' To Own Mistakes

  • Use 'apologize' in professional settings to clearly own your actions.
  • Say "I'd like to apologize" or "I apologize for..." to be explicit and professional.
ADVICE

Make Amends With Concrete Actions

  • After apologizing, take concrete actions to make amends like offering lunch or fixing work tasks.
  • Use phrases like 'make up for' or 'let me make it up to you' to show intent to act.
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