In London, you say "sorry" just like anywhere else in the UK, but it's used very frequently for everything from genuine apologies to getting attention or softening a statement, with variations like "Sorry?" (for "pardon?"), "My apologies," or "Excuse me" for more formal needs, and even "Oops," or "My bad" informally. Brits often say "Sorry" as a polite filler or to avoid confrontation, not always expressing deep regret.
Apologize and apologise are both English terms. Apologize is predominantly used in 🇺🇸 American (US) English ( en-US ) while apologise is predominantly used in 🇬🇧 British English (used in UK/AU/NZ) ( en-GB ).
A way to be polite
There are a number of other ways to say sorry the British way when being polite: “I beg your pardon” “I apologise” Tip: Saying sorry can save you from embarrassing situations. “I'm sorry” shows you feel bad and will still be taken seriously.
In UK spelling, the correct form of the verb is apologise, while the American English spelling is apologize, though both are understood; the noun form, apology, is the same in both UK and US English. This -ise vs. -ize pattern also appears in other verbs like organize/organise, with the -ise ending favored in British English (UK, Australia, NZ) and -ize in American English.
Formal ways to say “sorry”
Acknowledge the offense.
Take responsibility for the offense, whether it was a physical or psychological harm, and confirm that your behavior was not acceptable. Avoid using vague or evasive language, or wording an apology in a way that minimizes the offense or questions whether the victim was really hurt.
Apologise is the British English spelling of the verb apologize. So if you need to say you're sorry for something you did in London, you should apologise.
Apologise is the preferred spelling in British English and is used to express an admission of error, regret, or remorse.
Formal “Sorry” Synonyms
From Middle English sory, from Old English sāriġ (“feeling or expressing grief, sorry, grieved, sorrowful, sad, mournful, bitter”), from Proto-West Germanic *sairag, from Proto-Germanic *sairagaz (“sad”), from Proto-Indo-European *seh₂yro (“hard, rough, painful”).
A step-by-step guide to apologizing sincerely
British people generally avoid using profane or vulgar language in public places where children or other people may overhear. Swearing loudly on the street or in shops and restaurants is seen as uncouth behaviour lacking in decorum. More polite language is expected in shared spaces.
“Sorry, I'm afraid I can't.” “I'm flattered, but I'll have to sit this one out.” “I'm sorry, I'm unable to fit this in.” “No, thank you, but it sounds lovely.”