Everyone makes mistakes, but you don’t want to deliver a sorry apology. Knowing how to say sorry might be more important than you think. Many of us have had more practice than we’d like to admit – and we still can’t get it quite right. There’s no talking around it, apologising can be difficult. Relationships are messy, and things aren’t as simple as they were when we were kids – but that shouldn’t stop us from trying.

Learn how to give a heartfelt sorry and get free sorry card templates from Adobe Express for any occasion – whether there was just a little misunderstanding, a friend is going through something difficult, or you realised you were out of order.

When might you need to say sorry?

When we say sorry, it’s usually because we’ve done something wrong and want to make things right. This could be for many reasons.

Here are a few reasons for sending an apology:

• Not doing something you said you would.
• Forgetting something important.
• Saying something you regret.
• After an argument.
• Making a mistake that negatively impacts someone as a result.

However, sometimes it’s not about you doing something wrong. It can be a way to share sympathies when someone has lost a loved one, or a colleague is leaving work.

Apologising is a powerful trait. Taking ownership (and doing it authentically) lets you mend relationships, build empathy, and create trust. Send an apology letter, sorry card, or even an email and rebuild those bridges you might have burnt.

How to say sorry in 5 simple steps.

Learning how to say sorry isn’t rocket science, but it doesn’t always feel easy. Often, we can be resistant to apologising – whether due to our reluctance to admit mistakes, or the judgements we think people will make. Whatever the hesitation, it can often be the first hurdle to get over before starting your apology.

1. Use the word sorry.

“My bad”, “I regret”, “It’s unfortunate, but…” all these terms seem ungenuine, and usually the best way to say sorry to just say it. The word. No caveats, no extras. Simply, sorry.

2. Explain what you are saying sorry for.

Don’t dance around things – be clear and say what you’re apologizing for. If you’re saying sorry for stealing the last piece of your roommate’s chocolate, you better say it.

3. Take ownership of the situation – no excuses.

“Sorry you feel that way, but I didn’t realise…” or “I regret we fell out, but I was stressed…” aren’t real apologies. Don’t give excuses, take ownership of the issues and be direct.

4. Outline how it won’t happen again.

Once you’ve defined what you’re apologising for, you can clearly state what steps you’ll take to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Remember, learning how to say sorry means trying to avoid the issue happening again. If you don’t have a solution, things may just repeat themselves.

5. Suggest a way to make amends.

Sometimes, you might need to make amends. This could be something as simple as “I’ll repair the vase” or “I won’t mention that again.” Trying to fix what’s broken is a good way to make good on an apology. This helps give you both closure and allows you to move on from the issue.

What to write in a sorry card.

When you’re saying sorry, you should try to prioritise the other person’s feelings. Depending on the situation, the actual message might differ, but here are some ideas to get you started in different situations.

Whether you want something heartfelt or humorous, we’ve got something for you to write.

1. I’m sorry for what I did, will you forgive me?
2. You’re the most amazing person, I’m sorry for everything I’ve done.
3. I’m so sorry, please let me make things up to you.
4. I need you to know how sorry I am.
5. This isn’t an apology, but I do feel a teeny-weeny little bit bad for everything I did.
6. I’m sorry – can you stop with the passive aggressive texts now?
7. I’m sorry, I’m not fair when I’m hangry.
8. I know my apology can’t change what’s been done, but I hope saying I’m sorry can change what’s to come.
9. I know I behaved unfairly, please give me the chance to apologise. I’m truly sorry.
10. Okay, I admit it. I screwed up – sorry.

Get card templates from Adobe Express for free and turn your sorry message into a thoughtful sorry card today.

Free heartfelt sorry cards for your next apology.

How to say sorry for your loss.

Sorry seems to be the hardest word – even when you’re not apologising. Sometimes, sorry is about sharing your condolences. If someone has lost a loved one, then you may want to share your sorrow with a thoughtful message.

1. Thinking of you in this difficult time and wishing you peace and comfort.
2. Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss. I hope you find love and support all around you.
3. I’m sorry for all that’s happened. What’s lost, in time, can be found again.
4. My heart goes out to you and your family, I’m sorry for your loss.
5. Sending you all my love and support as you find your way through this difficult time.
6. May you find love around you to support you through this hard time.
7. Losing a loved one isn’t easy but think about all the mischief they’re causing in heaven.
8. I’ll bring the ice cream; you get the blankets.
9. Sending you love and support to get through this hard time.
10. Grief is just love with nowhere to go, so ring me up and let’s get nostalgic.

Editable sorry for your loss cards.

What to write in a sorry you’re leaving card.

You’re going to meet so many incredible people in your life, and often their path will go in a different direction to yours. Whether it’s their choice or not, sending them a sorry you’re leaving card can let them know just how much they’ll be missed.

1. Don’t worry, I won’t let anyone know it was you.
2. It’s not a goodbye – you’ll always have me on LinkedIn…
3. Goodbye and good luck!
4. Just before you go, how did you do all those things that you made look so easy?
5. I want you to know I 100% support your decision, but I am in 100% denial about it.
6. We’ll miss you and your gossip; things will be so quiet without you!
7. Now you’re not here with a million tabs open, the Wi-Fi just got so much better.
8. You’re leaving? How rude…if you visit again, we’ll forgive you.
9. If you think you’re leaving without a farewell round of karaoke, think again.
10. Farewell to the only person who could convince me Tuesday is a great night to go out.

Sorry you’re leaving cards.

How to say sorry to a friend.

Fighting with a friend can hit you hard – tempers can flare, and words can fly even with the people we love. If you’ve found yourself on the wrong side of an argument, then try sending a sorry card. Depending on your friend and the argument, a bit of humour might have you both laughing together again soon.

1. Look, I think we should just agree to disagree. (No, sorry, it was all me!)
2. I’m sorry, can I bribe you with a coffee?
3. Sorry for my brain fart, I think I need a reboot.
4. If you need to laugh at me to feel better, go ahead – I’m here to entertain.
5. I’m sorry, I’ve realised the error of my ways. Again. Look, I never said I was a fast learner.
6. I know I can be a handful. Thank you for being my friend – and I’m so sorry.
7. I messed up and I’m sorry. Let’s agree to forgive me and I’ll buy us something tasty?
8. Hey friend, I’m sorry. I know I can be a handful – it’s a gift and a curse.
9. I’m sorry – I need more practice being normal.
10. If I could give you a thousand apologies I would, but how about one heartfelt sorry?

Try Adobe Express for free now

Good to know.

What is a good sorry quote?

There are so many good ways to say I’m sorry, but the best ones are going to be those that speak to the situation and your friend. If the person you apologise to enjoys humour, it may be better to deliver a light-hearted quote rather than something deep. Think about who you’re apologising to, and what you’re apologising for. Learning how to say sorry is an art, but it starts with being empathetic.

What is the best word to say sorry?

Not sure what to write in a sorry card? It’s deceptively simple – I apologise and sorry are the best words you can use. In fact, you almost always want to use them. Try to avoid saying you’re regretful – go all in with a real apology. Sorry for hammering the point home, but it really is the best word.

What can I say instead of sorry for sympathy?

There are many ways to share your sympathy. For example, you could send your condolences, share a treasured memory of the loved one, or simply say you’re there for someone. Discover more ways to send your sympathies, with sympathetic card templates from Adobe Express.

Is Adobe Express free?

Yes, our free plan offers many core features including thousands of templates, photo editing and effects, animation, and 2GB of storage. See our  pricing page for details and to compare plans.