If you’ve ever felt awkward replying to someone who says sorry, you’re not alone. You might wonder, what’s the right thing to say? Should I brush it off? Be polite? Or stay professional?
Good news: this guide solves that problem completely.
We’re going to cover how to respond to someone saying sorry in all kinds of settings—formal, informal, idiomatic, and professional.
You’ll have a list of natural and powerful responses for every kind of situation.
Let’s get started.
Sorry Generator
Formal Ways to Say How to Respond to Someone Saying Sorry
Sometimes, you need to keep things respectful and composed. These formal responses work best in situations with colleagues, strangers, teachers, or elders.
- I appreciate your apology
- Thank you for taking responsibility
- Your honesty means a lot
- That’s very considerate of you
- I understand, and I accept your apology
- I respect your sincerity
- Thank you for acknowledging that
- It’s good of you to say so
- Let’s move forward from here
- I’m glad you brought it up
- Thank you for being honest
- That means a great deal
- I hold no grudges
- We all make mistakes
- Consider it forgotten
- Apology accepted
- I value your words
- It’s in the past now
- Let’s leave it behind us
- Your words are reassuring
- I’m grateful for your apology
- That was the right thing to do
- You’ve shown maturity
- I accept your apology with respect
- It’s appreciated
- Let’s make sure it doesn’t happen again
- Acknowledgment is the first step
- Thank you for reaching out
- This helps us both
- I see your regret, and I appreciate it
- I accept, and let’s grow from it
- Peace be with us going forward
- We’re better for having addressed this
Informal Ways to Say How to Respond to Someone Saying Sorry
In everyday life, you don’t always want to sound stiff or overly formal. Here are casual, friendly ways to respond that keep the vibe relaxed.
- No worries
- It’s all good
- Don’t sweat it
- It happens
- All’s forgiven
- That’s cool
- No big deal
- It’s okay
- No harm done
- Happens to the best of us
- We’re good
- Chill, it’s fine
- Not a problem
- Forget about it
- I’m not mad
- It’s cool, don’t worry
- I’ve moved on
- It’s fine, really
- Everyone slips up
- Don’t think twice
- I know you didn’t mean it
- That’s behind us
- We’re fine
- You’re good
- It wasn’t that bad
- I know your heart
- Just don’t do it again
- Let’s move on
- It’s not worth stressing over
- Let’s call it even
- It’s sorted
- No drama
- We’re chill
Idiomatic Ways to Say How to Respond to Someone Saying Sorry
Want your replies to sound more expressive or natural? These idioms can make your response sound smoother and more relatable.
- Water under the bridge
- No skin off my nose
- Let bygones be bygones
- All is forgiven
- No use crying over spilled milk
- We’re on even ground
- It’s all in the past
- Don’t lose sleep over it
- Not the end of the world
- We’re back on track
- It’s behind us
- Don’t beat yourself up
- No harm, no foul
- Let’s wipe the slate clean
- That ship has sailed
- I’m not holding it against you
- Let’s turn the page
- Time heals all wounds
- No hard feelings
- You’re off the hook
- The past is the past
- It’s a clean break
- No need to dwell on it
- We’ve cleared the air
- Don’t carry the guilt
- We’ve buried the hatchet
- That’s water under the bridge now
- You’ve made peace
- We’re square
- It’s patched up
- Let’s not open old wounds
- You’ve owned up, that’s what counts
- Consider it dusted and done
Professional Ways to Say How to Respond to Someone Saying Sorry
At work, your responses should reflect professionalism, clarity, and mutual respect. These workplace-friendly replies are ideal for emails, meetings, and chats with clients or colleagues.
- Thank you for clarifying
- I appreciate your honesty
- Let’s ensure we’re aligned moving forward
- I acknowledge your apology
- Mistakes happen, let’s stay focused
- That’s understood, thank you
- Let’s move past this
- I value your openness
- Your accountability is noted
- Let’s continue with mutual respect
- We’ll treat it as a learning moment
- Thank you for addressing this
- It takes integrity to apologize
- I’m glad you brought this up
- Let’s stay committed to improvement
- I accept your message
- We all have setbacks, let’s move on
- That’s fair, thank you
- I appreciate the professionalism
- Thank you for being proactive
- Let’s collaborate better next time
- I see the effort you’re making
- A good reminder for both of us
- I’m open to moving forward
- I value your efforts to make it right
- This shows growth
- We’re still on the same team
- Let’s rebuild trust
- Let’s keep communication clear
- Let’s close this and proceed
- Acknowledged and appreciated
- Apology accepted, let’s focus on outcomes
- Let’s make sure this doesn’t repeat
Conclusion
Choosing the right way to respond when someone says sorry is more than just being polite—it’s about connection, empathy, and emotional intelligence.
From formal phrases to casual and idiomatic ones, knowing what to say can ease tension and build stronger relationships. Practice these responses in real conversations. Whether you’re in a meeting, texting a friend, or replying to a heartfelt apology, these phrases will help you say the right thing with confidence.
Simon West is a passionate American author known for his thought-provoking storytelling and emotionally rich narratives. With a deep love for literature and a background in creative writing, Simon crafts compelling characters and immersive worlds that captivate readers from the very first page. His work often explores themes of identity, resilience, and human connection, making his stories both relatable and unforgettable.
Over the years, Simon has built a loyal readership who admire his unique voice and authentic perspective. Whether he’s writing contemporary fiction or delving into historical themes, his words leave a lasting impact.
Some of his notable works include “The Silent Season”, “Echoes Between Us”, and his latest release, “Letters to the Moon”, which has been praised for its lyrical prose and emotional depth.
