Q&A for How to Write an Apology Letter

Say something like, "I sincerely apologize for hurting your feelings last night at dinner. That was not my intention. I meant to communicate my frustration about our discussion at work, but I wasn't able to phrase my thoughts in a clear, productive way. I'm not trying to make any excuses—I know that I hurt you, and I hope that you can forgive me."

Taking ownership! Saying "I'm sorry if I offended you" doesn't accomplish anything, since you're pushing responsibility to the recipient. Instead, take ownership for what was said and how it hurt the other person.

You should keep it simple and professional. You don't want it to look like a joke or like you are not taking the apology seriously.

Different people react to things in different ways; what to you may seem an overreaction is very real to that person. Apologize sincerely and offer to make amends.

Acknowledge how the other person feels. Be empathetic and sincere in acknowledging their pain, fear or disappointment. If the letter is being forced by the courts or mediation, then both parties know that it is not "genuine" as it is not spontaneous. However, by letting the other party know that you at least understand how they feel, you may help heal the rift. If the powers that be demand that you accept responsibility for something you truly didn't do, then you have a more difficult situation. You can stand on your principles and refuse but there may be consequences.

Dear Dr [last name here] I'm writing to apologize for the way I acted towards you at my last appointment. I fully regret the words I said and should not have told how to do your job, I take full responsibility for everything that happened and hope we can move past this incident. Yours Sincerely... [Your signature here)

If it is to the staff, write a letter stating why you brought food in, and that you will respect the dorm and not do it again. If it is to a roommate, it is best to apologize in person.

If someone is upset with you, tell them this: "It seems as if I hurt your feelings without realizing it. It was never my intention to hurt you, so could you please tell me what I did so I can learn from my mistake? I am not quite sure where I went wrong."

You could mail it to them, which could make it feel more sincere and give them a chance to think it over and accept the apology before seeing you. You could also say, "I just wanted to give you this letter" and give it to them the next time you see them, as long as it's not an inconvenient time (e.g., they're out and about and have nowhere to put it).

Try to sound as sincere as possible. Try looking at your crime through the victim's perspective.

Just be straight forward. Admit your at fault, apologize, tell them it was a silly idea to use a false name and that you now realize you could have been more mature.

Say sorry, explaining briefly why you did not show up. Explain how you will ensure it doesn't ever happen again. Ask for forgiveness.

Write the apology letter. Tell her why you did what you did and why you are sorry. Or just stay grounded.

It's cliche to end an apology to friend saying, "I hope we can still be friends," but you should say something along that line. It shows your friend that you care about your relationship together and you don't want your mistake to deter that friendship. Don't say "Can you find it in your heart to ever forgive me?" if that isn't you. Your friend will recognize that you are not being sincere. instead maybe say, "I realize that I have betrayed your trust doing what I did. I hope one day I can earn it back. Until then, hopefully we can remain friends." Do not pressure them to forgive you.

Acknowledge the fact that the school is requiring you to write the apology letter in the letter itself, but that you're genuinely sorry for what you've done and you meant everything you wrote. It might help to quickly mention this when you give it to him if he's not required to read it, as he may just throw it away first thing if he's angry and doesn't believe you're sorry. Later on, talk face to face about what happened and give another apology, even if it's just repeating what you said in the letter.

Don't ask; just send a check along with the letter.

Physical assault is something that is very difficult to forgive, especially when the assaulted person is employing you. Do not plead for your job, that is for another time. Instead, explain how you were triggered by whatever caused the assault, and offer to make any amends that seem suitable.

Accept responsibility, then try and make your partner feel better, and don't make it about you.

You can slide it into their mailbox or locker, if you have those at your school. If not, slip it into their backpack or desk.

Apologize right away and tell them why you got the bad grade. Don't make any excuses, and tell them how you plan to improve your grades in the future.

Even if you don't feel truly sorry for what you did, try to imagine what it would feel like if you did. Write from the heart. If necessary, think about a time when you really did feel badly about what you did and use that as inspiration.

You can send it to the administrator and teacher via email. You should be able to find their information on the school's website. Also, if you are on Google Classrooms or some other digital site for class, you could share it with your teacher there.

Be very formal, and acknowledge your wrongdoing. You might also want to write what you will do differently in the future.

Simply say, "I'm very sorry for forgetting [whatever you forgot]. It won't happen again, and I hope you can forgive me." Don't make excuses for why you forgot, just apologize and ask to be forgiven.

Just tell her sincerely that you're sorry you couldn't make it to the library, but your father wouldn't allow you to go. Try to make a plan to hang out at the library another time. If you can, clear your plans with your father first so you know you'll be permitted to go.

Try talking to them face-to face, and explain that it was a misunderstanding. Ask how you can make it up to them. If you're unable to to speak face-to-face, try texting, emailing or calling to apologize.

Writing a letter is a great way to make a professional apology. Keep the letter brief, direct, and to the point. Acknowledge that you hurt them and that you understand how hurtful it was. Most importantly, accept responsibility for any wrongdoing and tell them that you hope to be able to improve your professional relationship.

Writing an apology letter to someone that you love is a great way to take time to express how you feel and choose your words carefully. Be sincere and take responsibility for any pain that you caused them. Apologize directly and ask them for forgiveness. You could also ask them to contact you if they want to meet up in person to talk.

You can mean what you say and say what you mean. Don't promise them that you'll make a change if you don't plan on following through with it. If you aren't ready to be genuine in your apology, then maybe you should wait until you are ready so they'll be more willing to accept your apology.

If you two go to school together, put the letter in her locker and wait for a response. If not, you can mail it to her or leave it on her doorstep.