I’m is I am and sorry expresses regret or sympathy. Together they tell another person how the speaker feels.
Apology
social
neutral
Said to apologize for something you have done or for trouble you caused.
Examples
- I'm sorry I broke your cup.
- "I'm sorry I am late," he said.
- I'm sorry for making so much noise.
- I forgot your birthday. I'm sorry.
- "I'm sorry," she said after stepping on his foot.
Similar words
I apologize
Sympathy
social
neutral
Said to show sadness or sympathy for something bad that happened to another person.
Examples
- I'm sorry to hear that you are ill.
- "My dog died." "I'm sorry."
- I'm sorry you had such a hard day.
- When she heard about the accident, she said, "I'm sorry."
- I'm sorry your trip was canceled.
Similar words
I am sorry to hear that
Polite refusal or disagreement
social
neutral
Said before refusing something or disagreeing, to make the response sound less harsh.
Examples
- I'm sorry, but I cannot help today.
- "I'm sorry, we have no rooms left," the clerk said.
- I'm sorry, but I do not agree.
- "I'm sorry, that seat is taken."
- I'm sorry, but the shop is closed.
Similar words
I am afraid