Ever felt unsure about how to say sorry for a late email response? Whether it’s a casual message or a formal business email, here are seven polite ways to apologize for replying late—using natural, professional English expressions.
1. Sorry for the delay.
The word “sorry” is one of the most commonly used ways to apologize in English. It’s simple and works well in almost any context—whether you’re emailing a coworker, customer, or friend.
📧 Sorry for the late reply. I noticed your concern has already been addressed. Let me know if there’s anything else I can assist you with.
📧 So sorry for not responding earlier! I was gathering the information you asked for. Please see the attached file for everything you need.
📧 Sorry I’m just getting back to you. Your proposal looks great thanks for your effort while I was away.
👉 If you want to sound a bit more polite, use “I’m sorry” instead of just “sorry.”
📧 Here’s the slide deck you requested. Let me know if you’d like any changes. I’m sorry this took a little longer than expected.
2. Apologies for the delay.
“Apologies” is a shorter, more formal version of “My apologies,” and is often used in professional emails.
📧 Apologies for the delay. I’m available for a call any time this afternoon.
📧 Apologies for the slow response. Our product team has confirmed that this feature will no longer be supported.
📧 Please find the meeting minutes attached. My apologies for the delay in sending them.
👉 Want to sound even more polite? You can say “Sincere apologies” or “Sincerest apologies.”
📧 Sincere apologies for the delayed response. Unfortunately, we’re unable to fulfill your request at this time.
Quick Tip:
✔️ Say “apologies” when you’re saying sorry.
❌ Don’t confuse it with “apology”, which refers to the act itself.
➡️ Correct: “My apologies for the delay.”
➡️ Incorrect: “My apology for the delay.”
3. I apologize for the delay.
This is another formal and professional way to say sorry. It’s perfect for business situations.
📧 I apologize for the delay. My assistant will arrange a meeting for next Monday.
📧 I apologize for the late reply. Your message had landed in my spam folder and I’ve just seen it.
📧 I apologize for the slow response. I was waiting for input from another department. I’ll update you by Thursday.
👉 You can also say “I apologize in advance” to prepare someone for a possible future delay.
📧 I’ll be traveling next week and may have limited internet access, so I apologize in advance for any late replies.
4. Please excuse the delay.
This phrase is a polite request for understanding or forgiveness.
📧 Please excuse me for not replying sooner. I’ll get back to you after checking with our legal team.
📧 Please excuse the delay. We’ve been resolving the bug reported last week and I’ll update you shortly.
📧 Please excuse any delayed replies to next week—I’ll be on leave. For urgent matters, contact my colleague Lorie at lorie@engoo.com.
5. Please accept my apologies for the delay.
This is one of the most formal ways to say sorry and is often used in written business communication.
📧 Please see the attached information. Kindly accept my apologies for the delay.
📧 We’re very sorry for the late reply. Your email was missed during the holiday season. Please check the attached pricing guide, and once again, accept our sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused.
6. Thank you for the reminder.
To make your response more positive, thank the person instead of just apologizing.
📧 Thank you for the reminder! I’ll be at the Thursday meeting. Could you share the agenda with me?
📧 Thanks for following up, and sorry for the delay. I’ll prioritize your request and send you an update soon.
📧 Thank you for reaching out again. I wanted to respond earlier, but I’m still waiting on budget approval.
7. Thank you for your patience.
This is commonly used in customer service and support contexts. It acknowledges the wait while showing appreciation.
📧 We’ve forwarded your request to the right team. Expect a response within 3–5 business days. Thank you for your patience as we look into this.
📧 Due to a high volume of inquiries, our response time may be longer than usual. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
Want Help Writing Better Emails?
Need help polishing your emails or improving your business writing? Chat with one of our tutors! Many have professional backgrounds and can help you express yourself clearly and politely in English.
For more tips on using polite language in English, check out our other article on how to sound respectful in both formal and informal conversations.
