make an apology

Meaning

This expression means to say or write that you are sorry for doing something wrong or causing a problem. It is often used in slightly more formal or serious relationship contexts when a simple 'sorry' is not enough, emphasizing the active effort to repair the bond.

Examples

• I think you should make an apology to her for what you said yesterday.

  I think you should make an apology to her for what you said yesterday.

• He decided to make a formal apology to his colleagues after the argument.

  He decided to make a formal apology to his colleagues after the argument.

• It takes a lot of courage to admit you're wrong and make an apology.

  It takes a lot of courage to admit you're wrong and make an apology.

• She made a sincere apology for forgetting our anniversary.

  She made a sincere apology for forgetting our anniversary.

• Instead of making excuses, you should just make an apology.

  Instead of making excuses, you should just make an apology.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I need to do an apology to my friend.

  ✓ I need to make an apology to my friend.

  In English, we use the verb 'make' with 'apology', not 'do'.

• ✗ He made an apology for me.

  ✓ He made an apology to me.

  Use 'to' for the person receiving the apology, and 'for' for the reason or mistake.

Related Expressions

Practice

• After realizing his mistake, Mark decided to ___ to his sister.

  💡 Use the verb 'make' and the noun 'apology'.

  Show answer

  make an apology

• If you hurt someone's feelings, you should ___.

  💡 It means to say you are sorry.

  Show answer

  make an apology