How to say it · Plans, time and sorry

Sorry for the late reply

You didn't answer a message for days and now you feel bad. Keep the apology short, then get to the reply.

5 ways to say it

On a train at sunset, Mia types a reply on her phone next to a dusty envelope with a cobweb on its corner.

How formalCasualFormal

Sorry for the late replybest default Sorry, only just seen thisquick text Sorry, I missed thisoverlooked Thanks for your patiencework-safe Apologies for the delayformal

Way 1 · best default

Sorry for the late reply

The standard opener. One short line, then answer the message.

How formalMiddle

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

Sorry for the late reply! Yes, Saturday works for me.

Hi Tom, sorry for the late reply. I've attached the file.

In a conversation

A: Did you get my message about the trip?
B: Yes, sorry for the late reply. I'm in!

Common mistake

Not: Sorry for ~~replying you late.~~

Say: Sorry for the late reply.

"Reply you" is wrong (it's "reply to you"), and "the late reply" sounds more natural anyway.

Practice saying this

Next: Sorry, only just seen this

Way 2 · quick text

Sorry, only just seen this

A relaxed text. You weren't ignoring them, you hadn't looked.

How formalVery casual

ToneCasual

Use itIn messages

Examples

Sorry, only just seen this! Yes, count me in.

Oh no, sorry, only just seen this. Are you still at the café?

Practice saying this

Next: Sorry, I missed this

Way 3 · overlooked

Sorry, I missed this

The message got lost in your inbox or chat, and you admit it.

How formalCasual

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

Sorry, I missed this in the group chat. What time are we meeting?

Sorry, I missed this last week. Is the offer still open?

Practice saying this

Next: Thanks for your patience

Way 4 · work-safe

Thanks for your patience

Turns the apology into a thank-you, so it sounds positive.

How formalFormal

ToneNeutral

Use itAt work

Examples

Thanks for your patience while I checked with the team.

Thanks for your patience. Here's the updated price list.

In a conversation

A: Any news on my order?
B: Thanks for your patience. It shipped this morning.

Practice saying this

Next: Apologies for the delay

Way 5 · formal

Apologies for the delay

Short and professional. Common at the start of a work email.

How formalVery formal

ToneFormal

Use itAt work

Examples

Apologies for the delay in getting back to you.

Dear Ms Lee, apologies for the delay. Please find the invoice attached.

In a conversation

A: I emailed about the refund last week.
B: Yes, apologies for the delay. It's been approved today.

Common mistake

Not: ~~Apology~~ for the delay.

Say: Apologies for the delay.

In this phrase "apologies" is always plural.

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which would you say?

Pick the right one

Which would you say?

Read the moment, then choose the way that fits it best.

The mistake learners make

What a translation app gives you, and what people actually say.

Not: ~~I'm so so sorry, I feel terrible, I've been so busy, I hope you're not angry…~~

Say: Sorry for the late reply! Yes, Friday's great.

A long guilty apology makes it bigger than it is. One short line, then answer the question.

Now say it out loud

Pick one and practise it in a real conversation. Save the ones you want to remember.

Sorry for the late reply Sorry, only just seen this Sorry, I missed this Thanks for your patience

Which would you say?

The mistake learners make

Now say it out loud

More moments like this