Recently I found out some forums asking if "apologise about" is or not correct, but none of them have clear response. Can someone explain if there is any difference between those two terms? It is important for an essay. Thank you.
asked Nov 5, 2019 at 13:58
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1 Answer
The usual preposition (other than 'to' to show who the apology is addressed to) chosen to follow apologise is for:
I must apologize to Isobel for my lateness.
Trains may be subject to delay – we apologize for any inconvenience caused.
She apologized profusely for having to leave at 3.30 p.m.
In these examples, one apologises for the deed / inaction / inconvenience or damage caused.
...................................
But sometimes, the apology is given to cover something or someone where the actual offence is not explicitly stated. 'About' is usually preferred in such (vaguer) cases.
She's apologised about the incident.
(but what incident isn't specified)
He had to apologise about that young girl Carly because he got it all wrong.
(what had he been accusing her of [or claiming she had achieved?])
[Sentencedict.com; ex 17]
Cllr Allen, who has been a Tory councillor since 2004, apologised about the picture, claiming he did not intend to cause offence.
(was it too revealing? amateurish? had he forgotten to bring it? sat on it and broken it?)
answered Nov 5, 2019 at 15:07
