Communicative functions: Interacting with others

Using formulaic expressions

Expressing and responding to apologies, regrets and excuses

When we interact with others, we are building a relationship with them. If we do or say something which might threaten the relationship, even in a very small way, we usually apologise, express regret or make an excuse. In this example from a children's conversation the first speaker apologises for being late by using the expression sorry. The second speaker responds by accepting her apology with the expression That's OK:

	Sorry I was late.	apology
	That's OK.	response

In this example from a shopping interaction the sales person apologises for keeping the customer waiting:

	Sorry this is taking so long.	apology
	That's OK.	response

We often use the expression sorry to express regrets as well. We often accept an expression of regret with an expression of thanks:

I'm so sorry about your accident.
Thank you, but I'm fine now.

We also often begin an excuse with the expression sorry:

Sorry I'm late, but I missed the bus.
That's OK. We only just arrived ourselves.