Plural Form of “Sorry”: Usage, Rules, and Examples in English Grammar

by

2. INTRODUCTION

The word “sorry” is one of the most frequently used terms in English when expressing apology, regret, or sympathy. Whether you bump into someone on a crowded street or need to make amends for a significant mistake, “sorry” bridges the gap of misunderstanding and restores social harmony. However, many English learners and even native speakers occasionally wonder: Is there a plural form of “sorry”? Can we say “sorries” to refer to multiple apologies, and if so, when is it appropriate?

This question touches on grammar, usage, and even cultural expectations in English. Understanding how to express multiple apologies or regrets correctly is vital for students, teachers, writers, and anyone aiming for polished, natural communication.

This article explores the grammatical status of “sorry,” investigates whether a plural exists, and presents proper ways to convey multiple apologies.

We’ll analyze “sorry” as an adjective and interjection, examine the rules of pluralization in English, and provide a wealth of examples, tables, and practice exercises. By the end, you’ll have a clear, nuanced understanding of “sorry” and its related forms, empowering you to apologize with confidence and accuracy in any context.

Table of Contents

3. DEFINITION SECTION

3.1. What Is “Sorry”?

“Sorry” is used primarily as an adjective or an interjection in English. As an adjective, it describes a state of regret or sympathy. As an interjection, it functions as a quick, standalone expression of apology or sympathy.

Table 1: “Sorry” as Adjective vs. Interjection
Form Function Example Sentence Context
Adjective Describes the speaker’s feelings of regret or sympathy I’m sorry for what happened. Polite, personal apology
Interjection Quick, standalone expression of apology Sorry! Accidental bump, interruption, informal

3.2. What Does “Plural” Mean in Grammar?

Plural refers to more than one. In English, most nouns have both singular and plural forms. Adjectives and interjections, however, do not usually pluralize. Understanding which words can be pluralized is essential for grammatical accuracy.

Table 2: Pluralization in English Grammar
Word Type Singular Example Plural Example
Noun book books
Adjective happy (no plural form)
Interjection ouch! (no plural form)

3.3. Is There a Plural Form of “Sorry”?

Traditionally, “sorry” is an adjective or interjection and does not have a standard plural form. You cannot say “sorries” in regular, standard English to mean more than one apology. However, people sometimes want to express multiple apologies (semantic plural) even though the word itself does not change (no morphological plural).

If you need to express more than one apology, English typically switches to a noun form such as “apology/apologies” or uses phrases like “my apologies” or “many apologies”.

3.4. Alternative Expressions for Multiple Apologies

To convey multiple apologies or a greater sense of regret, English uses various phrases and structures. These include standard expressions like “my apologies”, “many apologies”, and, in creative or playful contexts, “so many sorries”.

Table 3: Common Expressions for Multiple Apologies
Expression Grammatical Structure Example Register (formal/informal)
my apologies possessive noun phrase My apologies for the mistake. formal
many apologies quantifier + noun Many apologies for the delay. formal
so many sorries quantifier + creative plural noun She gave me so many sorries. informal/creative
multiple apologies adjective + noun We offer multiple apologies for the inconvenience. formal

4. STRUCTURAL BREAKDOWN

4.1. Morphological Structure of “Sorry”

“Sorry” is a single word, derived from Old English sārig (“distressed, grieved”). It is not inflected for number; that is, it does not change form for singular or plural. This is because adjectives and interjections in English are generally invariable—they do not have distinct plural forms.

Key point: “Sorry” does not have a base or suffix that allows for regular pluralization (unlike most nouns).

4.2. Patterns of Pluralization in English

Most English nouns pluralize by adding -s or -es. Irregular nouns change completely (e.g., “child” → “children”). Adjectives and interjections, such as “sorry,” do not pluralize.

Table 4: Examples of Regular vs. Irregular Plurals
Singular Plural Rule
cat cats add -s
box boxes add -es
child children irregular
sorry (no standard plural) not pluralized

4.3. “Sorry” as a Countable Noun (Colloquial/Creative Use)

On rare occasions, especially in creative writing, humor, or speech, “sorry” is treated as a countable noun: “sorries”. Examples include sentences like “She gave me too many sorries.” While not standard, this form is understood in context and often used for stylistic effect.

Grammatical acceptability: “Sorries” is nonstandard but can be found in informal, playful, or poetic contexts. It is not recommended for formal writing.

4.4. Plural Apology Phrases

To express more than one apology in standard English, use phrases with plural nouns: “multiple apologies,” “a series of apologies,” “many apologies.” These constructions are accepted in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the phrase.

Register matters: “Many apologies” is more formal; “so many sorries” is playful or creative.

4.5. Summary Table: “Sorry” and Its Plural-Related Forms

Table 5: Summary of Pluralization Structures for “Sorry”
Structure Grammatical Category Typical Usage Example
sorry adjective/interjection standard, singular apology I’m sorry.
apologies noun (plural) formal, multiple apologies My apologies for the error.
sorries noun (creative plural) informal, playful, creative Too many sorries won’t help.
many apologies noun phrase (plural) formal, written Many apologies for the confusion.
so many sorries noun phrase (creative plural) informal, creative He sent so many sorries after the argument.

5. TYPES OR CATEGORIES

5.1. Standard Singular Use

The most common use is “sorry” as an adjective or interjection: “I’m sorry” or “Sorry!” This form does not change regardless of how many apologies you offer.

5.2. Nonstandard/Colloquial Pluralization

In informal settings, people sometimes use “sorries” as a playful noun to refer to multiple apologies: “No amount of sorries can fix this.” This is nonstandard and should be avoided in formal contexts.

Children’s speech, creative writing, and humor are typical places where “sorries” might appear.

5.3. Plural Apology Expressions

Standard English uses plural nouns to convey multiple apologies: “my apologies,” “many apologies,” “multiple apologies.” These are appropriate for both spoken and written English, especially in formal situations.

5.4. Formal vs. Informal Usage

Table 6: Formal vs. Informal Apology Expressions
Phrase Register Typical Context Example
I’m sorry. Informal Everyday conversation I’m sorry for the mess.
Sorry! Informal Quick apology Sorry! I didn’t see you there.
My apologies. Formal Business, email, customer service My apologies for the late response.
Many apologies. Formal Written, official Many apologies for the confusion.
Sorries Informal/creative Children, humor, creative writing Too many sorries won’t help.

5.5. Regional and Dialectal Variations

While “sorry” is universally used in English-speaking regions, creative pluralizations like “sorries” are more common in informal speech, children’s language, or literature, especially in North America and the UK. However, such usage is not tied to any specific dialect and is recognized as playful or creative rather than standard.

Pop culture, cartoons, and literature may feature “sorries” for humorous or stylistic effect.

6. EXAMPLES SECTION

6.1. Standard Singular “Sorry”

Here are 10+ sentences showing “sorry” as an adjective/interjection:

  • I’m sorry for being late.
  • Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.
  • She’s sorry she forgot your birthday.
  • We’re sorry for the inconvenience.
  • Sorry! My mistake.
  • I’m really sorry about that.
  • He said he was sorry for his behavior.
  • Sorry, I don’t understand.
  • I’m sorry to hear that.
  • Sorry for the confusion.
  • Are you sorry for what you did?
  • Sorry, that seat is taken.

6.2. Creative/Colloquial Pluralization (“Sorries”)

Here are 10+ examples of “sorries” used as a creative plural noun:

  • No amount of sorries can fix this.
  • He keeps sending me sorries every day.
  • Too many sorries, not enough change.
  • She piled her sorries on the table.
  • Your sorries are starting to sound empty.
  • I don’t need more sorries; I need action.
  • She gave him all her sorries at once.
  • I’ve had enough of your sorries.
  • How many sorries does it take?
  • The child offered his sorries with a sad face.
  • Do you think sorries will make it better?

6.3. Plural Apology Phrases

Here are 10+ sentences using “apologies” and related phrases:

  • My sincere apologies for the inconvenience.
  • We extend our apologies for the error.
  • Many apologies for the misunderstanding.
  • Please accept my apologies for being late.
  • Our apologies for the confusion caused.
  • He sent his apologies for missing the meeting.
  • Multiple apologies were issued after the incident.
  • She offered her apologies in writing.
  • We want to express our deepest apologies.
  • Public apologies were made by the company.
  • Formal apologies are required in this case.

6.4. Comparative Table of Apology Forms

Table 7: Example Sentences by Apology Form
Form Example Sentence Context Register
Sorry Sorry, I didn’t see you there. Quick, spoken apology Informal
My apologies My apologies for the inconvenience. Email, business Formal
Sorries He gave me all his sorries at once. Creative, playful Informal/creative
Many apologies Many apologies for the mistake. Letter, written Formal
Apologies Apologies for the delay. Announcements, signs Semi-formal

6.5. Contrasting Examples

Compare correct and incorrect or standard and creative usage:

  • Incorrect: I have many sorry.
    Correct: I have many apologies.
  • Incorrect: Please accept my sorrys.
    Correct: Please accept my apologies.
  • Incorrect: She sent me two sorrys.
    Correct: She sent me two apologies.
  • Creative: He sent his sorries in a card.
    Standard: He sent his apologies in a card.
  • Incorrect: A lot of sorry was needed.
    Correct: A lot of apologizing was needed.
  • Incorrect: I need your sorries.
    Correct: I need your apology.
  • Creative: Too many sorries, not enough action.
    Standard: Too many apologies, not enough action.

6.6. Literary and Spoken Examples

Examples from literature, movies, or real spoken English:

  • “Sorry seems to be the hardest word.” – Elton John (song lyric)
  • “All those sorries won’t bring him back.” – (dialogue from a novel)
  • “My apologies, I was unaware.” – Business letter
  • “Sorry! Didn’t see you.” – Real-life conversation
  • “She offered her apologies for the oversight.” – News article
  • “You can’t just fix it with sorries.” – TV drama
  • “Many apologies for the interruption.” – Conference speech
  • “Sorry for the mess, we just moved in.” – Casual conversation
  • “He sent his apologies through a note.” – Short story
  • “No amount of sorries can undo what happened.” – Poetic expression

6.7. Example Table: “Sorry” vs. “Apology” in Sentences

Table 8: “Sorry” vs. “Apology” in Sentences
Sentence with “Sorry” Sentence with “Apology” Register Notes
I’m sorry for the delay. My apologies for the delay. Informal/Formal “Sorry” is spoken; “apologies” is written.
Sorry! I forgot. Please accept my apology. Informal/Formal “Sorry” is brief; “apology” is more formal.
Sorry for the confusion. We offer our apologies for the confusion. Informal/Formal Company/official settings use “apologies.”
Are you sorry? Have you given an apology? Informal/Formal “Sorry” refers to feeling; “apology” is the act.
He said sorry. He issued an apology. Informal/Formal Choice depends on context and tone.

7. USAGE RULES

7.1. When to Use “Sorry”

Use “sorry” as an interjection or adjective in most spoken, informal, or personal exchanges, such as face-to-face apologies, casual emails, or texts.

7.2. When to Use “Apologies” or “My Apologies”

Use “apologies” or “my apologies” in formal writing, business correspondence, customer service, and situations requiring greater politeness or professionalism.

7.3. Creative Pluralization: Acceptable Contexts

“Sorries” is acceptable in creative writing, children’s books, playful conversation, or poetry to emphasize repeated or insincere apologies. Avoid in academic or business contexts.

7.4. Rules for Pluralizing Apology Words

“Sorry” is not usually pluralized. To express multiple apologies, use “apologies” or phrases like “many apologies.” Use “sorries” only for creative effect.

7.5. Common Exceptions and Special Cases

“Sorries” may appear in children’s speech, cartoons, or literature for humor or style. It is not an error in these settings but should not be used in formal writing.

7.6. Register and Audience Considerations

Consider your audience: use “sorry” for informal or spoken contexts, “apologies” for formal or written ones. Non-native speakers should avoid “sorries” unless using humor or quoting literature.

7.7. Summary Table: Usage Rules and Contexts

Table 9: Usage Rules for Apology Forms
Form Rule Example Acceptable Context
Sorry Use for informal, spoken apologies Sorry, I missed your call. Casual conversation
My apologies Use for formal, written apologies My apologies for the oversight. Business email
Sorries Use for creative, playful effect He gave me all his sorries. Children’s stories, humor
Apologies Use for multiple or formal apologies Apologies for any inconvenience. Customer service, public signs

8. COMMON MISTAKES

8.1. Incorrect Pluralization

Avoid using “sorries” in standard writing or speech unless deliberately being creative.

8.2. Confusing “Sorry” with “Apology”

Do not use “sorry” where “apology” is needed. For formal written apologies, use “apology” or “apologies.”

8.3. Redundant Phrasing

Avoid incorrect phrases like “many sorrys” (incorrect spelling) or “a lot of sorry.” Use “many apologies” or “a lot of apologies.”

8.4. Register Mismatch

Do not use informal apology forms in formal contexts (“Sorry!” in a business letter), and avoid overly formal phrases in casual conversation.

8.5. Table of Mistakes

Table 10: Common Mistakes and Corrections
Incorrect Example Correction Explanation
I have many sorrys. I have many apologies. “Sorry” is not a countable noun; use “apologies.”
Please accept my sorry. Please accept my apology. Use “apology” for formal written apology.
He sent his sorries. He sent his apologies. “Sorries” is not standard; “apologies” is correct.
A lot of sorry was needed. A lot of apologizing was needed. Use gerund or noun form, not “sorry.”
Many sorrys for the error. Many apologies for the error. “Sorry” does not have a standard plural.

8.6. Practice: Spot the Mistake

Identify the error in each sentence:

  1. He gave me many sorrys.
  2. My apologies for the mistake.
  3. She sent her sorries in a note.
  4. I am sorry for the confusion.
  5. We send our apology for the inconvenience.
  6. Sorry, that was my bad.
  7. Many sorry for the loss.
  8. Please accept my sorries.
  9. No amount of sorries can help.
  10. Apologies for the delay.

9. PRACTICE EXERCISES

9.1. Fill-in-the-Blank Exercises

Fill in each blank with the correct apology form (sorry, apologies, my apologies, sorries, etc.):

  1. ______ for the interruption.
  2. ______ for the mistake in the report.
  3. Please accept ______ for my behavior.
  4. He sent his ______ for missing the event.
  5. ______! I didn’t mean to step on your foot.
  6. She offered her ______ in writing.
  7. ______ for the confusion earlier.
  8. Too many ______ won’t help now.
  9. ______ for the delay in responding.
  10. Our ______ for the inconvenience caused.

9.2. Correction Exercises

Correct the mistakes in each sentence:

  1. She gave me a lot of sorrys.
  2. Many sorry for the error.
  3. He sent his sorries via email.
  4. Please accept my sorry.
  5. They sent their sorries to the team.
  6. We offer our sorry for the inconvenience.
  7. No amount of sorrys will change things.
  8. Apology for the mistakes.
  9. Her sorries were endless.
  10. Sorrys are not enough in this situation.

9.3. Identification Exercises

State whether each sentence is formal or informal, and correct or incorrect:

  1. My apologies for the confusion.
  2. Sorry! I didn’t mean that.
  3. She gave me many sorries.
  4. We send our apologies for the interruption.
  5. Sorry for being late.
  6. Apologies for the inconvenience.
  7. Too many sorries, not enough action.
  8. Many apologies for the trouble.
  9. Please accept my sorries.
  10. He sent his apology for missing the meeting.

9.4. Sentence Construction

Write a sentence using each of these apology phrases:

  1. I’m sorry
  2. My apologies
  3. Many apologies
  4. Too many sorries
  5. Apologies for the delay

9.5. Creative Writing Prompt

Write a short dialogue (4-6 exchanges) between two people using a variety of apology forms (e.g., “sorry,” “my apologies,” “sorries,” etc.).

9.6. Exercise Table: Answer Key

Table 11: Practice Exercises and Answers
Question Correct Answer Explanation
Fill-in #1: ______ for the interruption. Sorry Quick, informal apology
Fill-in #2: ______ for the mistake in the report. Apologies Plural noun, formal context
Fill-in #3: Please accept ______ for my behavior. my apologies Polite, formal apology
Fill-in #4: He sent his ______ for missing the event. apologies Plural noun, formal
Fill-in #5: ______! I didn’t mean to step on your foot. Sorry Interjection, informal
Fill-in #6: She offered her ______ in writing. apologies Plural noun, formal
Fill-in #7: ______ for the confusion earlier. Sorry Informal, spoken
Fill-in #8: Too many ______ won’t help now. sorries Creative, playful context
Fill-in #9: ______ for the delay in responding. Sorry Informal, spoken
Fill-in #10: Our ______ for the inconvenience caused. apologies Formal, written
Correction #1: She gave me a lot of sorrys. She gave me a lot of apologies. “Sorry” does not pluralize; use “apologies.”
Correction #2: Many sorry for the error. Many apologies for the error. Use plural noun “apologies.”
Correction #3: He sent his sorries via email. He sent his apologies via email. “Sorries” is not standard.
Correction #4: Please accept my sorry. Please accept my apology. Use noun “apology” for formal context.
Correction #5: They sent their sorries to the team. They sent their apologies to the team. Standard noun is “apologies.”
Correction #6: We offer our sorry for the inconvenience. We offer our apologies for the inconvenience. Formal, written apology uses “apologies.”
Correction #7: No amount of sorrys will change things. No amount of apologies will change things. Standard noun is “apologies.”
Correction #8: Apology for the mistakes. Apologies for the mistakes. Plural noun needed for multiple mistakes.
Correction #9: Her sorries were endless. Her apologies were endless. Standard noun is “apologies.”
Correction #10: Sorrys are not enough in this situation. Apologies are not enough in this situation. Standard noun is “apologies.”

10. ADVANCED TOPICS

10.1. Semantic Pluralization: Apologies in Discourse

English expresses multiple apologies semantically (in meaning) by using plural nouns like “apologies,” rather than changing the word “sorry.” The focus is on the number of acts of apologizing, not the word form.

10.2. Pragmatic Analysis: Politeness and Apology Forms

Choice of apology form depends on politeness, social distance, and formality. “Sorry” is direct and informal; “my apologies” is more polite and formal. Overusing “sorries” may seem insincere.

10.3. “Sorry” as a Speech Act

“Sorry” functions as a speech act—an utterance that performs the action of apologizing. The formality and repetition of “sorry” affect how genuine or effective the apology appears.

10.4. Apology in Cross-Cultural Contexts

Different cultures use apologies differently. In some languages, the equivalent of “sorry” may pluralize, or apologies are expressed with different words entirely.

English speakers rely on “apologies” or apology phrases.

10.5. Literary and Stylistic Uses of “Sorries”

Writers and poets may use “sorries” for emphasis, rhythm, or emotional effect. For example, “She sent a thousand sorries” creates a vivid, emotional image.

10.6. Historical Evolution of Apology Forms

“Sorry” historically evolved from Old English and was always an adjective. The noun “apology” comes from Greek roots and entered English later, providing a way to pluralize apologies.

The creative use of “sorries” is a modern, stylistic invention.

11. FAQ SECTION

  1. Is there a plural form of “sorry” in English?
    Traditionally, no. “Sorry” is an adjective/interjection and does not have a standard plural. For multiple apologies, use “apologies.”
  2. When is it acceptable to use “sorries”?
    Only in creative, playful, or informal contexts—such as children’s speech, poetry, or humor. Not in formal writing.
  3. What is the difference between “sorry” and “apology”?
    “Sorry” is an adjective/interjection expressing regret; “apology” is a noun referring to the act of apologizing.
  4. How do I express multiple apologies in English?
    Use plural nouns and phrases: “apologies,” “many apologies,” “my apologies.”
  5. Is “my apologies” more formal than “I’m sorry”?
    Yes. “My apologies” is used in formal, written, or professional contexts.
  6. Can I use “sorrys” as a plural?
    No. The standard plural form does not exist. Use “apologies” instead. “Sorries” is only creative/nonstandard.
  7. What are some alternatives to saying “sorry” repeatedly?
    Use phrases like “my apologies,” “please accept my apology,” or “I regret…” for variety and formality.
  8. How should I apologize in formal writing?
    Use “apology,” “apologies,” or “my apologies.” Avoid “sorry.”
  9. Are there regional differences in apology expressions?
    Minor differences exist, but “sorry” and “apologies” are used worldwide. “Sorries” is creative, not regional.
  10. Why do some people use “sorries” in conversation or writing?
    For stylistic, humorous, or emphatic effect. It is understood as playful or creative, not standard.
  11. What are common mistakes with “sorry” and its plural?
    Using “sorries” or “sorrys” in standard writing; confusing “sorry” with “apology;” register mismatches.
  12. How do I teach the correct use of “sorry” and “apologies” to learners?
    Clarify that “sorry” does not pluralize, teach formal vs. informal contexts, and provide many examples and practice exercises.

12. CONCLUSION

To summarize, “sorry” is an adjective/interjection that does not have a standard plural form in English. When you need to express multiple apologies, switch to nouns like “apology” or “apologies”, or use phrases such as “my apologies” or “many apologies”. The creative plural “sorries” is reserved for playful, informal, or literary contexts and should be avoided in formal writing.

Understanding the nuances between “sorry”, “apology”, and their various expressions helps you communicate regret, politeness, and formality effectively and appropriately. Always consider your audience and context before choosing your apology form.

Practice with the examples and exercises provided, and remember: clear, polite apologies build trust and understanding in every language.

Leave a Comment