Quick answer: To apologise is to say sorry for something you did, expressing genuine remorse. To excuse someone is to forgive or release them from blame, or to offer a justification for behaviour. Apologies take responsibility; excuses explain or reduce it. For a fuller definition, see the Cambridge Dictionary entry for ‘apologise’.
Understanding Apologise
Apologise (British spelling; apologize in American English) means to express regret or remorse for something you have done wrong. When you apologise, you acknowledge your fault and show that you are sorry. The verb is typically followed by for + a noun or gerund: apologise for the delay, apologise for being late. It can also be followed by to to indicate who you are addressing: apologise to your colleague. An apology is an act of taking responsibility — it does not require offering a reason. In professional and social contexts, a sincere apology is highly valued in English-speaking cultures and is expected when someone has caused inconvenience, offence, or harm.
I would like to apologise for the delay in responding to your email.
She apologised to her colleague for missing the meeting.
He apologised sincerely and the matter was dropped.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Understanding Excuse
Excuse as a verb means to forgive or overlook a fault, or to release someone from a duty or obligation. When you excuse someone, you are granting them pardon for a minor error or freeing them from responsibility. As a noun, an excuse is a reason offered to justify or explain behaviour — it is often used to suggest that the reason given is not entirely convincing. The phrase “excuse me” is a common social formula used to get someone’s attention, to pass by someone politely, or to apologise for a small disruption. Note that excuse as a verb is transitive and needs an object: “Please excuse my lateness” — not “Please excuse for my lateness.”
Please excuse my handwriting — I was in a hurry.
Excuse me, could you tell me the time?
She excused herself from the table and left the room.
Nothing can excuse such rude behaviour.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Use case | Apologise | Excuse |
|---|---|---|
| Expressing remorse | ✓ Primary use | Not used this way |
| Granting forgiveness | Not used this way | ✓ Natural |
| Offering a justification | Not used this way | ✓ As a noun: an excuse |
| Polite social formula | Possible (formal) | ✓ “Excuse me” is standard |
| Leaving a situation | Not used this way | ✓ “Excuse yourself” |
Common Mistakes
✗ Please excuse for my lateness.
✓ Please excuse my lateness. (excuse takes a direct object, no preposition)
✗ I excuse for the mistake I made.
✓ I apologise for the mistake I made.
✗ She offered an excuse for breaking the vase. (implies she was justifying, not sorry)
✓ She offered an apology for breaking the vase.
Practice: Which Is Correct?
Four questions — choose the best word.
1. “I would like to ___ for the confusion caused by my email.”
2. “___ me, is this seat taken?”
3. “He always has an ___ for being late.”
4. “Please ___ my absence from the meeting yesterday.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between apologise and excuse?
To apologise is to say sorry for something you did wrong, expressing remorse. To excuse someone is to forgive or release them from blame, or to justify behaviour.
Can excuse be used as a noun?
Yes. As a noun, an excuse is a reason given to justify or explain behaviour: “He had no excuse for being late.” An apology is a verbal or written expression of regret.
What does “excuse me” mean?
“Excuse me” is used to politely get someone’s attention, to pass someone, or to apologise for a minor disturbance. It is not the same as a full apology.
Is “apologise” British English?
Yes. “Apologise” is the British English spelling. The American English spelling is “apologize”. Both mean the same thing.
What is the noun form of apologise?
The noun form is apology: “She offered a sincere apology.” The noun form of excuse (when used as a verb) is also excuse: “He made an excuse.”
Can you excuse yourself?
Yes. “Excuse yourself” means to politely leave a group or situation: “She excused herself from the meeting early.” It can also mean to justify your own behaviour.
What is the difference between an apology and an excuse?
An apology acknowledges wrongdoing and expresses remorse. An excuse attempts to explain or justify behaviour, often to reduce blame. Apologies take responsibility; excuses deflect it.
Can excuse mean to forgive?
Yes. “Please excuse my lateness” means “please forgive or overlook my lateness.” In this sense, excuse is similar to pardon or forgive, but for minor transgressions.
How do you use “excuse” before a gerund?
Excuse can be followed by a noun or gerund: “Please excuse my interrupting.” However, this formal construction is more common with pardon: “Pardon my interrupting.”
Is it rude to make excuses instead of apologising?
In English-speaking culture, making excuses when an apology is expected can seem evasive or insincere. A direct apology without excuses is generally considered more respectful.