You’re here because you’re tired of replying with the same old that’s okay every time someone says sorry.
Whether it’s a friend, a coworker, or even a stranger, you’ve probably found yourself wondering — what’s a better way to respond to sorry?
Good news. You’ve just found the guide that’ll change the way you handle apologies forever.
Different situations call for different responses. A formal event, a casual chat, or a work email each has its own tone.
And choosing the right words can make all the difference.
So whether you’re looking to sound polite, relaxed, witty, or professional, this article gives you the perfect phrases to respond with confidence and ease.
Let’s dive in and find the one that fits your moment.
Formal Ways to Say How to Respond to Sorry
When you’re in a serious setting — like speaking with a client, senior colleague, or during official communication — it’s important to respond with grace and professionalism.
Here are over 30 polished ways to respond to sorry formally:
- I appreciate your apology
- Thank you for your honesty
- I accept your apology
- Let’s move forward
- No hard feelings
- I understand mistakes happen
- All is forgiven
- It’s in the past now
- These things happen
- I recognize your effort to make amends
- We all make errors sometimes
- I respect your sincerity
- The apology is noted
- I’m glad you brought this up
- That’s very kind of you to say
- I’m willing to let it go
- Let’s not dwell on it
- Thanks for taking responsibility
- That means a lot
- Water under the bridge
- I know it wasn’t intentional
- Apology accepted
- I’m choosing to move past this
- It takes courage to admit that
- Thank you for clarifying
- Let’s keep things positive
- I hear where you’re coming from
- Thanks for your concern
- That clears things up
- Acknowledged
- I accept your kind words
- I appreciate the gesture
- It’s gracious of you to say so
- Let’s continue with mutual respect
Informal Ways to Say How to Respond to Sorry
Talking with friends, family, or even texting someone? You can drop the formal tone and go casual. These phrases keep things light and friendly.
Here are 30+ informal ways to respond when someone says sorry:
- No worries
- It’s cool
- No problem at all
- All good
- Don’t worry about it
- You’re good
- It happens
- Not a big deal
- Forget it
- No stress
- I get it
- Chill, it’s fine
- Eh, whatever
- Happens to the best of us
- No biggie
- You’re fine
- All’s well
- No harm done
- Don’t sweat it
- We’re good
- I’ve been there
- It’s all right
- Don’t even trip
- We’re still cool
- Let’s move on
- Just glad you said something
- I know it wasn’t on purpose
- Not worth worrying about
- Shake it off
- Already forgotten
- Let’s leave it behind
- No foul
- I ain’t mad
- You already made up for it
Idiomatic Ways to Say How to Respond to Sorry
Want to sound more natural, expressive, or even witty? Idioms help you respond with style and flair. Here are 30+ idiomatic expressions that say it’s okay in a creative way:
- Water under the bridge
- No use crying over spilled milk
- Live and let live
- Let bygones be bygones
- No skin off my nose
- Not the end of the world
- All’s fair in love and war
- Don’t cry over it
- It’s ancient history
- We’re square
- No harm, no foul
- It’s off my radar
- I’m over it
- Let’s turn the page
- We’ve all been there
- It’s nothing to write home about
- Don’t mention it
- It’s in the rearview mirror
- Time heals all wounds
- No bridge burned
- We’re on the same page now
- Don’t give it a second thought
- Let’s not make a mountain out of a molehill
- Not worth losing sleep over
- We’ll chalk it up to experience
- Consider it settled
- Been there, done that
- You’re off the hook
- I’m not holding a grudge
- Let’s patch things up
- I’ve let it go
- That’s all she wrote
- All’s well that ends well
- Case closed
Professional Ways to Say How to Respond to Sorry
In the workplace, responses should be polite, respectful, and aligned with the tone of your company. Here are 30+ professional replies perfect for meetings, emails, and chats with clients or colleagues.
- Thank you for addressing this
- I appreciate your transparency
- We can move forward from here
- Let’s focus on the solution
- These things happen, let’s fix it
- I understand the situation now
- I accept your apology
- No issue on my side
- Thanks for letting me know
- I value your accountability
- Let’s work together to avoid this in the future
- I appreciate the clarification
- Noted, let’s continue
- Let’s align and proceed
- Thank you for taking ownership
- We all encounter challenges
- The matter is resolved
- I appreciate the follow-up
- Let’s refocus our efforts
- I trust it won’t happen again
- Let’s put this behind us
- Mistakes are part of growth
- It’s a learning moment
- Thank you for your professionalism
- Let’s maintain open communication
- Apology received and understood
- Let’s keep up the good work
- I’m happy to move on
- Thanks for your understanding
- We’ll take it from here
- Let’s not let this affect progress
- Your message is received
- Let’s keep things on track
- I appreciate your continued effort
Conclusion
Using the right phrase when someone says sorry can shift the entire tone of the conversation.
Whether you’re chatting with a friend, responding to a coworker, or replying in an email, your response sets the mood for what happens next.
Being able to switch between formal, informal, idiomatic, and professional replies makes you a better communicator — and a more understanding person.
It shows that you’re thoughtful, emotionally intelligent, and respectful of the moment.
So go ahead, bookmark this list, practice a few favorites, and next time someone apologizes, you’ll know exactly what to say.
