apologize, but I can't vs apologize that I can't

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Apologize, but I can't' is a common way to express an apology followed by a reason for not being able to do something. 'Apologize that I can't' is less common and may sound a bit formal or old-fashioned.

Last updated: April 01, 2024 • 617 views

apologize, but I can't

This phrase is correct and commonly used to apologize and provide a reason for not being able to do something.

This phrase is used to apologize for a situation or action and then explain the reason for being unable to fulfill a request or expectation.

Examples:

I apologize, but I can't make it to the meeting tomorrow.
Apologize, but I can't help you with that task right now.
I apologize, but I can't accept your invitation.
Apologize, but I can't stay longer.
I apologize, but I can't lend you any money at the moment.

Show examples from the web [+]

Here's the thing. I know I'm putting you in a very uncomfortable position, and I apologize, but I can't tell you how many times this has happened to me.
I can't imagine what's kept Albert, but I apologize on his behalf.
But I can't rely on just that.
But I can't rush things.
But I'm afraid I can't forgive you.
But I can't just go home and forget about it.
But I can't send my family out into the woods with some potential paranormal psychopath and I can't be two places at once.
I know I can't undo it all, but I'd like to apologize was all for this day!
But I can't do it legally without malpractice insurance.
I hear something, but I can't see anything.
But I can't find a physical reason for it.
I should stay with him, but I can't.
But I can't hate him myself.
But I can't fire de la Rosa.
Good workmanship, but I can't keep that.
But I can't fill up a space shuttle with geriatrics.
But I can't do that, Bill.
But I can't be this person without taking pills.
But I can't arrest him for looking the wrong way.
But I can't be with you guys anymore.

Alternatives:

I'm sorry, but I can't
Sorry, I can't
I regret that I can't
Unfortunately, I can't
Regrettably, I can't

apologize that I can't

This phrase is correct but less common. It may sound more formal or old-fashioned compared to the first phrase.

This phrase can be used to apologize for not being able to do something, but it is less commonly used in modern English.

Show examples from the web [+]

I'm here because I can't apologize to my son.
I can't apologize to you enough.
I can't apologize more than I already have.
I can't apologize for love, Ray.
I can't apologize enough for what Junior did to you.
I can't apologize to Hideshi anymore.
Ellie, I can't apologize enough.
I can't apologize for being confident in my abilities.
I apologize, I can't seem to turn off the therapist mode.
So, we apologize that we can't bring you, the story of the murders that was originally scheduled.
Therefore I can't apologize, why should I be unjustly blamed?
Casey, I can't apologize enough for that accidental touching in there.
Can't apologize, so can't break the ice.
I can't apologize for something that I didn't do
Here's the thing. I know I'm putting you in a very uncomfortable position, and I apologize, but I can't tell you how many times this has happened to me.
And I can't apologize for it because it wasn't anything I did on purpose.
I apologize if you can't understand a word I'm saying.
Apologize if you can't do anything.
Apologize if you can't do anything.
You can't apologize, we can't talk.

Alternatives:

I apologize for not being able to
I'm sorry that I can't
I regret that I can't
Unfortunately, I can't apologize
Regrettably, I can't

What Our Customers Are Saying

Our customers love us! We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283,125 votes.
Also check out our 2,100+ reviews on TrustPilot (4.9).

"Thank you!"
Sachi Nakama July 2024
"I have literally been through chat, PI, claude, bard and bing and I got conflicting answers! Thank you! Human intelligence reigns!"
Retha July 2024
"Faster than AI"
CYNTHIA December 2023
"This was very helpful and I personally think this site is the best."
Kaden October 2023
"It was extremely thorough and very helpful!"
imperialelisa October 2023
"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"
Zubair Alam October 2023
"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."
Selena October 2023
"Without textranch I would be stuck!"
宏祐 October 2023
"Accuracy and fast response. Personal comments from editor. Thank you."
Clh September 2023
"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"
Arturo September 2023
"The fact that you can get reliable fast feedback on your texts."
Vinicius Antonio August 2023
"you guys are better than grammarly i'm being honest here"
ordinary July 2023
"OMG! This is really good than any other text correction tools I've used so far. Highly recommend this."
Vehan July 2023
"Very fast and accurate. thank you."
mojtaba July 2023
"I love this app because it's help to writing skills all of students ♥️"
Tarisini July 2023
"This was exactly the mistake I was looking for, the wording dind´t sound right at first. Better than grammarly!"
Ente July 2023
"The immediate help that I received was reassuring and very satisfactory. Thanks."
priiiyanshuu July 2023
"this helps A LOT for my studies."
kathnunez02 June 2023
"Woow!! I would never have expected such precision! Thank you soooo much!!"
Berta June 2023
"Real Time Editor and not AI. Many Thanks."
Priya June 2023
"The very first thing excites me about Textranch is how much your editors care."
sepideh June 2023
"The fact that texts are checked by human editors rather than by AI, etc. I appreciate this!"
Анна June 2023
"Feel welcome, immediate response, high quality feedback"
martin.roy June 2023
"This is the best app that I have ever seen"
Burulai May 2023

apologize, but I can't vs apologize that I can't