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he was sorry for what he did vs he was sorry for what he had done

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'He was sorry for what he did' is used when referring to a specific action in the past, while 'He was sorry for what he had done' is used when referring to a past action that had consequences or relevance to a later point in time.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 8392 views

he was sorry for what he did

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a specific action in the past.

This phrase is used to express regret for a particular action that occurred in the past.

Examples:

  • He was sorry for what he did, but he couldn't change the outcome.
  • She was sorry for what she did to hurt his feelings.
  • Suicide. - He left behind a note saying he was sorry for what he did.
  • He said he was sorry for teasing you as a kid.
  • Just that he was sorry for not coming by before his flight.
  • He said he was sorry for a murder which he doesn't even admit committing.
  • He said he was sorry for what he had to do and he took off.
  • And the younger guy kept saying that he was sorry, so sorry for doing this to me.
  • And the younger guy kept saying that he was sorry - so sorry for doing this to me.
  • He said he was sorry he missed my birthday.
  • Sal - he said he was sorry.
  • When I told him, - he was sorry...
  • He just cried and said he was sorry.
  • He said he was sorry. I heard him.
  • He said he was sorry, but he met his soulmate.
  • He wanted to say he was sorry.
  • So, that's what he said he was sorry about.
  • Billy said he was sorry he didn't get to say goodbye.
  • He said he was sorry and then fainted.
  • Got off the train and tried to find you to say he was sorry.
  • And, by the way Daniel said he was sorry.
  • He said he was sorry and I shouldn't be mad at him and other nice things.

Alternatives:

  • he was sorry for his actions
  • he regretted what he did
  • he felt remorseful for his actions
  • he apologized for what he did
  • he acknowledged his mistake

he was sorry for what he had done

This phrase is correct and is used when referring to a past action that had consequences or relevance to a later point in time.

This phrase is used to express regret for a past action that had an impact on a later event or situation.

Examples:

  • He was sorry for what he had done, as it caused a lot of trouble for his family.
  • She was sorry for what she had done, but the damage was already done.
  • He said he was sorry for teasing you as a kid.
  • I never felt sorry for anything I done... other than hurting my family.
  • Just that he was sorry for not coming by before his flight.
  • Suicide. - He left behind a note saying he was sorry for what he did.
  • You know, Jeeter, I feel just about as sorry for what Dude done... as anything I ever seen in my life.
  • He said he was sorry for a murder which he doesn't even admit committing.
  • He said he was sorry for what he had to do and he took off.
  • He said he was sorry. I am so done with him.
  • And the younger guy kept saying that he was sorry, so sorry for doing this to me.
  • And the younger guy kept saying that he was sorry - so sorry for doing this to me.
  • Anyway, he wants you to know that he's sorry for what he done, and for what he said about your kid and the family.
  • Sorry I done what I did.
  • And I am so sorry I've done to us.
  • He said he was sorry he missed my birthday.
  • Sal - he said he was sorry.
  • When I told him, - he was sorry...
  • He just cried and said he was sorry.
  • He said he was sorry. I heard him.
  • He said he was sorry, but he met his soulmate.
  • He wanted to say he was sorry.

Alternatives:

  • he was sorry for his past actions
  • he regretted what he had done
  • he felt remorseful for his past actions
  • he apologized for what he had done
  • he acknowledged his past mistake

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