sorry for taking so long vs Sorry To Keep You Waiting

Both phrases are correct and commonly used in English to apologize for making someone wait. They convey a similar message but with slightly different nuances. The first phrase acknowledges the delay in completing a task or returning, while the second phrase specifically addresses the act of making someone wait.

Last updated: March 25, 2024

sorry for taking so long

This phrase is correct and commonly used to apologize for a delay in completing a task or returning.

This phrase is used to apologize for taking an extended amount of time to complete a task or return to someone. It expresses regret for the delay.

Examples:

Sorry for taking so long to get back to you.
I'm sorry for taking so long to finish the report.

Show examples from the web [+]

I'm back, sorry for taking so long.
I'm back, sorry for taking so long.
I am sorry for taking so long, but this is a very sensitive and very important issue. I wanted to give as full a reply as possible.
I wanted to say thank you for the ham, and sorry for taking so long to say thank you.
Sorry it's taking so long.
I'm sorry it's taking so long.
Yes, sorry it's taking so long.
Sorry this is taking so long.
Sorry this is taking so long.
[Engine starts] Sorry this is taking so long.
Yeah. Mrs. Freeman, I am so sorry this is taking so long.
Sorry this is taking so long, but 221 names to check against the thousands playing... we have a match.
I am sorry, Madam President, for taking so long, but I have expressed a belief that comes from my experience with these countries every day.
For taking so long to tell you.
He'd have my head for taking so long.
He was apologizing for taking so long to die.
For taking so long to say that it bothered you.
I apologize for taking so long to reply.
I'm sure he has a perfectly good reason for taking so long.
"Dearest Henry," please forgive me for taking so long to write.

Alternatives:

Apologies for the delay.
Sorry for the delay.
I apologize for the wait.
I'm sorry for the tardiness.

Sorry To Keep You Waiting

This phrase is correct and commonly used to apologize for making someone wait.

This phrase is used to apologize for keeping someone waiting. It acknowledges the inconvenience caused by the delay.

Examples:

Sorry to keep you waiting for so long.
I'm sorry to keep you waiting, I got caught up in traffic.

Show examples from the web [+]

Mrs. Welter, sorry to keep you waiting.
Sorry to keep you waiting, detective Miller, But one of my nurses is retiring, And she wanted a pizza party.
Again, sorry to keep you waiting.
Sorry to keep you waiting, Johnny.
I'm sorry to keep you waiting, but we're going to have to step on it.
Sorry to keep you waiting, Williamson.
Sorry to keep you waiting, dear.
Walter, sorry to keep you waiting.
So sorry to keep you waiting, Father Clemente.
Sorry to keep you waiting, Dr. Cukrowicz.
Gentleman. Sorry to keep you waiting.
Sorry to keep you waiting, but... me and the missus was playing fish.
VOGEL: Sorry to keep you waiting.
Gentlemen. Sorry to keep you waiting.
Sorry to keep you waiting, Gregory.
Sorry to keep you waiting, I... had a personal emergency.
Sorry to keep you waiting, Tom.
Sorry to keep you waiting, mama.
Sorry to keep you waiting, major.
Emily, sorry to keep you waiting.

Alternatives:

Apologies for the delay.
Sorry for the wait.
I apologize for the delay.
I'm sorry for the holdup.

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sorry for taking so long vs Sorry To Keep You Waiting