Exercises A1 : practice Apologizing in English (answers)

These exercises are based on the key apology expressions introduced in the course: Désolé, Pardon, and Excusez-moi. Practice using them correctly in everyday situations.

→ See the course : Apologizing in English : complete course

Exercise 1 : Choose the Right Apology

Read each situation and choose the most appropriate expression from the course.

1. • Désolé
   • Bonjour
   • Merci
   • Au revoir
2. • Excusez-moi
   • Pardon
   • Désolé
   • S'il vous plaît
3. • Pardon
   • Excusez-moi
   • Désolé
   • Non
4. • Désolé
   • Excusez-moi
   • Pardon
   • Bonjour

Correction

1. Désolé is the correct answer because it is a quick and sincere apology used when you have done something wrong.
2. Excusez-moi is the correct answer because it is used to politely get someone's attention.
3. Pardon is the correct answer because it is used as a quick apology when you need something repeated.
4. Désolé is the correct answer because it expresses a sincere apology for something you have done.

Exercise 2 : Match the Expression to the Situation

Match each apology expression from the course to the correct situation it describes.

1. Excuse me
2. Pardon
3. Forgive me
4. May I interject (formal setting)

• Also used in formal situations to politely interrupt someone before speaking.
• Used when you want to get someone's attention politely, for example before asking a question.
• Used as a quick and light apology, for example when you have not heard something clearly.
• Used when you feel genuinely sorry about something you have said or done.

Correction

1. Excuse me – Used when you want to get someone's attention politely, for example before asking a question.
2. Pardon – Used as a quick and light apology, for example when you have not heard something clearly.
3. Forgive me – Used when you feel genuinely sorry about something you have said or done.
4. May I interject (formal setting) – Excuse me is also used in formal situations to politely interrupt someone before speaking.

Exercise 3 : Complete the Apology

Fill in the blank with the correct apology expression from the course: Désolé, Pardon, or Excusez-moi.

1. ___, I did not mean to step on your foot.
2. ___, could you tell me where the station is?
3. ___, I did not catch what you said.
4. ___, I forgot to call you yesterday.

Correction

1. Désolé, I did not mean to step on your foot.
2. Excusez-moi, could you tell me where the station is?
3. Pardon, I did not catch what you said.
4. Désolé, I forgot to call you yesterday.