I got another Question about the English language. Well heres my situation: I learned English at school for three years and I thought that after all that work I can speak English but today I was sitting in a bus with my mum and a woman from Ireland came in and her bag hit me. She said "Im sorry" and I didnt know what to say. I just smiled and hoped shed inderstand it. I now notice that after three years of school English I have learned nothing. I mean not absolutely nothing because I can write a little bit as you see but even a simple everyday situation is too much for me. It was embarassing because she tried to talk to me and all i could say was "yes and "I know". But back to my question: If she says shes sorry what do I say? Or do I say nothing and just leave the situation like this? I mean I wanna say that it didnt bother me that it was okay or whatever but how(if I should) do i say that?
And dont just say that i cant speak English because i know that now.
2006-07-27 05:04:10 · 23 answers · asked by ? 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
If it's something simple like someone bumping into you, you say "that's OK" or "No problem!"
By the way, your writing in English is really good, so don't be discouraged. You will get more confident about speaking with practice.
2006-07-27 05:08:49 · answer #1 · answered by surlygurl 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well there is a couple of things you can say. If the person has done something very wrong to you, and it's a somewhat serious situation that truly requires an apology, you could be more formal and say "Apology accepted". If it's kind of an informal situation like what happened to you, it would be more appropriate to just say "No problem" Or "don't worry, no harm done" or "it's okay".
2006-07-27 12:10:37 · answer #2 · answered by It's me again 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In that situation, "no problem", "it's okay", or "you're fine" would be good responses.
The response that people usually use will vary depending on the area you live in. "You're fine" is particularly popular where I live, but some English speakers will sound it's weird. So if you listen carefully you can hear what other people around you say, and then imitate them.
2006-07-27 23:21:10 · answer #3 · answered by drshorty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The most common response to someone saying "I'm sorry," is "that's O.K." or "its O.K." or maybe your more familiar with, "that's okay" spelling, signifying that the accident did not make you angry. Never say "apology accepted," because it is too formal to use in such a spontaneous situation.
2006-07-27 12:11:48 · answer #4 · answered by ScareBear 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may say "It's alright, I'm ok" in a casual way. In a formal way, it's better to say "Your apology is accepted." In certain cultures, a smile is important to every courteous gesture and it shows politeness. Try experimenting every answer you give other people when they say "I'm sorry", observe how they react. Perhaps try saying "i'm sorry" to others and hear what they say =) Good luck!
2006-07-27 12:12:14 · answer #5 · answered by Springboard 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's a lot of etiquette or social responses you should read and learn about. Also, when you can notice what other people say and do that seems effective, well received and polite.
In this instance, just say, "It's okay." "It's alright," or "No problem."
2006-07-27 23:24:19 · answer #6 · answered by skellyatsogang 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the reason you feel poorly about the situation is because you didn't follow your instincts. if someone does something wherein they feel it appropriate to exclaim "i'm sorry", it is your job as a representative of the english language to articulate yourself correctly.
the only correct response in this situation would have been to shout, "D*MN STRAIGHT, YOU'RE SORRY! TOUCH ME AGAIN!! THATS WHAT I THOUGHT!! GET OUT MY FACE!!!"
only then would you have projected a proper sentiment to the statement "i'm sorry".
don't let it happen again.
2006-07-27 12:54:29 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I say "I'm burry", lol. that's a joke in Spanish.
now seriously, in that situation I'd have said "it's OK" or "don't worry". I think is not a big deal and it doesn't mean that you haven't learned anything. I think you're doing pretty good.
2006-07-27 12:12:26 · answer #8 · answered by electric_girl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are lots of ways you can respond if someone apologizes for something like bumping you. The easiest would be just to say, "It's okay." (Meaning that there is no harm done.) Another one I frequently say is "Don't worry about it!"
2006-07-27 12:10:54 · answer #9 · answered by Kate 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just say, that's okay or apology accepted or not a problem. Or just smile big & say we're all human & make mistakes.
2006-07-27 12:09:20 · answer #10 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋