English for Beginners: Complaints & Apologies
Dialogue
Alice and Bob are friends. Bob just discovered something surprising at home.
Bob: Alice, you won’t believe what I found this morning!
Alice: Oh, Bob, that sounds ominous. What is it?
Bob: It’s my ‘World’s Best Friend’ mug. Or, what’s left of it.
Alice: Oh no! The one with the slightly chipped handle? I am so, so sorry! I accidentally knocked it off the counter yesterday.
Bob: Slightly chipped? Alice, it’s in three pieces! And it wasn’t just any mug. It was a gift from my grandma!
Alice: I know, I feel terrible! I was trying to reach the top shelf for the cookies, and my elbow… just slipped.
Bob: Cookies over my grandma’s mug? That’s a low blow, Alice. A very low blow.
Alice: Please don’t be mad! I promise to buy you a new one. A better one!
Bob: A better one? Can it replace the sentimental value?
Alice: Maybe not, but I can get you a ‘World’s Best Friend’ mug and a whole box of those super-fancy cookies!
Bob: Hmm, cookies you say? Are they the double chocolate chip kind?
Alice: Absolutely! And I’ll even clean up the mess right now.
Bob: Alright, alright. I guess I can’t stay mad at you for too long. But next time, ask for help with the cookies!
Alice: Thank you, Bob! You’re the best. I really am sorry.
Bob: It’s okay, Alice. Just try to be more careful, especially around fragile heirlooms.
Alice: I will! And I’ll bring the cookies tomorrow.
Current Situation
In everyday life, we often need to express when something is wrong (a complaint) or when we have made a mistake (an apology). Knowing how to complain politely and apologize sincerely is very important for maintaining good relationships, whether with friends, family, or even strangers. For beginners, learning simple phrases to do this can help you navigate social situations more smoothly and show respect for others. This dialogue shows a lighthearted example of how friends handle a small mishap, moving from a complaint to an apology and then to a resolution.
Key Phrases
- You won’t believe what I found…: A casual way to introduce a complaint or a surprising discovery. Example: You won’t believe what I found in the fridge! My cake is gone!
- Oh no! / Oh dear!: Expressions of surprise or dismay when something bad happens. Example: Oh no! I dropped my phone!
- I am so, so sorry! / I’m very sorry.: A common and strong way to apologize. “So, so” makes it more emphatic. Example: I am so, so sorry! I forgot our meeting.
- I feel terrible!: Expressing strong regret or guilt. Example: I spilled coffee on your new shirt. I feel terrible!
- Accidentally knocked it off / My elbow slipped.: Ways to explain an unintentional mistake. Example: I accidentally knocked my phone off the table.
- That’s a low blow.: A humorous or slightly dramatic way to complain about something unfair or hurtful. Example: You ate the last slice of pizza? That’s a low blow!
- Please don’t be mad!: Asking someone not to be angry. Example: Please don’t be mad! I didn’t mean to break it.
- I promise to…: To guarantee that you will do something. Example: I promise to be on time next time.
- It’s okay. / Don’t worry about it.: Phrases to accept an apology or dismiss a complaint. Example: It’s okay, accidents happen.
- I can’t stay mad at you for too long.: A friendly way to show forgiveness. Example: You bought me flowers? I guess I can’t stay mad at you for too long.
- Try to be more careful.: A gentle suggestion to avoid future mistakes. Example: Please try to be more careful when crossing the street.
Grammar Points
- Simple Present Tense: Used for general truths, habits, and current feelings.
Examples: “I feel terrible.” (current feeling), “You are the best.” (general truth about character)
- Simple Past Tense: Used to talk about actions that happened and finished in the past.
Examples: “I knocked it off.” (a finished action), “My elbow slipped.” (a finished action)
- Modals for Apology/Promise (can’t, will):
- Can’t: Expresses inability or impossibility. In the dialogue: “I can’t stay mad at you.” (It’s impossible for me to stay angry.)
- Will: Used to express future actions or promises. In the dialogue: “I will clean up.” (a future action/promise), “I will bring the cookies.” (a promise)
- Imperatives (Commands/Suggestions): Used to give direct orders, instructions, or suggestions.
Examples: “Ask for help.” (an instruction), “Try to be more careful.” (a suggestion)
- Prepositions of Time and Place:
- On: Used for surfaces. “Knocked it off the counter.”
- For: Used to indicate purpose or reason. “Reach the top shelf for the cookies.”
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Complete the sentences
Choose the best word to complete each sentence.
- I broke your pen. I am so _________. (sorry / happy / loud)
- My coffee is cold! This is a _________! (apology / problem / party)
- It’s _________, don’t worry. (mad / okay / broken)
- I _________ to be more careful. (promise / break / give)
- Please don’t be _________ at me. (sad / angry / sorry)
Exercise 2: Match the phrase
Match the complaint with the most suitable apology or response.
- Complaints:
- You are late!
- My book is gone.
- This food is cold.
- I can’t find my keys.
- Apologies/Responses:
- I’m so sorry! I left them at your house.
- Oh no! I borrowed it. I’m sorry.
- I’m sorry, my alarm didn’t ring.
- I apologize. I will heat it up for you.
Exercise 3: Create a short apology/complaint
Write one sentence to apologize or complain for each situation.
- Situation: You forgot your friend’s birthday.
- Situation: Your friend used your pen without asking.
Answers
Exercise 1: Complete the sentences
- I broke your pen. I am so sorry.
- My coffee is cold! This is a problem!
- It’s okay, don’t worry.
- I promise to be more careful.
- Please don’t be angry at me.
Exercise 2: Match the phrase
- You are late! – c) I’m sorry, my alarm didn’t ring.
- My book is gone. – b) Oh no! I borrowed it. I’m sorry.
- This food is cold. – d) I apologize. I will heat it up for you.
- I can’t find my keys. – a) I’m so sorry! I left them at your house.
Exercise 3: Create a short apology/complaint
- Situation: You forgot your friend’s birthday.
Possible answer: “I am so sorry I forgot your birthday!” or “Oh no, I feel terrible! Happy belated birthday!” - Situation: Your friend used your pen without asking.
Possible answer: “Hey, that’s my pen! Please ask next time.” or “Can I have my pen back? I need it.”
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