Apologising for a delayed reply · Writing a concise apology

Writing a concise apology in context, with bilingual examples and practice.

Application goal: Writing a concise apology.

Use a specific subject, state your purpose early and finish with the action needed. Keep the tone polite and leave out unrelated details.

Context: Apologising for a delayed reply. Identify the wording that achieves this goal, then adapt the details to a situation of your own.

Practical examples

Dear Mr Ahmed, I apologise for the delay in replying to your enquiry.

السيد أحمد المحترم، أعتذر عن التأخر في الرد على استفساركم.

I needed to confirm the available dates with our training team.

كنت بحاجة إلى تأكيد المواعيد المتاحة مع فريق التدريب.

We can offer the requested session on either 12 or 19 June.

يمكننا تقديم الجلسة المطلوبة إما في 12 يونيو أو في 19 يونيو.

Check your understanding

1. Choose the closest Arabic meaning of this expression: Dear Mr Ahmed, I apologise for the delay in replying to your enquiry.
2. Choose the English expression that matches this meaning: يمكننا تقديم الجلسة المطلوبة إما في 12 يونيو أو في 19 يونيو.