"Please Forgive" In Official E-mails

Hi All,

Is it fine to use "Please forgive me/us" in official emails, internally, and in client interactions irrespective of whether the clients are American or British? Please guide.

Thanks, Kavita

Hi,

I know we can use "I apologize," "am sorry," "sorry for the inconvenience," etc. But U.S.-based Dr. Phyllis Davis, a Business Etiquette Expert and Job Consultant who works for Fortune 500 companies and has been interviewed by CNN, BBC, Wall Street Journal, etc., suggests saying "please forgive" instead, as we should not express apologies in business. However, my boss advises against using it, while I agree with Dr. Phyllis Davis. What do you suggest?

Chow,
Kavita

Hi Kavitha,

It is not a very good or impressive language. You can use something else:
1. Please ignore.
2. Sorry for the inconvenience.
3. By mistake, etc.

Thanks,
Manish

Kavita,

It is not correct to use 'please forgive me/us' in business. "Apologies" or "I apologize" is the correct usage for business communication. Most Asians translate literally, and this makes them appear subservient, which is not the case.

PVQuinn

Hi Kavita,

Usage of the appropriate term also depends on the context in which it is being used. Besides "Apologies / I apologize" terms like "Kindly excuse us/ me" could be alternate options depending on the context.

Naina

Hi Kavitha,

In business writing, the usage of words should sound professional. For that sake, let it be Apology, Sorry, Excuse me, Forgive me; they will make the same sense - in fact, they are synonyms. So it purely depends on the situation and addressee, the context, and content of the mail.

So it purely depends on you how you are going to use these. Hope I make myself understandable?

Anyway, you can always ping me for more information at karthikghali@gmail.com.

Good luck and all the very best.

Cheers,
Karthikghali

To ask for forgiveness is to acknowledge that a blunder has occurred. An appropriate method would be to express, "I understand that the event has caused you a lot of anguish, pain, or loss. On behalf of my company and also in my individual capacity, I deeply regret it," etc.

Kumar Kant