Hi All, Is it fine to use "Please forgive me / us" in official emails, internally and in client interactions irespective if the clients are Americans or British? Please guide. Thanks, Kavita
From India, Pune
From India, Pune
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
From India, Pune
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
From India, Pune
Hi Kavitha, It is not a very good or impressive language. You can use something else 1. please ignore 2. Sorry for the inconvinence 3. By mistake, etc Thanks Manish
From Denmark, Copenhagen
From Denmark, Copenhagen
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
From United Arab Emirates, Dubai
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
From United Arab Emirates, Dubai
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
From United States
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
From United States
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
From India, Delhi
Kumar Kant
From India, Delhi
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