Apology Phrases + First Conditional

4.1.         Apology Phrases

1.      Apology words and phrases for letters

Here are some useful words and phrases for apology letters. You should note that I have divided into different categories as it is important that you choose you language carefully according to the situation. The idea is that you need different phrases according to

·         how well you know the person – more formal/less formal

·         how big a problem you are apologising for

You will find an exercise at the end of the lesson to test your skills.

2.      How to break the bad news

The first step is normally to show that something bad has happened. The two key words and phrases help you explain something bad has happened for which you need to apologise are

Unfortunately,

I’m afraid that

Another nice phrase for more informal letters is

I’ve got some bad news to break/tell you

3.      A simple apology

If it is a small problem you may just need to say sorry. You should see though that you need to think about whether you want to use but/that/for

I’m sorry but  – “I’m sorry but I won’t be able to come to the party”

I’m sorry that – “I’m sorry that I broke you mug“

I’m sorry for – “I’m sorry for not having replied sooner“

4.      A stronger apology

These are phrases that work when there is a bigger mistake

I do apologise for – “I do apologise for failing to meet you at the station”

I must apologise for – “I really must apologise for 

I sincerely apologise for – “I sincerely apologise for the trouble this has caused you”

5.      Being more informal
If you are writing to a friend you may choose to use a more informal phrase:

I’m ever so sorry – “I’m ever so sorry that we won’t see each other next week

I’m really sorry – “I’m really sorry that I’ve lost that book you lent me”

6.      Being more formal

Again, if you’re writing to someone you don’t know that well you want  a more formal phrase. Typically, we use either the verb apologiseor the noun apology.

I would like to apologise – “I would like to apologise for missing my appointment with you“

Please accept my apologies for – “Please accept my apologies for the disturbance caused”

7.      Thinking about the consequences

 Something else you may need to do is to apologise for any difficulty. These phrases should help:

I’m sorry if this puts you out – an idiom appropriate for informal letters

I do apologise for any inconvenience caused – a more formal variation

I hope that this does not cause you any problems – a more neutral variation

4.2.           First Conditional

The first conditional has the present simple after 'if', then the future simple in the other clause:

if + present simple, ... will + infinitive

It's used to talk about things which might happen in the future. Of course, we can't know what will happen in the future, but this describes possible things, which could easily come true.

• If it rains, I won't go to the park.
• If I study today, I'll go to the party tonight.
•  If I have enough money, I'll buy some new shoes.
•  She'll be late if the train is delayed.
• She'll miss the bus if she doesn't leave soon.
• If I see her, I'll tell her.

4.2.1.  First vs. Zero Conditional:

The first conditional describes a particular situation, whereas the zero conditional describes what happens in general.

For example (zero conditional): if you sit in the sun, you get burned (here I'm talking about every time a person sits in the sun - the burning is a natural consequence of the sitting)

But (first conditional): if you sit in the sun, you'll get burned (here I'm talking about what will happen today, another day might be different)

First vs. Second Conditional:

The first conditional describes things that I think are likely to happen in the future, whereas the second conditional talks about things that I don't think will really happen. It's subjective; it depends on my point of view.

For example (first conditional): If she studies harder, she'll pass the exam (I think it's possible she will study harder and so she'll pass)

But (second conditional): If she studied harder, she would pass the exam (I think that she won't study harder, or it's very unlikely, and so she won't pass)

Source :

http://www.dcielts.com/ielts-letters/apology-words-and-phrases/

http://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/first-conditional.html