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Ludwig provides contextual example sentences from reliable sources like The New York Times, BBC, and academic publications, helping you understand how words and phrases are used in real-world contexts. This improves both writing fluency and comprehension skills.

Ludwig is trusted by students, teachers, researchers, and professionals worldwide. It's used by top universities including MIT, Stanford, Harvard, and Oxford, as well as professionals in tech companies like Adobe.

What makes Ludwig different from other writing tools?

Ludwig focuses on providing real example sentences from authoritative sources, not just grammar checking. This contextual approach helps users understand not just what's correct, but how language is actually used by native speakers and professional writers.

Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

Sorry in advance
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"Sorry in advance" is a correct and usable phrase in written English
You can use it when you know that something you are about to do or say may cause someone else inconvenience or offense. For example, "I'm sorry in advance, but I'm afraid I must decline your invitation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Sorry not sorry in advance.

News & Media

HuffPost

I won't always be politically correct, and I'm sorry in advance".

News & Media

The New York Times

I hate all that theatrical luvvie stuff, so I'm sorry in advance, but she's a joy.

News & Media

The Guardian

We hope you'll enjoy it, and we're sorry in advance to those we might upset.

News & Media

The Guardian - Music

Still, I was embarrassed as I left the voice mail, in which I said I was sorry in advance for this article and any imprecise or inadequate characterizations of her that might appear in it.

News & Media

The New Yorker

It doesn't mean that anyone is obliged to forgive people who abuse them, or even that I plan on being cordial and compassionate to every teenage boy who tells me I'm too fat to get raped (sorry in advance, boys: I still bite).

News & Media

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Those wishing to have their photo taken with Professor Ferguson can book online in advance (sorry, Visa only).

News & Media

The Guardian

I chose these three - sorry, I will not reveal the other two in advance - because of their gorgeous settings and/or exceptional slate of global cinema.

News & Media

Huffington Post

I feel most sorry for the ones who had their holidays booked in advance.

News & Media

Independent

That said, we have added a new slide to the Speculatron, and Elyse and I want you to know in advance that we are very, very sorry.

News & Media

Huffington Post

I'm sorry if your favourite isn't here, and I apologise in advance to Wales, Birmingham, Auchenshuggle.

News & Media

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

✓ Best practice

Use "sorry in advance" when you anticipate causing minor inconvenience or offense, but ensure it doesn't become a preemptive excuse for truly harmful behavior.

⚠ Common error

Avoid using "sorry in advance" repeatedly as a way to deflect responsibility for actions that you know will be genuinely hurtful or damaging. It's not a substitute for thoughtful behavior.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sorry in advance" functions as a pre-emptive apology. It acknowledges the possibility of causing inconvenience, offense, or disruption, softening the impact of a future action or statement. As Ludwig AI points out, this anticipates potential negative consequences.

Expression frequency: Common

✓ Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

12%

⚠ Less common in

Formal & Business

Science

Encyclopedias

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sorry in advance" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to preemptively apologize for a potential inconvenience or offense. As Ludwig AI confirms, this anticipatory apology is found frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki contexts. While acceptable across a range of situations, it's crucial to avoid overusing it as a shield to deflect responsibility for genuinely harmful actions. Alternatives like "I preemptively apologize" or "apologies in anticipation" may be more suitable for formal settings. In essence, "sorry in advance" serves as a polite gesture indicating awareness and consideration, but should be used judiciously and sincerely.

Alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I preemptively apologize

More formal and explicitly states the act of apologizing.

apologies in anticipation

Formal alternative emphasizing anticipation of causing trouble.

forgive me beforehand

Emphasizes seeking forgiveness before the event.

excuse my future actions

Directly asks for forgiveness for actions yet to happen.

please forgive what's coming

Requests forgiveness for an impending negative event.

I regret to inform you in advance

Introduces bad news or inconvenience with regret.

More alternative expressions(6)

disappointed in advance

had in advance

excuse in advance

apologise in advance

apologizing in advance

apologize in advance

FAQs

How can I use "sorry in advance" in a sentence?

You can use "sorry in advance" to preemptively apologize for a minor inconvenience. For example, "Sorry in advance, the meeting might run over by 10 minutes."

What's the difference between "sorry in advance" and "I apologize"?

"Sorry in advance" is used before the action happens, anticipating a need for apology. "I apologize" is used after the action, expressing remorse for something already done.

What are some alternatives to saying "sorry in advance"?

You can use alternatives such as "apologies in anticipation", or "forgive me beforehand", depending on the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "sorry in advance" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, in highly formal contexts, it might be better to use more formal alternatives like "I preemptively apologize" or express regret more directly without using the "in advance" construction.

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Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

82%

Authority and reliability

4.4/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

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Sorry in advanceGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

Sorry in advance
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples