How to Use "Sorry about the Confusion" vs. "Sorry for the Confusion" vs. "Sorry for the Confusion Caused": What's the Difference?

• "Sorry about the confusion," "sorry for the confusion" and "sorry for the confusion caused" are all acceptable ways to say sorry when there is a misunderstanding or a confusing situation.

What does "sorry for the confusion" mean?

When you say "sorry for the confusion," you are acknowledging the possibility of confusion or inconvenience caused by a particular situation and expressing regret or apology for any resulting misunderstanding.

The phrase is appropriate for any of these scenarios:

1. Miscommunication: If there has been a miscommunication or misunderstanding in an email, message, or conversation, and you want to clarify or correct the confusion.
2. Changes or Updates: When there are changes to plans, schedules, or information, and the alteration may have caused confusion.
3. Complex Instructions: If you've provided instructions or information that may be difficult to interpret, and you want to apologize for any resulting confusion.
4. Technical Issues: In situations where technical problems or errors might have led to confusion, such as on a website, in software, or during an online transaction.
5. Ambiguous Statements: When your previous statements or messages might have been ambiguous, and you want to make sure the other person understands your intended meaning.

Is it sorry "about" or "for" the confusion?

Both "sorry about the confusion" and "sorry for the confusion" are grammatically correct and commonly used. In general, "sorry for the confusion" is use more frequently.

If you want to clearly state the topic of conversation, you can add on to the phrase with "about" or "regarding," as in the examples below.

• Sorry for the confusion about the product specifications. The correct measurements are included in the updated user manual.
• Sorry about the confusion regarding the appointment time. It's actually scheduled for 2:30 p.m., not 2:00 p.m. as initially communicated.

"Sorry for the confusion caused" is also perfectly acceptable, and it's a good one to use if you want to clearly state the cause of the confusion using "by."

• Sorry for the confusion caused by the typo in my previous email. The event will take place in Wooster Hall, not Rooster Hall as mentioned earlier.
• Sorry for the confusion caused by the technical glitch on our website. We are working to resolve the issue promptly.

The use of "sorry about the confusion" and "sorry for the confusion" over time

The Ngram graph below shows how often "sorry about the confusion" and "sorry for the confusion" have been used from the 1800s to the 2000s. Overall, "sorry for the confusion" has been used more frequently, and it's seen a dramatic increase in use in the last 20 years, while "sorry about the confusion" is not used as much.

Example sentences of "sorry about the confusion"

1. Sorry about the confusion. We have clarified the updated project timeline in the latest email.
2. The meeting room has been changed to Room 102 for tomorrow's presentation. Sorry about the confusion.
3. We appreciate your patience as we work to resolve the technical issue on our website. Sorry about the confusion.
4. Sorry about the confusion. The correct login credentials for the new system are now provided in the user guide.
5. Sorry about the confusion. Our team is actively addressing the discrepancies in the recent product release information.

Example sentences of "sorry for the confusion"

1. Sorry for the confusion. We have updated the meeting location to Room 203.
2. Sorry for the confusion regarding the submission deadline. The correct deadline is next Friday, not Monday.
3. Our customer support team is available 24/7 for assistance. Sorry for the confusion.
4. The event starts at 6:30 PM, not 7:00 PM as previously stated. Sorry for the confusion.
5. Sorry for the confusion caused by the typo in my last email. The discount code is valid until the end of the month, not this week.

What are other ways to say "sorry for the confusion"?

1. Sorry for any confusion
2. Please forgive any confusion
3. I apologize for any confusion on my part
4. Apologies for the misunderstanding (very formal)
5. My mistake! (casual)

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References:

Definition of CONFUSION

an act or instance of confusing; the quality or state of being confused; a confused mass or mixture… See the full definition

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