Formal Apology Letter
A formal apology letter requires certain extra elements to underscore the sentiment, reinforce the message, convey to the recipient that you're taking the situation seriously, and that you are truly sorry.

The content or 'ingredients' for a formal apology remain the same as always, it's the format, language, and presentation of the letter that brings formality.
Keep in mind that a formal apology is most often intended for companies or groups, and individuals that we feel deserve a certain level of respect, but they aren't always necessary. It really depends on the situation and the players involved.
If a formal approach is warranted then take note of the following guidelines.
A formal letter should always be typed and written on quality paper. It should be concise and on point (especially when mistakes are made), be approximately three paragraphs in length and free of any typos or grammatical errors.
In terms of layout, a standard block business format should be used, which means that everything is justified left and single spaced except in between paragraphs.
For all formal letters, Times New Roman or another standard serif font should be used.
Formal Letter of Apology Example
Below you'll find notes & tips to guide you through the process of writing a formal letter.
⇩ Versión en español: Carta de disculpa formal / profesional
Notes | Formal Apology Letter Template |
Salutation |
Dear _______________, |
The 1st paragraph should begin with your apology along with a detailed account of the situation.
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Please accept my sincere apology for ___________________on/at ________. It was wrong of me to _________________, and I am truly sorry. Avoid using any contractions (didn't and it's, I'm etc.). "Did not" and "It is" are more suitable for formal apology letters. Avoid using any casual language, slang, or vague terms for the entire body of the letter. |
In the 2nd paragraph acknowledge the hurt and damage done, take full responsibility, without making excuses. |
I can appreciate how [hurt/angry] and [frustrated/disappointed] you are given the consequences of my actions and the trouble I have caused. |
In the 3rd, promise that it won't happen again, include a statement of regret, and provide some way of easing the pain caused or form of restitution if appropriate. |
Please be assured that I have taken all the necessary measures so that this type of mistake never happens again. |
End your letter by apologizing again and asking for forgiveness. |
Once again, I am truly sorry and humbly ask for your forgiveness. Sincerely yours, (or Respectfully yours,) |
CARTA DE DISCULPA FORMAL / PROFESIONAL
Esta carta de disculpa formal puede ser fácilmente modificada y adaptada a su situación.
La carta a continuación incluye un conjunto de "Notas", así como algunos consejos, para guiarle en el proceso de escribir una carta de disculpa profesional.
Utilice las notas y consejos como guía, rellene los espacios en blanco y añada sus propios datos.
Sólo recuerde ser profesional, mantener las cosas claras y concisas, y evitar cualquier lenguaje subjetivo (palabras como horrible o terrible, etc.).
Notas | Plantilla de carta de disculpa formal |
Saludos |
Querido (a) _______________, |
El primer párrafo debe comenzar con su disculpa junto con un relato detallado de la situación.
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Por favor, acepte mis sinceras disculpas por ___________________sobre/en ________. Fue un error de mi parte _________________, y lo siento de verdad. Evita usar cualquier contracción (no lo hice y es, estoy etc.). "No lo hice" y "Es" son más adecuados para las cartas de disculpa formales. Evita usar cualquier lenguaje casual, jerga o términos vagos en todo el cuerpo de la carta. |
En el 2o párrafo reconozca el daño y el perjuicio causado, asuma toda la responsabilidad, sin poner excusas. |
Puedo apreciar lo [herido/enojado] y [frustrado/decepcionado] que te dan las consecuencias de mis acciones y los problemas que he causado. |
En el tercero, prometa que no volverá a suceder, incluya una declaración de arrepentimiento y proporcione alguna forma de aliviar el dolor causado o una forma de restitución si es apropiado. |
Le aseguro que he tomado todas las medidas necesarias para que este tipo de error no vuelva a ocurrir. |
Termine su carta disculpándose de nuevo y pidiendo perdón. |
Una vez más, lo siento mucho y humildemente pido su perdón. Sinceramente suyo, (o respetuosamente suyo,) |
→ Lea nuestro artículo completo sobre cómo escribir una carta de disculpa.
This formal apology letter can easily be modified and tailored to your situation. Think of it as a framework.
Use the notes and tips as a guide, fill in the blanks, and add your own details. Just remember to be professional, keep things clear and concise, and avoid any subjective language (words like awful or terrible etc.).
Is your manager or superior the recipient of your formal apology? Then check out our sample of an apology letter for a boss.