sorry

[Taka]

I've heard someone saying that the expression 'I'm sorry but..' is only for something I did (or didn't do)/have done (or haven't done) but not for something I usually do (or usually don't).

Is it really true? You native speakers won't use 'I'm sorry, but...' when it's about your bad habit?

[Gillnetter]

I've heard someone saying that the expression 'I'm sorry but..' is only for something I did (or didn't do)/have done (or haven't done) but not for something I usually do (or usually don't).

Is it really true? You native speakers won't use 'I'm sorry, but...' when it's about your bad habit?

No, that doesn't sound right.

I'm sorry, but excuse me for a minute while I step outside for a cigar and a beer while I think about your question. I'm sorry, but I'll have to leave now if I'm going to get to class on time. I'm sorry, but I couldn't hear you because of the storm.

[Taka]

So let's suppose friends of mine would like me to return their calls promptly, but I'm lazy about calling. Is it natural to say 'Im sorry my friends, but I'm basically lazy about calling'?

[SoothingDave]

Yes, it's fine. You're not really "sorry" cause you're not planning to change your behavior, but you are being polite.

[waflob]

In this case, it's a polite filler.
We Brits apologise all the time, even when it's clearly not our fault. If you want to test this, deliberately bump into people and see how many apologise to you !

[Taka]

OK.

Thank you everyone!