What I'm talking about is:

I'm sorry, but that car is ugly.




Quote Originally Posted by malkin View Post
Hmmm. I'm still mulling this over.

As a linguist I wonder if some of the "I'm sorry but..." is a way to attach a dependent clause.

If someone dinged another car and left a note, is one of these preferable?

A. I'm sorry that I dented your fender.
2. I'm sorry but I dented your fender.
iii. I'm sorry I dented your fender.

(As I was writing them, I thought they'd be the same, but reading them over, I have a clear favorite and a clear least favorite.) Anyone else?