Business English from All Ears English BE 498: My Coworker Said “My Mistake” - Were They Being Sarcastic?
Dec 2, 2025
Explore the nuances of the phrase 'my mistake' in the workplace. Discover when it’s a genuine apology and when it veers into sarcasm. The hosts break down the importance of tone, demonstrating how intonation can signal confrontational meaning. Through engaging role-plays, they highlight how sarcasm can contribute to a toxic environment. Get valuable tips on assuming sincerity and reading cues effectively, ensuring clear communication with coworkers.
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Literal Use Of "My Mistake"
- "My mistake" can be used literally to admit an error and apologize.
- Use it for straightforward small mistakes like wrong report versions or spreadsheet figures.
Use "My Bad" For Casual Slip-Ups
- Use "my bad" for casual, small apologies like arriving late or minor oversights.
- Avoid it in formal meetings; choose a more formal apology instead.
Own It With "That's On Me"
- Say "That's on me" to take responsibility and command respect.
- Use it to show ownership and plan corrective actions, especially when project management caused issues.