Question:
Choose the most concise and clear statement from the following that conveys the same idea:
Choose the most concise and clear statement from the following that conveys the same idea:
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When giving reasons for non-attendance, avoid stacking multiple apology phrases — one is enough to keep it concise.
Updated On: Aug 7, 2025
- I am sorry, a prior engagement prevents me from joining you at dinner on Monday.
- I regret to say that I am very sorry that a previous engagement will prevent me from joining you at dinner on Monday.
- I regret to inform you that because of a previous engagement I will be prevented from joining you at dinner on Monday.
- I am sorry to say that I am unable to join you at dinner on Monday because of a prior engagement.
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
The aim is to express the reason for not attending in the shortest and clearest way possible.
Option (B) is unnecessarily long with multiple apologies (“I regret to say that I am very sorry…”).
Option (C) uses “I regret to inform you” which is formal but adds length without improving clarity.
Option (D) is also clear but slightly longer due to “I am sorry to say that I am unable to join you…” instead of the more concise “prevents me from joining you.”
Option (A) is the shortest and most direct: it clearly states the apology, the reason, and the event in one smooth sentence.
Option (B) is unnecessarily long with multiple apologies (“I regret to say that I am very sorry…”).
Option (C) uses “I regret to inform you” which is formal but adds length without improving clarity.
Option (D) is also clear but slightly longer due to “I am sorry to say that I am unable to join you…” instead of the more concise “prevents me from joining you.”
Option (A) is the shortest and most direct: it clearly states the apology, the reason, and the event in one smooth sentence.
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