WRITING A COVER LETTER

Dear {Mr./Mrs./Professor Last Name}, I am terribly sorry that I was tardy for {name of class or lecture}. I understand that your time is valuable, as is that of my fellow students, and that {class or lecture} begins at a certain time for a reason. My time is not more important than anyone else's, so it was inexcusable for me to come in late and disrupt {class or lecture} in the manner in which I did. Again, I am very sorry for what I did. I hope you know this will not happen again. Sincerely, {Sender}

Dear {Recipient}, I know how awful it is when you're counting on someone and he/she lets you down, so that makes it even harder for me to try to find the words to apologize for my late appearance at the {party, business meeting, etc.}. I am aware that you expected me to be there at {HH:MM}, and that I showed up late, which embarrassed both of us. I never enjoy putting anyone in a situation like that, and I am truly sorry that you had to endure those moments of wondering where I was. And I regret that you had to try to make excuses for my tardiness. I hope I can make this up to you in the future. Please give me a call as soon as possible so that we can talk, and so that I can apologize in person. Regretfully, {Sender}