How to apologize if you accidentally said something at work that's racist, sexist, or offensive

"I'm sorry that I offended you, but that wasn't my intent."

"Sorry, it was just a joke!"

Queens College associate professor David Rivera, a co-author on an upcoming book called “Microaggression Theory: Influence and Implications”, told Business Insider that he hears too often of these sort of half-apologies.

Apologizing for offending someone is an attempt to validate your own comment by implying that the other person just reacted poorly, Rivera told Business Insider.

It's also a way to brush off any allegations that you did something wrong.

"The apology should be earnest and include an awareness that you engaged in microaggressive behavior," Rivera told Business Insider.

So, if you realize you made a blunder by complimenting a non-white coworker who was born in America on their English skills, you can try: "I'm sorry for what I just said. That was totally out of line, and based off the false impression that you were not born in America. My apologies again."

There's no need to continue to dwell on it right after you've said it, especially if it's in front of other people, Williams said.

But you may want to follow up later with the person with an additional apology if it seems appropriate.

Rivera said the best way to move on from saying a microaggression is to have "open communication about diversity and inclusion."

That could involve setting up a diversity task force within your company, or keeping educated by reading publications, like Everyday Feminism or Mic, that focus on diverse perspectives and activism.