What a pity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "What a pity" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express disappointment or sympathy about a situation. Example: "I heard that the concert was canceled due to bad weather. What a pity!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What a pity".

The New York Times

What a pity, those lovely beasts!

Independent

"What a pity," lamented El Mundo Deportivo.

The Guardian - Sport

What a pity, many sherry-makers thought.

The New York Times - Travel

"What a pity," she said.

The New Yorker

What a pity, I murmured.

The New Yorker

What a pity The Apprentice is back.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"What a pity," Ms. Almonte said.

The New York Times

What a pity the machine works the way it does.

The Economist

What a pity there's no First Amendment to protect him.

The New Yorker

What a pity this workout doesn't deliver a stronger kick.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "What a pity" to express empathy or disappointment, particularly in response to bad news or unfortunate situations. It's more impactful when genuinely felt.

Common error

Avoid using "What a pity" sarcastically or in trivial situations, as it can come across as insincere or inappropriate. Reserve it for moments that warrant genuine sympathy.

Linguistic Context

"What a pity" functions as an interjection or exclamation, primarily used to express feelings of sorrow, regret, or disappointment about a particular situation or event. Ludwig AI confirms its use across diverse contexts, as illustrated by examples expressing regret over missed opportunities or unfortunate circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "What a pity" is a versatile phrase used to express disappointment, sympathy, or regret. According to Ludwig AI, this expression is grammatically correct and very common, predominantly appearing in News & Media. While generally appropriate, it's important to use it sincerely and avoid overuse in trivial situations. Alternatives like "what a shame" or "That's too bad" can be used depending on the desired level of formality and the specific context. Remember to reserve this phrase for occasions where genuine empathy is warranted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

What a shame

Synonymous expression, differing only in the specific noun used to convey regret.

That's too bad

Informal expression indicating disappointment about a situation.

It's regrettable

A more formal way of expressing that something is unfortunate.

That's unfortunate

Neutral way to express that something is not desirable.

It's a crying shame

Emphasizes the regrettable nature of a situation.

What a misfortune

Highlights the unlucky or adverse nature of an event.

It's a loss

Implies that something valuable has been lost or is absent.

Such a disappointment

Focuses specifically on the feeling of unmet expectations.

How unfortunate

Similar to "That's unfortunate" but with a slightly different phrasing.

It's a matter of regret

Formal expression denoting a feeling of sorrow or remorse about something.

FAQs

How can I use "What a pity" in a sentence?

Use "What a pity" to express sympathy or disappointment regarding an unfortunate event. For instance: "I heard about your accident, "what a pity"!"

What is a more formal alternative to "What a pity"?

A more formal alternative to "What a pity" is "That is regrettable" or "It's unfortunate."

Is "What a pity" the same as "What a shame"?

"What a pity" and "what a shame" are very similar and often interchangeable. Both express disappointment about an unfortunate event or situation.

When is it inappropriate to use "What a pity"?

It is inappropriate to use "What a pity" sarcastically, or in situations that do not warrant genuine sympathy or disappointment.