What a shame

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What a shame, shame, shameful waste.

Huffington Post

What a shame to forget".

The New Yorker

What a shame it wasn't easy.

The New Yorker

"What a shame," says the teacher.

The New Yorker

What a shame," Mrs. Travers said.

The New Yorker

What a shame, I thought.

The New York Times

"What a shame," Jeb said.

The New Yorker

What a shame that is.

The Guardian - Opinion

(What a shame for the Aussies).

The Guardian - Sport

What a shame there's no television yet.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

What a shame he's a gelding.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience when using "What a shame", as it can sometimes sound dismissive if not used empathetically.

Common error

Avoid using "What a shame" in highly formal or professional settings where a more nuanced or elaborate expression of regret would be more appropriate. Phrases like "It is regrettable that..." or "I am disappointed to learn..." may be better alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "What a shame" primarily functions as an exclamatory expression used to convey disappointment, regret, or a sense of misfortune regarding a particular situation. As Ludwig AI explains, it is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. Examples from news and media sources demonstrate its usage in reacting to unfavorable events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "What a shame" is a versatile and widely used phrase for expressing disappointment or regret. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and prevalent across various contexts, especially in News & Media. While appropriate for general conversation, it's best to avoid it in highly formal settings, opting for more elaborate expressions of regret. Consider using alternatives like "it's a pity" or "that's too bad" to add nuance. Remember to gauge your audience and adjust your language accordingly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It's a pity

Replaces "shame" with "pity", a synonym expressing mild regret.

That's too bad

A more general expression of disappointment.

It's regrettable

A more formal way of expressing regret.

It's unfortunate

Similar to "that's too bad", but slightly more formal.

That's a disappointment

Directly expresses the feeling of disappointment.

It's a crying shame

Emphasizes the regrettable nature of the situation.

Such a loss

Focuses on the aspect of something being lost or missed.

What a waste

Highlights the idea of something valuable being squandered.

That's a real letdown

Emphasizes the feeling of being let down or disappointed.

It's a damn shame

A more emphatic way of expressing regret or disappointment.

FAQs

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

"What a shame" is typically used as a standalone exclamation to express disappointment or regret. For example, "I heard the event was cancelled. What a shame!"

What are some alternatives to "What a shame"?

Alternatives include "it's a pity", "that's too bad", or "it's unfortunate", depending on the level of formality desired.

Is "What a shame" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "What a shame" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "It is regrettable" or "It is unfortunate".

What's the difference between "What a shame" and "what a pity"?

The phrases are very similar in meaning and can often be used interchangeably. However, "What a shame" might carry a slightly stronger sense of disappointment than "what a pity".