a pity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a pity' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express regret or sympathy. For example, "It's a pity that he had to miss the conference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A pity.

The Economist

It seems a pity.

The Economist

"It's a pity, no?

The New York Times

It's really a pity.' ".

The New York Times

And that's a pity.

The New York Times

A pity, really.

The New York Times - Books

Which is a pity.

Forbes

It was a pity.

The New Yorker

"That's a pity".

The New York Times

What a pity".

The New York Times

"That is a pity".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a pity" to express mild regret or disappointment in situations where a stronger emotional response is not warranted. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While acceptable, avoid using "a pity" excessively in highly formal writing. Opt for stronger, more precise language to convey your sentiment effectively. For example, use the phrase "it is unfortunate".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pity" functions primarily as an exclamatory expression used to convey a sense of regret, disappointment, or sympathy about a particular situation. It serves as a subjective commentary on an event or circumstance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a pity" is a versatile expression used to convey feelings of regret, disappointment, or sympathy. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used in English, particularly in news and media contexts. While it can be employed in both formal and informal settings, it's essential to consider the specific context to ensure appropriateness. Alternatives such as "it's a shame" or "it's unfortunate" can offer subtle variations in meaning or formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's a shame

Similar to "a pity", but emphasizes the feeling of something being regrettable or causing disappointment.

such a shame

Another way to emphasis the regret, is more colloquial than "a pity".

that's a real shame

Emphasizes the intensity of the regret or disappointment.

it's too bad

A more casual way of expressing regret, often used in informal conversations.

it's unfortunate

Focuses on the negative outcome or situation, using a more formal tone than "a pity".

that's regrettable

Highlights the regretful nature of the situation, suitable for formal contexts.

what a disappointment

Emphasizes the feeling of letdown or unfulfillment.

it's regrettable indeed

Adds emphasis to the regrettable nature of the situation.

it's a matter of regret

Formal way to express feeling or sadness about something that has happened.

it's a lost cause

Indicates that something cannot be salvaged or improved, expressing a sense of hopelessness.

FAQs

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

You can use "a pity" to express mild regret or disappointment about a situation. For example, "It's "a pity" that the event was canceled" or "A pity we couldn't meet."

What are some alternatives to saying "a pity"?

Alternatives to "a pity" include "it's a shame", "it's unfortunate", or "that's regrettable", depending on the context and level of formality you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it's a pity" or "that's a pity"?

Both "it's "a pity"" and "that's "a pity"" are grammatically correct and commonly used. The choice depends on the specific context and what you are referring to.

What is the difference between "a pity" and "a shame"?

While both ""a pity"" and "a shame" express regret, "a shame" often carries a slightly stronger sense of disappointment or something being regrettable. They are largely interchangeable in many contexts.