a pity for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pity for" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when expressing regret or sympathy about a situation or someone's feelings. Example: "It's a pity for her that she missed the opportunity to travel."

News & Media

Sports

General Discussion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

That is a pity for individual investors.

The New York Times

What a pity for art and for England.

The New Yorker

A pity for a man who cares so much.

Independent

It is a pity for the rest of the neighbours".

The Guardian

A pity for us but also for him".

The Guardian - Sport

To repeat, what a pity for New York fans.

The New York Times

Which is a pity for the wider story around Foxconn.

The Guardian - Tech

Which is a pity, for evolutionary logic does, indeed, seem to require that.The argument is this.

The Economist

And that is a pity, for there is enough genuine uncertainty surrounding AIDS, without manufacturing more.

The Economist

That is a pity, for this very pleasant city has worked hard to make itself so.

The Economist

This is a pity, for Istanbul is dreafully short of well-written guides.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using stronger synonyms like "a shame for" or "unfortunate for" if you need to convey a more impactful sentiment of regret or disappointment.

Common error

While "a pity for" is acceptable, overuse in formal contexts can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your phrasing by using alternatives such as "it's regrettable for" or other synonyms to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pity for" functions as an interjectional phrase expressing regret or sympathy regarding a particular situation and its consequences for someone or something. Ludwig AI recognizes that this is a common construction for expressing concern.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Sports

20%

General Discussion

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a pity for" serves to express regret or sympathy, commonly used in news and sports contexts to highlight the unfortunate impact on individuals or groups. While Ludwig AI considers it acceptable, be mindful of the subtle awkwardness it may carry and consider stronger alternatives, especially in formal writing. Vary your phrasing to ensure clarity and impactful communication in your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shame for

Replaces "pity" with "shame", offering a direct synonym with a slightly stronger connotation of disapproval.

unfortunate for

Substitutes "pity" with "unfortunate", shifting the focus to the adverse circumstances affecting someone or something.

it's regrettable for

Introduces a formal tone by using "regrettable" instead of "pity", suitable for more serious contexts.

sadly for

Replaces "a pity" with "sadly", directly expressing sorrow or unhappiness about the situation.

a loss for

Emphasizes the negative consequence or deprivation caused by the situation, rather than mere regret.

it's a disappointment for

Highlights the feeling of unmet expectations or dissatisfaction caused by the event.

it's a matter of regret for

Presents the situation as something that causes ongoing sorrow or remorse.

too bad for

Offers a more casual and less empathetic way of expressing regret, suitable for informal contexts.

it's lamentable for

Uses a more literary and formal term, "lamentable", to describe the unfortunate situation.

it's a crying shame for

Intensifies the expression of regret by adding "crying" to "shame", indicating a stronger emotional response.

FAQs

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

You can use "a pity for" to express regret or disappointment about a situation and its impact on someone or something. For example, "It's "a pity for" the team that their star player was injured before the finals."

What are some alternatives to "a pity for"?

Alternatives to "a pity for" include "a shame for", "unfortunate for", or "regrettable for". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a pity for"?

Yes, it is grammatically acceptable, although Ludwig AI notes it might sound slightly awkward. Using synonyms can sometimes improve the flow and impact of your writing. Consider "too bad for" when writing informally.

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

While both express regret, "a shame for" often carries a stronger sense of disappointment or disapproval than "a pity for". "A shame" suggests something should have been different, while "a pity" simply expresses sadness about the current situation.