a real pity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a real pity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express disappointment or regret about a situation or event. Example: "It's a real pity that the concert was canceled due to the weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

It's a real pity".

The New York Times

"That was a real pity.

The New York Times

I think it's a real pity.

The New York Times

"That was a real pity," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

"That would be a real pity".

The Guardian - Sport

Which is a real pity," says Cynthia, frostily.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

LISTEN carefully, and in amongst the current chorus of Jeremiads against the dreadful state of England's youth, you can hear an interesting counter-current of real pity for those approaching adulthood in 2011.

The Economist

The real pity here, though, was not that a critic's sense of rightness was thwarted but rather that an explosive display of virtuosity, imagination and wit was seen and heard by so few.

The New York Times - Arts

In days past, I would've felt real pity for this guy, trapped with a nightmare.

Vice

Real pity, too, because Bush seems like he's a good man".

The New York Times

Either way, the real pity for A.I.G.'s primary constituents — American taxpayers — is that as a foreign company, A.I.G. can't list A.I.A. in Shanghai — where the business was originally founded 90 years ago.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a real pity" to express disappointment when something could have been better or when a desirable outcome was not achieved. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a real pity" for minor inconveniences. Save it for situations where the disappointment is genuinely significant. Overusing it can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a real pity" functions as an exclamatory expression used to convey regret or disappointment about a particular situation. It often serves to express that something is unfortunate or undesirable. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a real pity" is a common phrase used to express disappointment or regret. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media. While it can be used in formal writing, slightly more elevated alternatives might be preferred. When using the phrase, ensure the level of disappointment matches the situation to maintain its impact. Common sources include The New York Times and The Guardian. Ultimately, understanding the context and purpose will ensure its effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's unfortunate

This option provides a straightforward and neutral way of saying something is disappointing.

what a shame

This variant is a common expression used to indicate that something is regrettable or disappointing.

it's a crying shame

This alternative uses a more emphatic expression to denote the regrettable nature of a situation.

it's regrettable

This alternative offers a more formal way to express disappointment about something.

that's a disappointment

This alternative directly labels something as causing disappointment.

that's too bad

This is a casual way of saying something is unfortunate or disappointing.

it's a matter of regret

This option uses a more formal tone, emphasizing the feeling of regret.

it's a cause for lament

This alternative suggests a deeper sense of sorrow or grief over a situation.

it's a lost opportunity

This phrase focuses on the aspect of a missed chance or potential benefit.

it's a source of sorrow

This alternative implies a deeper, more emotional level of sadness or regret.

FAQs

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

You can use "a real pity" to express disappointment or regret. For example, "It's "a real pity" that the event was canceled" or "That's "a real pity", I was looking forward to it."

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

More formal alternatives include "it's regrettable" or "it's unfortunate". These options are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is "a real pity" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "a real pity" is generally acceptable in formal writing, although alternatives like "it is regrettable" or "it is unfortunate" might be preferred for a more elevated tone.

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

"A real shame" and "a real pity" are very similar in meaning and can often be used interchangeably. However, "a real shame" might imply a stronger sense of disappointment or moral regret than ""a real pity"".