a shame

USAGE SUMMARY

"a shame" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express something unfortunate or regrettable. For example, "It's a shame she had to miss the concert."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A shame.

The New York Times - Books

ReprintsThis is a shame.

The Economist

Yeah, it's a shame.

Independent

"It was a shame.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a shame, really.

The New York Times

It seems a shame.

Independent

It's a shame.

The New York Times

Which is a shame.

The New York Times - Books

This is a shame.

The New York Times - Food

But that's a shame.

The New York Times - Food

Isn't that a shame?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a shame" to express mild disappointment or regret. It's suitable for situations that are unfortunate but not necessarily catastrophic. For stronger feelings, consider alternatives like "tragedy" or "disaster".

Common error

Avoid using "a shame" to describe genuinely tragic or devastating events. It can sound dismissive or insensitive. Choose stronger words to convey the appropriate level of concern and empathy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a shame" functions as a subject complement or appositive, typically following a linking verb like "is", "was", or "seems". It expresses a subjective assessment of something as being unfortunate or regrettable. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a shame" is a versatile phrase used to express mild disappointment or regret. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and wide applicability make it a valuable tool in various communication scenarios. Appearing most frequently in news and media contexts, but also common in scientific and business writing, it maintains a generally neutral register. When choosing to use "a shame", be mindful of the situation's seriousness and consider stronger alternatives for truly tragic events. Remember, you can always rephrase by using alternatives such as "it's unfortunate" or "it's regrettable", keeping your language precise and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's a pity

This phrase is a more direct synonym, expressing sorrow or regret.

it's too bad

This is a more informal way to express that something is regrettable.

it's unfortunate

This alternative emphasizes the unlucky or unfavorable nature of the situation.

it's regrettable

This alternative focuses on the feeling of regret associated with the situation.

it's disappointing

This alternative highlights the feeling of unmet expectations.

it's a lost opportunity

This alternative focuses on the missed chance or potential.

it's a cause for regret

This phrase emphasizes the reason for feeling regretful.

it's lamentable

This alternative emphasizes the sorrowful or mournful aspect of the situation.

it's a matter of concern

This highlights the worrisome aspect of the situation.

it's deplorable

This term suggests strong disapproval or condemnation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a shame" to express regret or disappointment about something. For example, "It's "a shame" that the event was canceled" or "It would be "a shame" to miss such an opportunity".

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

"A shame" and "a pity" are very similar and often interchangeable. Both express regret. "A pity" might carry a slightly stronger sense of sorrow, but the difference is minimal in most contexts.

What are some alternatives to saying "a shame"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "it's unfortunate", "it's regrettable", or "it's disappointing".

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "a shame"?

While generally acceptable, "a shame" might be too mild for very serious or tragic situations. In those cases, consider stronger expressions of sorrow or concern.