acutely sorry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acutely sorry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a deep or intense feeling of regret or remorse about a situation or action. Example: "After realizing the impact of my words, I felt acutely sorry for the pain I caused."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It was very difficult not to feel acutely sorry for BBC reporters as the apologies became more abject, the recriminations grew louder, and government gloating became smugger.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Sorry sorry sorry.

The New Yorker

P.M.S.: Sorry, sorry, sorry!

The New Yorker

Sorry, sorry, sorry!

BBC

Sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry.

HuffPost

I'm often acutely aware and sorry that she didn't have her life, because she was great fun, extremely hard-working and was a very clever girl.

The Guardian

Even the family's poverty has a theatrical quality, acutely recognised by Cassandra: "I have never thought of us as poor people - I mean, I have never been terribly sorry for us, as for the unemployed, or beggars".

The Guardian - Books

Acutely problematic.

The New York Times

Patient is acutely ill.

Independent

Wilson felt the loss acutely.

The New Yorker

Oh, sorry.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "acutely sorry" when you want to convey a strong and sincere feeling of regret, especially in formal or professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "acutely sorry" in casual conversations or informal settings, as it can sound overly formal or insincere. Simpler expressions like "very sorry" or "really sorry" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acutely sorry" functions as an intensifier (adverb) + adjective combination, modifying the adjective "sorry" to amplify the feeling of remorse or regret. Ludwig shows that it's used to express a heightened level of sorrow.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "acutely sorry" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to convey a strong feeling of regret. As indicated by Ludwig, it functions as an adverb-adjective combination to intensify the feeling of being sorry. While correct, it is relatively rare and best suited for formal contexts, as more casual situations may warrant simpler alternatives. The examples found by Ludwig are from news and media publications, solidifying the phrase's suitability for professional communication. While phrases like "deeply regretful" or "profoundly apologetic" can be used, it's essential to consider the situation and audience when opting for this expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keenly regretful

Similar to "acutely sorry", but uses "keenly" to emphasize the intensity of regret.

very sorry

A simpler, more direct way to express sorrow, lacking the intensity of "acutely".

sincerely apologetic

Focuses on the sincerity of the apology, conveying genuine regret and remorse.

deeply regretful

Focuses on the feeling of regret with intensity, shifting from active sorrow to a state of regret.

extremely remorseful

Highlights the feeling of remorse, intensifying the sense of guilt and regret.

profoundly apologetic

Emphasizes the depth of the apology rather than the sorrow itself.

intensely contrite

Stresses the feeling of contrition, indicating sincere remorse and willingness to atone.

gravely sorry

Implies a serious and weighty sense of sorrow, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

bitterly regretful

Adds a layer of bitterness to the regret, suggesting a painful and lingering sense of sorrow.

deeply ashamed

Shifts the focus to the feeling of shame, indicating a strong sense of embarrassment and regret.

FAQs

How can I use "acutely sorry" in a sentence?

You can use "acutely sorry" to express a deep feeling of regret or remorse. For example, "I am "acutely sorry" for the misunderstanding".

What's the difference between "acutely sorry" and "very sorry"?

"Acutely sorry" implies a more intense and profound sense of regret compared to the simpler and more common phrase, "very sorry".

What can I say instead of "acutely sorry"?

Alternatives include "deeply regretful", "profoundly apologetic", or "extremely remorseful", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "acutely sorry" appropriate for all situations?

While grammatically correct, "acutely sorry" is best suited for formal or serious situations where a strong expression of regret is warranted. In casual contexts, simpler phrases are generally preferred.