alack

USAGE SUMMARY

'alack' is a perfectly correct word to use in written English.
It is an interjection expressing sorrow or regret, and can be used in many different contexts. For example: "Alack, I completely forgot to turn in my assignment!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

After a series of close range volleys, every conceivable action was taken to rally the men but, alack, to no avail.

The New York Times

But where, alack, is Bewick To tell the meaning now?

The Guardian - Arts

Alas, alack, way off the mark, which is a shame as Craig probably could have done with something to take the edge off Kirk's take on sex education.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Alas and alack.

The Guardian - Money

But what's really compelling is alack of information – or what is more particularly being called "an absence of empirical data".

The Guardian

In "Girl Meets Boy," Smith makes a truly Shakespearean joke out of the phrase "alas and alack," which slyly becomes "A lass and a lack" (i.e., a girl, and a girl who "lacks" the all-important male parts).

The New Yorker

Others, alack, are indestructible.

The New York Times - Arts

Alas and alack, life is filled with hurt.

The New York Times - Books

Alack, alack!

Encyclopedia Britannica

Alack, I love myself.

The New Yorker

Alack and alas, I can't see the cricket right now, so have no idea if this was a case of the former.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "alack" with other archaic or literary terms to create a consistent tone. Avoid mixing it with modern slang or informal language, unless for deliberate humorous effect.

Common error

Avoid using "alack" in casual conversation or informal writing. It sounds out of place and can detract from your message. Opt for more contemporary expressions of regret like "alas" or "unfortunately" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "alack" is an interjection. It serves to express a sudden emotion, specifically sorrow, dismay, or regret. Ludwig AI identifies its use as an emotional expression, as seen in examples like "Alas and alack, life is filled with hurt."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

13%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "alack" is an interjection used to express sorrow or regret, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While grammatically correct, it's considered somewhat archaic and is more frequently encountered in literary contexts than in modern everyday speech. Its use adds a touch of formality and can enhance the emotional impact of a statement. Consider using synonyms like "alas", "unfortunately", or "sadly" for more contemporary expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alas

A more common and versatile synonym expressing sorrow or regret.

unfortunately

A straightforward expression of regret, suitable for many contexts.

sadly

Expresses sorrow or unhappiness about a situation.

regrettably

Formally expresses regret or disappointment.

woe is me

A more dramatic and self-pitying expression of sorrow.

it's a pity

Expresses mild regret or disappointment.

what a shame

Similar to "it's a pity", but perhaps slightly stronger.

to my dismay

Expresses disappointment and surprise.

if only

Expresses a wish that things were different.

too bad

A more casual expression of regret.

FAQs

How to use "alack" in a sentence?

"Alack" is an interjection expressing sorrow or regret. For example, you might say, "Alack, I have forgotten my keys!" or "Alack, the day is ruined!" It's typically used for emphasis and is more common in literature than everyday speech.

What can I say instead of "alack"?

You can use alternatives like "alas", "unfortunately", or "sadly" depending on the context. These are more common in modern English.

Is "alack" still used in modern English?

While "alack" isn't commonly used in everyday conversation, it can still be found in literature, historical fiction, or theatrical performances. It adds a touch of archaism and can evoke a sense of old-fashioned sorrow or regret.

What is the origin of the word "alack"?

"Alack" is derived from the Middle English word "alaik," which expresses grief or lament. It has been used in English literature for centuries, particularly by playwrights like Shakespeare.