altogether sorry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "altogether sorry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a complete or total feeling of regret or apology. Example: "After realizing the impact of my actions, I felt altogether sorry for the hurt I caused."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Nor am I altogether sorry about the Just Not Sorry plug-in – of course women shouldn't have to navigate their working lives in the manner of cringing perma-apologetic wrecks.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Greeks may not have been altogether sorry: the tyrant Gelon would have been an ideologically awkward ally in a struggle for Greek freedom from arbitrary one-man rule.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After nearly a week on the twisting, narrow roads of Triglav, we were not altogether sorry to reach the four-lane freeway that led back to Ljubljana, where we turned in our rental car, closing the loop.

The New York Times - Travel

There were some tapestries which I minded less and a most famous and wonderful manuscript [The Benedictional of St Aethelwold], but I'm not altogether sorry it's not here because it was almost too valuable for private hands.' He also sold a Rembrandt (The Philosopher), which turned out later not to be by Rembrandt, and he chuckles heartily when reminded of it: 'Yes, wasn't that lucky!

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In fact, it might be simpler just to leave feminism out of it altogether… Sorry for that facetious lapse.

The Guardian - Opinion

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

Alternatively, how about abandoning this sorry exercise altogether?

The Economist

But those ways in recent years have not been altogether good, even including, sorry to say, during the Democratic administration of Barack Obama.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "altogether sorry" when you want to convey a complete and genuine sense of regret, ensuring the context aligns with the somewhat formal tone.

Common error

Avoid using "altogether sorry" in casual conversations. It's more appropriate for formal writing or situations where a deep sense of regret needs to be conveyed. Opt for simpler expressions like "very sorry" or "truly sorry" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "altogether sorry" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying an implied or stated subject to express a complete feeling of regret or apology. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

50%

Academia

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "altogether sorry" is a grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to express a complete feeling of regret. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, though it's considered rare. It's most suitable for formal writing and serious apologies, found mainly in news media and encyclopedias. While effective for emphasizing remorse, simpler alternatives like "very sorry" or "deeply sorry" might be preferable in everyday conversations. Remember to consider the context to ensure the appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely sorry

Uses "extremely" to intensify the feeling of being sorry.

fully regretful

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes the completeness of the regret.

thoroughly regretful

Emphasizes the extent and completeness of the regret.

completely apologetic

Focuses on expressing apology and emphasizing its completeness.

truly apologetic

Focuses on expressing sincere apology, emphasizing the act of apologizing.

sincerely remorseful

Highlights the feeling of deep and genuine regret, similar in intensity.

wholeheartedly regretful

Emphasizes the sincerity and completeness of the regret, suggesting deep feeling.

deeply regretful

Implies a strong sense of remorse, more intense than "altogether sorry".

genuinely contrite

Emphasizes a feeling of sincere repentance, suggesting a moral dimension to the regret.

utterly penitent

Suggests a strong sense of remorse and a desire to atone for wrongdoing, more formal.

FAQs

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

"Altogether sorry" is used to express a complete feeling of regret. For example, "I am "altogether sorry" for the misunderstanding" conveys a deep sense of remorse.

What's a more common alternative to "altogether sorry"?

While "altogether sorry" is grammatically correct, more common alternatives include "very sorry", "truly sorry", or "deeply sorry", which might be more suitable for everyday conversation.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "altogether sorry"?

It's best to use "altogether sorry" in formal or serious situations where you want to express a complete and sincere sense of regret, like in a formal apology or when discussing a grave mistake.

Is "altogether sorry" the same as "completely sorry"?

Yes, "altogether sorry" and "completely sorry" are very similar in meaning, both expressing a thorough sense of regret. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or the specific context.