always sorry for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "always sorry for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a consistent feeling of regret or sympathy towards someone or something. Example: "I am always sorry for the mistakes I made in the past."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In that picture she was always sorry for the clumsy pins, and the uneven parting in her hair.

The Economist

Worsley later wrote: "...I was always sorry for the twenty-two men who lived in that horrible place for four months of misery while we were away on the boat journey, and the four attempts at rescue ending with their joyful relief".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Mark Leckey is the Gordon Brown of art – always missing his target and always seeming sorry for himself.

The Guardian - Arts

BRANDON You're always sorry.

The New York Times

If we always felt sorry for others, then we could feel bad forever, because there will be always people with problems, and maybe you can't help them.

WikiHow

"I always felt sorry for that woman," he said.

The New York Times

We always feel sorry for Californians at Christmas- time because of their environment frustration.

The New Yorker

I always feel sorry for the specialist kickers when they get blitzed.

Independent

I crossed the line, and that is something I will always be sorry for".

The New York Times - Sports

We have always felt sorry for visitors to New York, and see no reason for recruiting them.

The New Yorker

I always felt sorry for Tessa Sanderson, who never quite emerged from the Whitbread shadow.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "always sorry for" when you want to express a consistent feeling of regret or sympathy. Ensure the context clearly indicates what or whom you are sorry for to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "always sorry for" when the regret is limited to a specific instance. Instead, opt for phrases like "I am sorry for" or "I was sorry for" to accurately reflect the scope of your regret.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "always sorry for" functions as a descriptor of a recurring or consistent emotional state. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in expressing repeated feelings of regret or sympathy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "always sorry for" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey a consistent feeling of regret or sympathy. Ludwig indicates that it appears frequently in news and media, as well as in wiki content. While its usage is generally neutral, it's important to consider the specific context to ensure appropriateness. Alternatives such as "constantly apologetic about" or "perpetually regretful for" can be used to add nuance. Avoid using the phrase when referring to isolated incidents of regret.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a constant state of apology for

Highlights the continuous state of being apologetic.

constantly apologetic about

Focuses on a state of being constantly in a mode of apology.

persistently feeling bad about

Focuses on a persistent feeling of guilt or sorrow.

habitually expressing sorrow for

Highlights the habitual expression of sadness.

perpetually regretful for

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of regret.

forever lamenting

Focuses on a continuous state of mourning or regret.

unendingly contrite about

Emphasizes that the feeling of contrition never ends.

incessantly remorseful about

Highlights an unending feeling of deep guilt.

continually expressing sympathy for

Emphasizes the repeated expression of sympathetic feelings.

ever feeling compassion for

Shifts the focus to consistent compassion rather than regret.

FAQs

How can I use "always sorry for" in a sentence?

You can use "always sorry for" to express a consistent feeling of regret or sympathy. For example, "I am always sorry for the mistakes I made in the past".

What are some alternatives to "always sorry for"?

Alternatives include "constantly apologetic about", "perpetually regretful for", or "habitually expressing sorrow for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "always sorry for"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase is frequently used to express ongoing regret or sympathy, as demonstrated by Ludwig AI.

What's the difference between "always sorry for" and "I'm sorry for"?

"Always sorry for" indicates a continuous or habitual feeling of regret, while "I'm sorry for" refers to a specific instance or event. The former implies an ongoing state, whereas the latter is typically a one-time expression.