am sorry that

USAGE SUMMARY

"I am sorry that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to express regret about a situation or to apologize for something. For example, "I am sorry that I couldn't attend your birthday party last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I am sorry, that was not my intention.

FAO

I am sorry that this upset you.

The New York Times

I am sorry that she was upset.

The Guardian - Arts

"I am sorry that it has taken two years.

The New York Times

I am sorry that the seed fell on stony ground.

The New Yorker

I am sorry that I came across that way.

Yale University

"Actually, I am sorry that we did not liquidate him".

The New York Times

"I am sorry that I am a punching ball.

The Guardian - Sport

I am sorry that one of them messed up Antonio.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

I am sorry that this has been such a bad experience".

The New Yorker

I truly am sorry that I caused you any pain".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "am sorry that", clearly state the reason for your apology to ensure sincerity and understanding.

Common error

Avoid overusing "am sorry that" in situations where a simple acknowledgement or expression of understanding would suffice. Constant apologies can diminish their impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "am sorry that" functions as an apology or expression of regret. Ludwig examples show it introducing explanations for unintended actions, disappointments, or unfortunate circumstances. It serves to connect a feeling of remorse with a specific situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

24%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

13%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "am sorry that" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to express regret or apologize. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use in diverse contexts, including news, academia, and business. While it's important to use it sincerely and appropriately, it remains a valuable tool for effective communication when acknowledging mistakes or expressing empathy. Remember to tailor your apology to the specific situation and to avoid overuse to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm deeply sorry that

Highlights the depth of the regret felt.

I'm so sorry for

Adds emphasis to the apology, conveying a stronger sense of remorse.

I regret that

Emphasizes regret over a situation, using a more formal tone.

I feel bad that

Indicates empathy and concern about the consequences of an action.

I apologize for

Focuses on a direct apology for a specific action or event.

Please forgive me for

Directly seeks forgiveness for a mistake or oversight.

I'm ashamed that

Conveys a sense of embarrassment and regret.

It's my fault that

Acknowledges personal responsibility for a negative outcome.

I shouldn't have

Expresses regret for something done or said.

I take full responsibility for

Accepts accountability for the situation and its consequences.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "am sorry that"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "I regret that" or "I apologize for", depending on the context.

How can I make "am sorry that" sound more sincere?

To convey sincerity, follow "am sorry that" with a clear explanation of what you're apologizing for and, if possible, a commitment to rectify the situation. For example, "I'm sorry that I missed the deadline; I'll prioritize it now and ensure it's completed by tomorrow."

Is there a difference between saying "I am sorry that" and "I'm sorry that"?

The difference between "I am sorry that" and "I'm sorry that" is primarily one of formality. "I am sorry that" is slightly more formal, while "I'm sorry that" is more conversational. Both are grammatically correct and widely accepted.

What can I say instead of "am sorry that" if I want to express empathy rather than apologize?

If your intention is to express empathy, you could say, "I understand that", "I sympathize with", or "I feel bad that", depending on the context and your relationship with the person.