awfully sorry

USAGE SUMMARY

'awfully sorry' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used as an apology for making a mistake or for an inconvenience caused by oneself. For example, "I'm awfully sorry for being late to the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

"I'm awfully sorry," he said.

The New Yorker

"I'm awfully sorry if it hurt anybody, particularly Al".

The New Yorker

"Awfully sorry," he managed to say to Emil.

The New Yorker

"I'm awfully sorry, Robert," she said again, murmuring also.

The New Yorker

A second later, he opened it again and said, "I'm awfully sorry.

The New Yorker

With the patrolman holding her arm, she leaned over Olga and said, "I'm awfully sorry I shot you.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

It looked awfully dark.

The New York Times - Sports

That sounds awfully grim.

Independent

That seems awfully sad.

The Guardian - Music

After a U.K. judge ruled that Apple had to apologize to archrival tablet maker Samsung for accusing it of copyright infringement over the iPad, the Cupertino, Calif.-based company went ahead and posted an awfully snarky sorry-note to the British version of its website.

Huffington Post

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

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "awfully sorry", follow it up with a brief explanation or an offer to make amends. This shows that you understand the impact of your actions and are committed to resolving the situation.

Common error

While "awfully sorry" is generally acceptable, avoid using it too frequently in casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "sorry" or "my bad" may be more appropriate and natural in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "awfully sorry" functions primarily as an expression of apology or regret. It modifies the adjective "sorry" with the adverb "awfully" to intensify the feeling of remorse. As Ludwig AI explains, it is often used as an apology for making a mistake or for an inconvenience caused by oneself.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "awfully sorry" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express sincere regret or apology. Ludwig AI confirms its common use in apologizing for mistakes or inconveniences. While suitable for various contexts, it's essential to consider the level of formality. More straightforward alternatives may be preferable in casual conversations, whereas "awfully sorry" adds a touch of politeness and earnestness. Predominantly found in "News & Media", it is advisable to follow up with a brief explanation to show understanding of the impact and commitment to resolving the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely sorry

Indicates a high degree of regret, similar to "awfully sorry" but with a more direct tone.

immensely sorry

Emphasizes the depth of the regret, suggesting a strong feeling of remorse.

frightfully sorry

A more formal and somewhat archaic expression of deep regret, maintaining a similar tone.

very sorry

A simple and direct expression of regret, less intense than "awfully sorry".

terribly sorry

Expresses strong regret or remorse, almost interchangeable with "awfully sorry".

deeply regretful

A more formal way of expressing regret, focusing on the feeling of regret itself.

sincerely apologize

Emphasizes the genuineness of the apology, conveying a formal and earnest tone.

offer my apologies

A polite and formal way of apologizing, suitable for professional settings.

beg your pardon

A formal and somewhat old-fashioned way of apologizing, often used for minor offenses.

excuse me

A polite way of apologizing for a minor inconvenience or interruption.

FAQs

What does "awfully sorry" mean?

"Awfully sorry" is a polite way of expressing sincere regret or apology. It indicates that you feel bad about something you have done or something that has happened.

When is it appropriate to use "awfully sorry"?

It is appropriate to use "awfully sorry" in situations where you want to express sincere regret, especially when you have caused someone inconvenience or distress. It's suitable for both formal and informal settings, though simpler alternatives may be better in very casual conversations.

What can I say instead of "awfully sorry"?

You can use alternatives like "extremely sorry", "very sorry", or "terribly sorry" depending on the context and the level of formality required.

Is "awfully sorry" formal or informal?

"Awfully sorry" is considered to be moderately formal. While it's acceptable in many situations, it may sound a bit stiff in very casual conversations. In such cases, simpler expressions like "sorry" or "my bad" might be more appropriate.