be sorry about something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be sorry about something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing regret or remorse regarding a specific situation or action. Example: "I really am sorry about the misunderstanding we had during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

You can't be sorry about something that's fundamentally you.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Elroy said, "Say you're sorry again and I'll give you something to be sorry about".

The New Yorker

Personally, I am sorry about something I wrote about Dan Maes, the Republican nominee for governor of Colorado and possibly the worst candidate for anything in the entire country this year.

The New York Times

"Sometimes when you tell it you're sorry about something, it automatically forgives you, even if that's not the kind of sorry you meant," Sam explains to one RePose user, but the bug in the software turns out to be its saving grace: "It's like it's hard-wired for absolution".

The New York Times - Books

If you really miss someone, really are sorry about something, really want to express how sickly you are in love with them, do It the old fashion way.

Huffington Post

When someone in the audience yelled what sounded like, "Say you're sorry," Robbins laughed and said "I'm not gonna be inauthentic and say I'm sorry about something I'm not sorry about".

Vice

If you don't at least try to change, your apology will lack sincerity, becoming basically a admission that you're sorry about something, but not sorry enough to do anything about it.

WikiHow

"Nothing to be sorry about".

The New Yorker

The paper indeed had something to be sorry about.

The New York Times

I will cry into your ear and give you something to be sorry about.

The New York Times

"There is nothing to be sorry about.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be sorry about something", clearly specify what you are feeling sorry about to avoid ambiguity and ensure your apology is sincere and well-received.

Common error

Avoid saying you are "sorry about something" without clearly stating what you are apologizing for. A vague apology can come across as insincere or dismissive. Always be specific to show you understand the impact of your actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be sorry about something" functions as an expression of regret or remorse. It typically modifies a statement or action, indicating that the speaker feels bad about something that has happened or something they have done. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be sorry about something" is a versatile and widely used phrase for expressing regret, remorse, or empathy. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While it fits comfortably in both formal and informal settings, clarity is key – always specify what you're sorry about. For alternative expressions, consider using "regret something" or "feel remorse for something" to add nuance to your communication. Remember to be specific when apologizing to ensure sincerity and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Regret something

Uses a more concise verb to express remorse.

Feel remorse for something

Emphasizes a deeper sense of guilt or regret.

Be apologetic about something

Focuses on the act of apologizing rather than the feeling of regret.

Express regret over something

Highlights the outward expression of remorse.

Be contrite about something

Indicates a sincere feeling of regret and repentance.

Have regrets about something

Expresses the existence of feelings of regret.

Lament something

Implies a more sorrowful expression of regret.

Be penitent about something

Suggests a desire to atone for wrongdoing.

Rue something

A more formal and literary way to express regret.

Be ashamed of something

Highlights the feeling of shame associated with the action.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "be sorry about something"?

You can use alternatives like "regret something", "feel remorse for something", or "be apologetic about something" depending on the context.

How do I use "be sorry about something" in a sentence?

Use "be sorry about something" to express regret or remorse. For example: "I'm sorry about the misunderstanding" or "She was sorry about the mistake she made."

What's the difference between "be sorry about something" and "apologize for something"?

"Be sorry about something" expresses the feeling of regret, while "apologize for something" is the act of formally expressing regret. You can be sorry without apologizing, and you can apologize without truly being sorry.

Is it better to say "I'm sorry" or "I'm sorry about something"?

Both are acceptable, but "I'm sorry about something" is more specific. It clarifies what you are apologizing for, making your apology more sincere and meaningful.