dreadfully sorry

USAGE SUMMARY

'dreadfully sorry' is a correct and usable phrase in written English, usually used to express an apology.
For example: "I am dreadfully sorry for not completing the assignment on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"I'm dreadfully sorry".

The New Yorker

"I'm dreadfully sorry about this, dreadfully, dreadfully sorry.

The Guardian

Say instead, we're dreadfully sorry but we're only allowed to accept Visa".

The New York Times

We own up to it, and we're dreadfully sorry it happened".

The New York Times

You can punch someone from the upper class in the face, and they'll go, "Oh, I'm dreadfully sorry".

The New York Times - Arts

Addressing the families in the court he said: "It has now dawned on me what it means to you, and I am dreadfully sorry".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"It's dreadfully sad.

The Guardian

It's dreadfully sad," says Champion.

The Guardian - Music

How dreadfully sad".

BBC

It's a dreadfully dismal piece of journalism.

Huffington Post

Sorry sorry sorry.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dreadfully sorry" to express a sincere and profound apology, particularly in situations where you want to emphasize the depth of your regret. It adds a touch of formality and seriousness to your expression.

Common error

While "dreadfully sorry" is a valid expression, avoid using it in casual or trivial situations. Overusing formal language can make your communication sound insincere or overly dramatic in inappropriate settings. Opt for simpler apologies like "sorry" or "I'm sorry" in everyday conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dreadfully sorry" functions primarily as an intensified expression of apology or regret. According to Ludwig AI, it's a grammatically correct phrase used to convey sincerity. The examples illustrate its use in scenarios where the speaker acknowledges fault or expresses sympathy.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dreadfully sorry" is a grammatically correct phrase that expresses a sincere and profound apology, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not as common as a simple "sorry", it adds a touch of formality and seriousness to the expression, most frequently appearing in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, remember that it's best suited for situations where a heightened level of remorse is appropriate. Be aware overuse in informal settings can make communications seem insincere.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

terribly sorry

Uses a different intensifier to express the depth of the apology, while maintaining a similar structure.

sincerely apologetic

Highlights the genuineness of the apology, suggesting a heartfelt expression.

profoundly apologetic

Suggests a deep and thoughtful apology, often used in serious situations.

deeply regretful

Emphasizes a profound sense of regret, focusing on the feeling itself.

immensely regretful

Indicates a very large degree of regret, suitable for formal contexts.

offer my sincerest apologies

A formal and polite way to convey a deep sense of apology.

extremely remorseful

Focuses on the feeling of deep guilt and repentance for one's actions.

express deep sorrow

Indicates a formal and heartfelt expression of grief or regret.

bitterly regret

Focuses on the negative emotion and a strong sense of disappointment.

have profound regrets

Expresses lasting and significant feelings of remorse over something.

FAQs

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

You can use "dreadfully sorry" to express a deep sense of apology. For instance, "I am dreadfully sorry for the inconvenience I caused."

What can I say instead of "dreadfully sorry"?

You can use alternatives like "terribly sorry", "deeply sorry", or "sincerely apologetic" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "dreadfully sorry"?

It's appropriate to use "dreadfully sorry" in formal or serious situations where you want to convey a strong sense of remorse or regret. It is often used when you feel a profound sense of responsibility for a mistake or mishap.

Is "dreadfully sorry" more formal than just saying "sorry"?

Yes, "dreadfully sorry" is more formal and conveys a greater degree of regret than simply saying "sorry". It's suitable for situations where a simple apology might seem insufficient.