extremely sorry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extremely sorry" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a strong sense of regret or apology in various contexts, such as personal or professional situations. Example: "I am extremely sorry for the inconvenience caused by the delay in our service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I'm extremely sorry".

The New York Times

"We are extremely sorry".

The Guardian

I'm extremely sorry about it.

Independent

And for that we are extremely sorry.

The New York Times

To the victims, I am extremely sorry".

The New York Times

CLEESE -- I'm extremely sorry I murdered your aunt.

The New York Times

"If I have offended anyone, I am extremely sorry".

The New York Times

To anyone I have offended I am extremely sorry.

The Guardian

We are extremely sorry for any offence caused".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We are extremely sorry for the frustration this has caused our customers.

The New York Times

Frank is extremely sorry for the embarrassment caused and has apologized to the palace".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "extremely sorry" with a specific explanation of what you are apologizing for. This makes the apology more sincere and shows you understand the impact of your actions.

Common error

Avoid using "extremely sorry" in trivial situations. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make you appear insincere. Save it for situations that truly warrant a strong apology.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extremely sorry" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a subject, expressing a strong sense of regret or apology. It is commonly used after forms of the verb 'to be' (e.g., I am, we are) to convey remorse, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "extremely sorry" is a common and grammatically correct way to express deep regret or remorse. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears most frequently in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, indicating a neutral to slightly formal register. When using this phrase, ensure the situation warrants a strong apology and consider providing a specific explanation for your regret. While alternatives like "deeply sorry" and "sincerely apologetic" exist, "extremely sorry" remains a powerful and direct way to convey your feelings. Be cautious not to overuse it in trivial situations, as this can diminish its sincerity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very regretful

Offers a slightly less intense alternative to "extremely sorry".

exceptionally regretful

Highlights the unusual degree of regret.

deeply regretful

Emphasizes the depth of regret experienced.

profoundly apologetic

Emphasizes the intensity and depth of the apology.

sincerely apologetic

Highlights the genuineness of the apology.

earnestly sorry

Stresses the honesty and sincerity of the sorrow.

truly remorseful

Focuses on the feeling of deep regret for past actions.

bitterly regretful

Emphasizes the painfulness and intensity of regret.

genuinely contrite

Stresses the sincere repentance and sorrow.

utterly ashamed

Highlights the feeling of intense shame and regret.

FAQs

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

You can use "extremely sorry" to express deep regret or apology. For example, "I am "extremely sorry" for the mistake I made during the presentation", or "We are "extremely sorry" for the inconvenience caused".

What are some alternatives to saying "extremely sorry"?

Alternatives to "extremely sorry" include "deeply sorry", "sincerely apologetic", or "truly remorseful". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

When is it appropriate to use "extremely sorry"?

"Extremely sorry" is appropriate when you want to convey a high degree of regret or remorse. It is suitable for situations where a significant error, offense, or inconvenience has occurred and a strong apology is warranted.

Is "extremely sorry" too strong in certain situations?

Yes, using "extremely sorry" in minor situations can seem insincere or exaggerated. For less serious matters, consider using milder expressions like "very sorry", "a little sorry" or "I apologize".