feel sorry

USAGE SUMMARY

"feel sorry" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase usually used to express remorse for something you have done or something that has been done to someone else. Example sentence: I feel sorry for not being able to help you with your problems.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sorry, feel sorry, or regret?

The New Yorker

Feel sorry for her.

The New Yorker

I feel sorry even.

The New York Times

Let's all feel sorry..

The New York Times

I feel sorry for him".

The New York Times - Sports

"Don't feel sorry for us".

The New York Times

"I feel sorry for them".

The New York Times

I feel sorry for that.

The Guardian - Sport

We feel sorry about it.

The Washington Post

"Don't feel sorry for yourselves.

The Guardian - Business

I feel sorry for 'em".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "feel sorry", ensure the context is clear about who or what you feel sorry for. This avoids ambiguity and makes your sentiment more impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "feel sorry" as a veiled form of self-praise. Saying "I feel sorry for those who can't do what I do" can come across as arrogant and insensitive. Focus on genuine empathy instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel sorry" functions primarily as a verb phrase expressing an emotion or sentiment. As indicated by Ludwig, it generally conveys regret, sympathy, or compassion towards a person, situation, or event. The phrase usually takes an object, specifying for whom or what the feeling is experienced.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "feel sorry" is a commonly used expression to convey feelings of regret, sympathy, or compassion. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, its neutral register makes it suitable for broad communication. When writing, ensure clarity about the object of your sympathy to maximize the impact. While Ludwig finds the expression completely valid, it's important to avoid misusing it as a veiled attempt at self-praise. The related phrases offer alternative ways to express similar emotions with subtle nuances, and exploring these can enrich your writing. Top sources that use the term include The New York Times, The Guardian, and BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be sympathetic

Highlights a general state of understanding and sharing someone else's feelings.

express regret

Focuses on the act of communicating regret rather than the feeling itself.

have compassion

Emphasizes a deeper, more empathetic understanding of someone's suffering.

be filled with sorrow

Focuses on the intense feeling of sadness and grief.

take pity on

Implies a sense of looking down on someone while feeling sorry for them.

commiserate with

Suggests sharing in someone's unhappiness or disappointment.

be remorseful

Indicates a deep and painful regret for wrongdoing.

offer condolences

Refers to formally expressing sympathy, especially after a death.

lament the situation

Implies expressing sorrow or regret about circumstances.

rue the day

Expresses bitter regret about something that happened.

FAQs

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

You can use "feel sorry" to express sympathy or regret, such as, "I "feel sorry" for your loss" or "I "feel sorry" that I couldn't help more".

What are some alternatives to "feel sorry"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "express regret", "have compassion", or "be sympathetic". Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to say "I am feeling sorry"?

Yes, "I am feeling sorry" is grammatically correct and acceptable. It's a more continuous or immediate way of expressing the sentiment compared to "I "feel sorry"".

What's the difference between "feel sorry" and "feel pity"?

"Feel pity" often implies a sense of superiority or distance from the person or situation, while ""feel sorry"" can be more empathetic and understanding. Pity can sometimes be perceived as condescending.