feel sorry that

USAGE SUMMARY

"feel sorry that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express regret for something. Example Sentence: I feel sorry that I could not make it in time for your birthday party.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

I have mixed feelings – I feel sorry that it is about to be over, and I feel happy that we had such a successful week.

Unicef

You feel sorry that they're so factually challenged".

The New York Times

I feel sorry that he felt that way.

The Guardian

"I feel sorry that the fat cats won't get done.

The Guardian

"I feel sorry that one of us had to lose," Djokovic said.

The New York Times - Sports

I feel sorry that you have associated yourself with my name for such a long time.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

I felt sorry that she had carried this burden for all those years - she was such a sweet person.

The Guardian

Benitez felt sorry that night for himself, for the Mets, and for Al Leiter, whom he cost a victory.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Cameron said that he felt sorry that so many Conservatives had lost their seats, but that he would not veer from his tough economic program.

The New York Times

Recalling his anxiety as an unblooded lieutenant on the eve of the Mexican War, Ulysses S. Grant confessed, "I felt sorry that I had enlisted".

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Carville said he feels sorry that Mrs. Clinton once again has to deal with messes created by the two most important men in her life.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To show sympathy or concern for someone's situation, use "feel sorry that" to create a personal connection.

Common error

Avoid using "feel sorry that" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language with alternatives like "feel sad that" or express empathy in a different way to maintain engagement and avoid sounding monotonous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel sorry that" functions as a declarative expression to convey a sense of regret, sympathy, or disappointment. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct. The examples illustrate its use in expressing condolences or acknowledging unfortunate situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel sorry that" is a very common and grammatically correct way to express empathy or regret, as validated by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts, it serves the purpose of conveying sympathy or acknowledging unfortunate situations. While versatile, varying your language with alternatives like "feel sad that" or "feel regret that" can enhance your writing. Remember to use it sincerely to connect with your audience effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling sorry that

Nominal form to express the same emotional state, often used in continuous tenses.

feel sad that

Directly conveys a sense of sorrow or unhappiness about a situation.

feel regret that

Expresses sorrow or remorse for something done or not done.

feel saddened that

Similar to 'feel sad' but often implying a deeper or more profound sense of sorrow.

feel upset that

Expresses a feeling of being disturbed or bothered by something.

feel disappointed that

Conveys a sense of letdown when expectations are not met.

feel miserable that

Indicates a deep sense of unhappiness or discomfort.

feel ashamed that

Expresses a feeling of guilt or embarrassment about something.

feel embarrassed that

Indicates discomfort or self-consciousness about a situation.

feel afraid that

Expresses concern or apprehension about a potential outcome.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "feel sorry that"?

You can use alternatives like "feel sad that", "feel regret that", or "feel disappointed that" depending on the context.

How to use "feel sorry that" in a sentence?

"Feel sorry that" is used to express regret or sympathy. For example, "I feel sorry that I couldn't attend your graduation ceremony."

Which is correct, "feel sorry that" or "am sorry that"?

Both "feel sorry that" and "am sorry that" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Feel sorry that" emphasizes the emotion, while "am sorry that" is a more direct apology or expression of regret.

When should I use "feel sorry that" instead of a direct apology?

Use "feel sorry that" when you want to express empathy or understanding of someone else's situation. A direct apology is more appropriate when you are taking responsibility for something you did wrong.