feel very sorry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel very sorry" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing regret or sympathy towards someone else's situation or feelings. Example: "I feel very sorry for you after hearing about your loss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"I feel very sorry".

The New York Times

"I feel very sorry about it".

The New York Times

"We feel very sorry for those people.

The Guardian - Sport

We feel very sorry for the family".

The New York Times

"I feel very sorry and ashamed".

The New York Times

I feel very sorry for her.

The Guardian

I feel very sorry for them.

The Guardian

"We feel very sorry for our parents.

The Guardian

You feel very sorry for them," Carling said.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"So I bear some responsibility for Wang Lijun's flight and I feel very sorry for this".

The Guardian

"I feel very sorry for them (Jalisco).

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Adjust the intensity of your expression to match the context. For minor inconveniences, a simple "I'm sorry" might suffice, while more serious situations warrant the use of "I feel very sorry" to convey greater empathy.

Common error

Avoid using "feel very sorry" too frequently, as it can diminish its impact. Vary your expressions of sympathy with alternatives like "I'm deeply saddened" or "My heart goes out to you" to maintain authenticity and emotional depth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel very sorry" functions primarily as an expression of empathy or regret. It conveys a speaker's emotional response to someone else's misfortune, hardship, or mistake. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. The examples show it being used in various contexts to express sympathy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "feel very sorry" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey empathy, regret, or sympathy. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is usable in written English and it commonly appears in news media and other contexts. To enhance your writing, remember to use it sincerely and vary your expressions of sympathy to maintain authenticity. While the phrase is appropriate in various settings, overusing it can diminish its impact, so it's wise to use alternatives when possible. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively use "feel very sorry" to express genuine compassion and support.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

am truly sorry

A straightforward and sincere expression of apology and sympathy.

feel deeply saddened

This alternative conveys a stronger sense of sorrow and emotional impact.

my heart goes out to

This phrase expresses empathy and compassion for someone experiencing hardship.

express sincere condolences

This is a more formal and emphatic way to offer sympathy, typically used in serious situations.

extend heartfelt sympathy

This phrase is a formal expression of compassion and support, suitable for somber occasions.

am filled with compassion

This conveys a sense of deep empathy and understanding towards someone's suffering.

offer my deepest sympathy

A more formal expression of offering support and understanding during a difficult time.

feel great remorse

This conveys a deep sense of regret and guilt for one's own actions or inactions.

regret exceedingly

This alternative is a more formal way to express deep regret or disappointment.

share your grief

This phrase indicates a shared sense of sorrow and loss with someone.

FAQs

What does "feel very sorry" mean?

The phrase "feel very sorry" expresses empathy, regret, or sympathy towards someone's situation, indicating a strong sense of compassion for their circumstances.

When is it appropriate to say "I feel very sorry"?

It is appropriate to say "I feel very sorry" when someone is experiencing hardship, loss, or difficulty, and you want to convey your genuine sympathy and support. The user must be genuine and the speaker can choose to express a more specific feeling such as "express sincere condolences" depending on context.

What are some alternatives to "feel very sorry"?

Alternatives to "feel very sorry" include "am truly sorry", "my heart goes out to", or "extend heartfelt sympathy", depending on the formality and intensity you wish to convey.

Is "feel very sorry" grammatically correct?

Yes, "feel very sorry" is grammatically correct. It is a common and acceptable way to express sympathy or regret in English.