feeling sorry

USAGE SUMMARY

"feeling sorry" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to express regret or remorse for something that has happened. Example: "After accidentally breaking her favorite vase, Mary couldn't help but feel sorry for her clumsiness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I started feeling sorry for myself again.

Huffington Post

I'm not feeling sorry for them.

The New York Times - Sports

There's no time for feeling sorry.

The Washington Post

Cox is not feeling sorry for herself.

The Guardian - Sport

I was feeling sorry for moths.

The Guardian - Music

That and not feeling sorry for herself.

The Guardian - Sport

"He wasn't feeling sorry for himself".

The New York Times

"I was feeling sorry for myself, helpless.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Is it me feeling sorry for Australia?

The Guardian - Sport

But Arena isn't feeling sorry for himself.

The Guardian - Sport

I'm just feeling sorry for myself.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "feeling sorry", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what the feeling is directed towards. For clarity, specify the object of your sympathy or regret.

Common error

Avoid using "feeling sorry" without specifying who or what you are feeling sorry for. This can lead to confusion. Instead of saying "I'm feeling sorry", specify "I'm feeling sorry for her" or "I'm feeling sorry about the situation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeling sorry" typically functions as a gerund phrase or part of a verb phrase, expressing a state of emotion or reaction to a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in expressing regret or remorse.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

15%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "feeling sorry" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey regret, empathy, or self-pity. Ludwig AI confirms that it expresses remorse and is widely employed across diverse contexts, predominantly in news and media, sports, and general discussions. While generally neutral in tone, it can lean towards informality in personal settings. When employing this phrase, clarify the object of sympathy to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "expressing regret" and "harboring remorse" for a more formal tone. "Feeling sorry for myself" specifically indicates self-pity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pitying oneself

Specifically indicates feeling sorry for oneself, emphasizing self-pity.

being self-pitying

Similar to 'pitying oneself', but emphasizes the state of being in self-pity.

experiencing regret

Focuses on the feeling of regret rather than explicitly stating who or what the regret is for; a more formal alternative.

regretting the situation

Emphasizes regret specifically about a situation or circumstance.

harboring remorse

Implies a deeper, more persistent feeling of guilt or regret.

expressing regret

A more formal way to describe the act of communicating feelings of sorrow or remorse.

expressing sympathy

Focuses on conveying compassion for someone else's misfortune rather than personal regret.

showing compassion

Highlights the act of demonstrating kindness and understanding towards someone's suffering.

lamenting the outcome

Highlights sorrow or grief over a particular result or consequence.

feeling compassion

Focuses on the feeling of empathy and concern for others' well-being.

FAQs

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

Use "feeling sorry" to express regret or sympathy. For example, "I'm "feeling sorry" for the team after their loss" or "She was "feeling sorry" about her mistake".

What's a more formal way to say "feeling sorry"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "expressing regret", "harboring remorse", or "experiencing regret depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "feeling sorry for myself"?

Yes, "feeling sorry for myself" is a common and acceptable phrase used to describe self-pity. However, it's important to use it appropriately, without excessive self-indulgence.

What is the difference between "feeling sorry" and "feeling sympathy"?

"Feeling sorry" can encompass a broader range of emotions, including regret and self-pity. "Feeling sympathy" specifically refers to feeling compassion or concern for someone else's suffering.