how unfortunate that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'how unfortunate that' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is sad or to emphasize that something is unwanted or undesired. For example: "How unfortunate that you cannot come to dinner tonight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

I said, "How unfortunate that would be if you were fifty-four.

The New Yorker

Sally told him how unfortunate that was, since Harry was the only person she knew in New York, where she was about to begin law school.

The New York Times

Another said, "How unfortunate that a few are pushing their agenda on others through this and making it political".

The New York Times - Sports

How unfortunate that only four performances were scheduled, meaning that few people will have a chance to attend.

The New York Times - Arts

How unfortunate that we must either enter cyberspace or fly to Europe to follow this great American ambassador.

The New York Times - Sports

How unfortunate that Tuesday's 347-point bounce in the Dow Jones industrial average did not occur a day earlier.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

"How unfortunate," said Miller, that scientists would work together to undermine a journal whose findings they disagreed with.

Science Magazine

How unfortunate, then, that the Country Land and Business Association and some local authorities chose to oppose or criticise this scheme.

Independent

There are two problems with that statement: seats were not installed behind the goals until the 1990s and Jackie Milburn left the club when the prime minister was four years old.How unfortunate, then, that Mr Hague now also stands accused of embellishing stories about his youth.

The Economist

And how unfortunate is that?

Huffington Post

Mr. Sweeney said Mr. Gore had reflected on "how unfortunate it was that this all developed, that the timing was difficult and it happened very quickly".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "how unfortunate that", ensure the following clause clearly states the reason for the disappointment. This provides context and clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "how unfortunate that" excessively in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your tone sound insincere or monotonous. Vary your expressions of disappointment by using synonyms or rephrasing your sentences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how unfortunate that" functions as an expressive introductory phrase, setting the tone for a statement of regret or disappointment. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it prefaces explanations of unfavorable situations or outcomes, emphasizing their undesirable nature. The Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "how unfortunate that" is a useful phrase for expressing disappointment or regret, commonly found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and appropriate for conveying empathy or concern. While generally formal, varying your vocabulary helps avoid overuse. Remember to follow up the phrase with a clear explanation of the unfortunate situation to provide context and ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It's unfortunate that

Similar to the original phrase but uses a slightly different structure, maintaining the same meaning.

It's a pity that

Emphasizes the regrettable nature of a situation, focusing on the sense of loss or deprivation.

It's regrettable that

Highlights the regret associated with a situation, emphasizing the feeling of sorrow or remorse.

It's a shame that

Highlights the disappointing or undesirable nature of a situation.

It's disappointing that

Focuses on the disappointment caused by a particular situation or event.

What a pity that

Emphasizes the regrettable nature of a situation.

I regret that

Expresses personal regret or sorrow regarding a particular situation.

Regrettably,

Emphasizes the feeling of regret and uses a more formal tone.

It's a crying shame that

Emphasizes the great injustice of a situation.

Sadly,

A more concise way to introduce a statement expressing sorrow or disappointment about a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "how unfortunate that" in a sentence?

You can use "how unfortunate that" to express regret or disappointment about a situation. For example, "How unfortunate that you missed the deadline" indicates disappointment that someone did not meet the deadline.

What phrases are similar to "how unfortunate that"?

Alternatives to "how unfortunate that" include "it's a pity that", "it's regrettable that", and "it's a shame that". All convey a sense of disappointment or regret.

Is "how unfortunate that" formal or informal?

"How unfortunate that" is generally considered semi-formal to formal. It's suitable for professional communication, news reports, and academic writing but might sound slightly out of place in very casual conversations.

When should I avoid using "how unfortunate that"?

Avoid using "how unfortunate that" when a more direct or forceful expression is needed. In situations requiring bluntness or strong criticism, a more straightforward statement might be more effective.