is unfortunately

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is unfortunately" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to express a negative or unfortunate situation. For example: - "The weather is unfortunately going to be rainy all week." - "He is unfortunately unable to attend the meeting due to a family emergency." - "The team's performance is unfortunately not up to par this season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is unfortunately over".

The New York Times

It is, unfortunately, both.

The Guardian - Books

Such is unfortunately my case.

The New Yorker

"This process is unfortunately unavoidable".

The New York Times

This is unfortunately the case.

The New York Times

Which is unfortunately quite likely.

The Guardian - Books

This is unfortunately what happens".

The Guardian

This openness is unfortunately unique.

The Guardian

Your article is unfortunately misleading.

The Guardian

She is, unfortunately, less interesting than Toto.

The New Yorker

This part is, unfortunately, the law courts.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is unfortunately" to soften bad news or express disappointment in a formal or neutral context. Be mindful of the tone; while useful for clarity, overuse can diminish its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "is unfortunately" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "sadly" or "it's a shame" might be more appropriate. Overly formal phrasing can sound stilted or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is unfortunately" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb or clause, expressing regret or disappointment about a particular state or event. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct for this purpose.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is unfortunately" serves as a polite yet clear method of expressing disappointment or conveying bad news. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence in writing. It's a very common phrase, particularly in news and business contexts, offering a more refined alternative to simpler expressions like "sadly". While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal settings, with more casual alternatives preferred in informal conversations. Remember that, because of its nuanced nature, it would be inappropriate to use the phrase in the context of making a celebratory announcement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is regrettably

Replaces "unfortunately" with a more formal synonym, focusing on the feeling of regret.

it's regrettable that

Emphasizes the regret associated with the situation in a more formal tone.

is sadly

Offers a simpler and more direct way to express sadness about a situation.

sadly, it is

Inverts the structure to emphasize the sadness before stating the fact.

it's a shame that

Introduces a clause emphasizing that something is undesirable or disappointing.

it's a pity that

Similar to "it's a shame that", but perhaps slightly more emphatic.

it is unlucky that

Focuses on the element of bad luck involved.

it's disappointing that

Highlights the element of disappointment.

it pains me to say

Indicates reluctance and sorrow in delivering bad news.

to my dismay

Expresses personal disappointment and surprise at an unwelcome event.

FAQs

How can I use "is unfortunately" in a sentence?

Use "is unfortunately" to introduce a negative or undesirable fact. For example, "The event "is unfortunately" cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances."

What are some alternatives to "is unfortunately"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "is regrettably", "is sadly", or "it's a shame that".

Is it always necessary to use "is unfortunately" to express disappointment?

No, it's not always necessary. Simpler phrases can often be more effective. The choice depends on the desired level of formality and the specific context.

What's the difference between "is unfortunately" and "sadly"?

"Is unfortunately" is generally more formal and polite, whereas "sadly" is more direct and can be used in both formal and informal settings.