it's a pity that

USAGE SUMMARY

"it's a pity that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to express regret for something bad or unfortunate that has happened. For example, "It's a pity that the weather is bad, I was hoping to have a picnic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's a pity that Jessica Ford, the costume designer, has dressed neither performer attractively.

The New York Times

Given today's reports, it's a pity that Nick Clegg simply dismissed our warnings and instead chose to lecture Labour.

The Guardian

It's a pity that Mandela's personal touch could not become the touch of South Africa.

BBC

"Rory Clegg's kicking was impeccable and it's a pity that he missed that tackle at the end.

BBC

It's politics, she noted, a world of "low blows," but "it's a pity that Frédéric Mitterrand acts like that".

The New York Times

It's a pity that mentioning such things gets people's backs up.

The Guardian

"But it's a pity that this wasn't done a year ago".

The New York Times

"It's a pity that it's gone".

The New York Times

I just think it's a pity that they've been ignored".

The New York Times

It's a pity that some players are never satisfied.

The New York Times

It's a pity that this show doesn't venture further.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it's a pity that" to introduce a statement expressing regret or disappointment about a situation, followed by the reason for your feeling. Ensure the situation you're referring to is clear to your audience.

Common error

While "it's a pity that" is generally acceptable, avoid using it in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or professional language might be required. Consider alternatives like "it is regrettable that" or rephrasing to sound more objective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's a pity that" functions as an evaluative expression, indicating that the speaker or writer views a particular situation or fact as unfortunate or regrettable. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage for expressing regret.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it's a pity that" is a versatile phrase used to express regret or disappointment. Ludwig AI confirms that its grammatical structure is correct and it is most commonly found in news and media sources. When writing, consider your audience and the context; while generally acceptable, more formal language might be required in certain situations. Remember to use this phrase to clearly state what you find unfortunate and why, ensuring your message is effectively conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's unfortunate that

Replaces "pity" with "unfortunate", maintaining a similar level of regret but with a slightly more formal tone.

it's regrettable that

Uses "regrettable" instead of "pity", suggesting a stronger sense of sorrow or disappointment.

it's a shame that

Substitutes "pity" with "shame", conveying a sense of disappointment that something is not as it should be.

I regret that

Shifts the sentence structure to a personal expression of regret, making it more direct.

it's disappointing that

Replaces "pity" with "disappointing", emphasizing the feeling of letdown.

alas, it is that

Introduces a more dramatic and literary flair to express sorrow.

sadly, it is that

Uses "sadly" to express the unfortunate nature of the situation.

it's a loss that

Focuses on the aspect of something being lost or missed.

it's a cause for regret that

Phrases it as something that should cause regret, adding a layer of justification.

I'm sorry that

A simpler, more direct way to express regret about a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "it's a pity that" in a sentence?

Use "it's a pity that" to express regret or disappointment about something. For example, "It's a pity that the event was canceled."

What are some alternatives to "it's a pity that"?

You can use alternatives like "it's unfortunate that", "it's regrettable that", or "it's a shame that" depending on the context.

Is "it's a pity that" formal or informal?

"It's a pity that" is generally considered neutral in formality. While acceptable in many contexts, more formal situations may benefit from alternatives such as "it's unfortunate that" or "it's regrettable that".

When is it appropriate to use "it's a pity that"?

It's appropriate to use "it's a pity that" when you want to express mild regret or disappointment. It's suitable for everyday conversation and writing, but consider more formal options for academic or professional contexts.