it's a shame

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it's a shame" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to express regret or disappointment about something. For example, "It's a shame that the concert was canceled due to the weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yeah, it's a shame.

Independent

It's a shame, really.

The New York Times

It's a shame.

The New York Times

It's a shame that.

Independent

"And it's a shame.

The New York Times

So it's a shame.

The New York Times

"It's a shame," Torre said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a shame," Quattrocchi said.

The New Yorker

It's a shame fence.

The Guardian

Frankly, it's a shame.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a shame, though.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it's a shame" to express mild disappointment or regret without assigning blame. It is suitable for situations where a better outcome was hoped for but not essential.

Common error

While "it's a shame" is perfectly acceptable in many contexts, avoid using it repeatedly in formal or academic writing. Opt for stronger, more precise vocabulary to convey your disappointment or regret, such as "regrettable" or "unfortunate".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's a shame" functions as an exclamatory expression used to convey a feeling of disappointment, regret, or disapproval regarding a particular situation or event. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to express sadness or misfortune.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it's a shame" is a common and acceptable expression used to convey feelings of disappointment or regret. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly within news and media contexts. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context and desired level of formality when choosing between "it's a shame" and its alternatives, such as "it's unfortunate" or "it's regrettable". Avoid overuse in formal writing and be mindful of the intensity of the situation to ensure the phrase appropriately reflects your sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's a pity

This alternative is a more concise and slightly less formal expression of regret.

it's disappointing

This alternative directly expresses the feeling of disappointment caused by a situation.

it's unfortunate

This alternative is more neutral and factual, focusing on the negative outcome rather than personal feeling.

it's a crying shame

This alternative amplifies the sense of injustice or deep regret associated with the situation.

it's regrettable

This alternative provides a more formal and slightly weaker expression of regret.

it's a damn shame

This alternative uses stronger language to express frustration and disappointment.

that's too bad

This alternative is informal and conversational, expressing sympathy or disappointment.

it's a matter of regret

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the lasting sense of regret.

it's a tragedy

This alternative expresses a more intense level of sorrow, appropriate for very serious situations.

it's a disgrace

This alternative is stronger, indicating moral disapproval or outrage.

FAQs

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

You can use "it's a shame" to express disappointment or regret about a situation. For example, "It's a shame that the event was cancelled" or "It's a shame he couldn't attend".

What can I say instead of "it's a shame"?

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

Is "it's a shame" formal or informal?

"It's a shame" is generally considered informal but acceptable in many contexts. For more formal situations, consider using "it's regrettable" or "it's unfortunate".

What is the difference between "it's a shame" and "it's a disgrace"?

"It's a shame" expresses disappointment or regret, while "it's a disgrace" implies moral disapproval or outrage. The latter is much stronger and used for situations considered unacceptable.