it is a great pity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is a great pity" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express regret or disappointment about a situation or event. Example: "It is a great pity that the concert was canceled due to the weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

It is a great pity.

University of California, Berkeley

"It is a great pity," says McKellen.

Independent

"It is a great pity, a shame," he said.

The Guardian - Music

"It is a great pity and a great loss.

The Guardian

Cardinal99: It is a great pity about Athletic Bilbao.

The Guardian - Sport

It is a great pity that a talented man has been sacrificed while time-servers prosper".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

"It's a great pity.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a great pity in countless ways.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a great pity, too," she said.

The New Yorker

"It's a great pity, because we worked from the heart".

The New York Times

It's a great pity that Michael Powell, who was going to make a film of it, never did.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is a great pity" to express sincere regret or disappointment, particularly when discussing situations with significant negative consequences or missed opportunities.

Common error

Avoid using "it is a great pity" in overly casual conversations; simpler phrases like "that's too bad" or "what a shame" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is a great pity" functions as an expressive statement. According to Ludwig AI, it conveys regret or disappointment concerning a particular situation or event. This is evident in various examples, such as expressing regret over missed opportunities or unfortunate outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

19%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase “it is a great pity” is a versatile expression used to convey regret or disappointment across various contexts. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media, academic, and scientific sources. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to consider the context to avoid overuse in overly informal settings. Alternative phrases such as ""it's a great shame"" or ""it's unfortunate"" can offer similar sentiments with slightly different tones. Overall, mastering the use of "it is a great pity” involves understanding its nuanced connotations and applying it appropriately to convey sincere regret or disappointment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It's a great shame

Replaces "pity" with "shame", offering a slightly less formal tone while maintaining the core meaning.

It's a great misfortune

Substitutes "pity" with "misfortune", emphasizing the unfortunate nature of the situation.

It's highly regrettable

Uses "regrettable" to convey a sense of sorrow or disappointment, shifting the focus to the action or event being regrettable.

It's a matter of great regret

Emphasizes the feeling of regret associated with the situation, making it more personal.

It's deeply disappointing

Focuses on the disappointment caused by the situation, highlighting the unmet expectations.

It is a source of great sorrow

Conveys a sense of sadness or grief about the situation, intensifying the emotional impact.

It's a cause for lament

Uses "lament" to express mourning or regret, indicating a more profound sense of loss or disappointment.

It's a crying shame

An idiomatic expression that emphasizes the unfortunate nature of the situation, adding a touch of colloquialism.

It's unfortunate

A simpler and more direct way to express regret, suitable for less formal contexts.

What a shame

A concise expression of disappointment, commonly used in informal settings.

FAQs

How can I use "it is a great pity" in a sentence?

You can use "it is a great pity" to express regret or disappointment about a situation. For example, "It is a great pity that the event was cancelled".

What can I say instead of "it is a great pity"?

Alternatives include "it's a great shame", "it's unfortunate", or "what a shame", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "it is a great pity" formal or informal?

"It is a great pity" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. Simpler expressions might be preferable in very informal contexts.

What is the difference between "it is a great pity" and "it is a great tragedy"?

"It is a great pity" expresses regret or disappointment, while "it is a great tragedy" describes a very serious or devastating event. The latter implies a much greater sense of loss and suffering.