it is a pity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "It is a pity" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it when you want to express regret or sympathy about a situation. For example, "It is a pity that he had to miss the graduation ceremony."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Its economy is booming but it is a pity about the poor.

EU Parlament

It is a pity.

The New York Times

But it is a pity nonetheless.

The Economist

It is a pity they are gone.

The New York Times

"It is a pity," Víctor Valdés said.

The Guardian - Sport

It is a pity Hill is going.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"It is a pity," he said.

The Guardian

It is a pity that team will not be here.

The New York Times

It is a pity there are no pictures.

The Economist

It is a pity the front-runner is in denial.

The Economist

It is a pity the news doesn't get better.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is a pity" to express sympathy or mild regret, particularly when something could have been better or when someone is experiencing misfortune. This phrase adds a touch of empathy and understanding.

Common error

While appropriate in many contexts, avoid overusing "it is a pity". Vary your language by using alternatives like "it is unfortunate" or "that's too bad" to maintain the freshness and impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is a pity" functions as an evaluative expression, conveying a sense of regret or disappointment. It expresses a subjective judgment about an undesirable situation. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

4%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is a pity" is a versatile expression used to convey regret, disappointment, or sympathy. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to vary your language by employing alternatives to avoid overuse. Remember, "it is a pity" is a reliable way to express empathy and understanding, adding a touch of emotional depth to your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's a shame

This alternative is more informal and directly expresses regret.

what a shame

This alternative is an exclamation expressing strong regret or disappointment.

it is regrettable

This option is more formal and emphasizes the act is causing regret.

it's a crying shame

This intensifies the feeling of regret, implying the situation is truly unfortunate.

it's a matter of regret

This is a formal way of stating that something is a source of regret.

it is unfortunate

This phrase is neutral and focuses on the bad luck associated with the situation.

I regret to say

This alternative is a formal way of introducing bad news or expressing regret.

it's disappointing

This focuses on the feeling of disappointment caused by the situation.

that's too bad

This is an informal expression of sympathy or regret.

it's a lost cause

This suggests something cannot be salvaged or improved and expresses resignation.

FAQs

What does "it is a pity" mean?

The phrase "it is a pity" is used to express regret, disappointment, or sympathy about a situation. It suggests that something is unfortunate or undesirable.

When should I use the phrase "it is a pity"?

Use "it is a pity" when you want to express mild sorrow or regret, such as when someone experiences a setback or when a desirable outcome is not achieved. It's suitable in both formal and informal contexts.

What are some alternatives to "it is a pity"?

You can use alternatives like "it is a shame", "it is unfortunate", "that's too bad", or "it is regrettable" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "it is a pity" formal or informal?

"It is a pity" can be used in both formal and informal settings. However, alternatives like "it is unfortunate" or "it is regrettable" might be more suitable for very formal situations.