it is a pity that

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is a pity that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express sadness or regret when something has happened, or to express sympathy for someone. For example: It is a pity that they didn't get to spend more time together before he had to move away.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a pity that so many people had to die to make the change".

The Guardian

But it is a pity that system (1.1) does not have a positive equilibrium in the red area (IV).

Advances in Difference Equations

It is a pity that I found it only now.

University of California, Berkeley

It is a pity that team will not be here.

The New York Times

"It is a pity that Hutton usurped the function of the coroner in this case.

Independent

So it is a pity that this one has so many odd omissions.

The Economist

It is a pity that not much philosophy is coming back the other way.

The Economist

It is a pity that Woods and Vonn so misunderstand the nature of the game.

Independent

It is a pity that it comes at such a cost.

The Economist

It is a pity that, Japan apart, there are so few Asian examples on the list.

The Economist

"It is a pity that the law does not respect or recognise me as a father".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms such as "it's a shame that" or "it's unfortunate that" to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid omitting the "that" after "it is a pity" when constructing complex sentences. Omitting "that" can lead to ambiguity and make the sentence grammatically incorrect. For example, instead of "It is a pity the event was canceled", write "It is a pity that the event was canceled".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is a pity that" functions as a comment clause or introductory phrase that sets the stage for expressing regret or disappointment. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it introduces a statement about something unfortunate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is a pity that" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase to express regret or disappointment. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media, science, and academic writings, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure you provide specific details about the cause of regret and avoid common errors like omitting "that" in complex sentences. Consider synonyms like "it's a shame that" to enhance your writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's a shame that

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

it's unfortunate that

Substitutes "pity" with "unfortunate", presenting a more neutral and less emotionally charged expression of regret.

it's regrettable that

Employs "regrettable" instead of "pity", conveying a stronger sense of formal regret.

I regret that

Shifts the expression to a first-person perspective, making the regret more personal and direct.

it's disappointing that

Replaces "pity" with "disappointing", emphasizing the feeling of unmet expectations.

it's a lost opportunity that

Focuses on the unfulfilled potential, highlighting what could have been achieved but wasn't.

it's a matter of regret that

Adds a layer of formality and emphasis to the expression of regret.

it's a cause for sorrow that

Introduces a sense of sadness or grief, making the expression more solemn.

I'm saddened to hear that

Expresses personal sadness upon learning about the unfortunate event.

it's a crying shame that

Uses stronger, more emphatic language to convey a deep sense of disappointment and injustice.

FAQs

What does "it is a pity that" mean?

The phrase "it is a pity that" expresses regret or disappointment about something. It indicates that a situation is unfortunate or undesirable.

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

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

Is "it's a pity that" the same as "it is a pity that"?

Yes, "it's a pity that" is a contraction of "it is a pity that". They have the same meaning, but "it's a pity that" is slightly more informal.

When is it appropriate to use "it is a pity that" in writing?

Use "it is a pity that" in formal or neutral contexts when you want to express regret or disappointment. In more informal settings, you might prefer using "it's a shame that".