it is really sad

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it is really sad' is a valid and correct part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it any time that you want to express that something is causing a feeling of sorrow or despair. For example: "It is really sad that our favorite cafe had to close down."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

"It is really sad to see this".

The New York Times

It is really sad the way things have turned out.

The Guardian

It is really sad he has to go.

The Guardian - Sport

It is really sad and it encourages the consumerist cycle.

The Guardian

It is really sad to celebrate life amid so much death.

The Guardian

"It is really sad we have been pushed to do this," said Phil Fontaine the group's leader.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

"It's really sad".

The New York Times

But it's really sad".

The New York Times

And it's really sad?

The New York Times - Arts

"It's really sad," says Ms Das.

The Economist

"It's really sad," Hiatt says.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing sympathy, follow "it is really sad" with a specific reason to show genuine concern. For example, "It is really sad that you lost your job; I hope you find a new one soon."

Common error

While "it is really sad" is perfectly acceptable in everyday conversation, consider using more formal alternatives like "it is deeply regrettable" or "it is truly unfortunate" in professional or academic writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is really sad" functions as an expressive statement, conveying the speaker's feeling of sadness or disappointment about a particular situation. It serves to communicate empathy or personal sorrow, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

18%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is really sad" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express sadness, disappointment, or empathy. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's important to consider the formality of the situation and choose more appropriate alternatives, like "it is truly unfortunate" or "it is deeply regrettable", in professional settings. Remember to be specific when expressing sympathy to show genuine concern.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is truly unfortunate

Emphasizes the unfortunate nature of the situation, adding a layer of regret.

it is absolutely heartbreaking

Emphasizes the emotional pain and distress caused by the situation.

it is deeply regrettable

Highlights the regret associated with the situation, implying a sense of responsibility or preventability.

it is downright depressing

Focuses on the depressing aspect of the situation, emphasizing the negative emotional impact.

it is a crying shame

Uses a more emphatic and idiomatic expression to convey disappointment and injustice.

it is a tragic situation

Highlights the tragic nature of the event, indicating severe suffering and loss.

it's a source of grief

Indicates a deeper, more personal level of sorrow and emotional pain.

it is a matter of sorrow

Presents the situation as one causing general sadness and distress.

it is incredibly disappointing

Shifts the focus to the disappointment felt, rather than pure sadness.

it is a cause for lament

Suggests the situation warrants public mourning or expression of sorrow.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "it is really sad"?

You can use alternatives like "it is truly unfortunate", "it is deeply regrettable", or "it is heartbreaking" depending on the context.

Is "it is really sad" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it is really sad" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard subject-verb-adjective structure.

When is it appropriate to use "it is really sad"?

"It is really sad" is appropriate in informal to neutral contexts when expressing sympathy, disappointment, or sorrow. Consider the formality of the setting and audience.

What's the difference between "it is really sad" and "it is very sad"?

The difference between "it is really sad" and "it is very sad" is minimal. "Really" might be perceived as slightly more emphatic than "very", but they are largely interchangeable.