it is unfortunately

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is unfortunately" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is mostly used to indicate disappointment or regret. For example: It is unfortunately too late to change the menu for the event tonight.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It could have other diseases and if it is left floating on its side, it is unfortunately dead.

WikiHow

It is, unfortunately, both.

The Guardian - Books

It is, unfortunately, par for the course.

The New York Times

It is, unfortunately, all too familiar.

The New York Times - Books

"It is unfortunately a fact of life".

The New York Times

And it is, unfortunately, mostly nonsense.

Harvard Business Review

But it is, unfortunately, a fact.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It is unfortunately, likely," the official added.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"It is, unfortunately, a harbinger of things to come".

The New York Times - Science

If someone is soft-spoken and thoughtful, it is unfortunately interpreted as they are not strong enough for the job.

Forbes

It is, unfortunately, a parable about America.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is unfortunately" to soften bad news or express a sense of regret politely. It can make the recipient feel that you acknowledge the negative aspect of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "it is unfortunately" excessively in formal writing, as it can come across as passive or insincere. Instead, consider more direct phrasing to convey the message clearly and professionally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is unfortunately" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a statement, adding a layer of regret or disappointment. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is unfortunately" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express regret or disappointment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in news and media, and science. When writing, remember to consider the level of formality required and use alternative phrasings when a more direct tone is needed. This phrase works best to soften potentially bad news, and overuse can make the tone seem insincere.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regrettably, it is

Inverts the order while maintaining the same meaning.

sadly, it is

Replaces "unfortunately" with a more direct synonym.

it is regrettable that

Uses a more formal and explicit structure to express regret.

it's a pity that

Offers a more colloquial way to express disappointment.

it's a shame that

Similar to 'it's a pity' but slightly stronger in expressing disappointment.

it is disappointing that

Replaces 'unfortunately' with 'disappointing' to directly state the feeling.

alas, it is

Uses a literary interjection to express sorrow.

unhappily, it is

Offers a more direct synonym, focusing on the lack of happiness.

it pains me to say

Conveys a personal sense of regret or sorrow.

to my dismay, it is

Emphasizes personal disappointment or distress.

FAQs

How can I use "it is unfortunately" in a sentence?

Use "it is unfortunately" to express regret or disappointment about a situation. For example: "It is unfortunately too late to apply for the scholarship".

What can I say instead of "it is unfortunately"?

You can use alternatives like "sadly it is", "regrettably it is", or "it is regrettable that depending on the context.

Is it better to say "unfortunately, it is" or "it is unfortunately"?

Both "unfortunately, it is" and "it is unfortunately" are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning. The choice often depends on stylistic preference or emphasis within the sentence.

What's the difference between "it is unfortunately" and "it is sadly"?

While both express disappointment, "it is unfortunately" tends to be slightly more formal and can imply a sense of regret about circumstances that could not be changed, whereas "it is sadly" may express a more direct sense of sorrow.