looking sorry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking sorry" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's facial expression -- for example, "He was standing in the corner, looking sorry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

There are reported sightings of him in the tearoom, not eating and looking sorry for himself.

Independent

"Can you tell us?" He shook his head, looking sorry to have to let me down.

The New Yorker

But I guess she went to the bother of looking sorry.

The Guardian - Opinion

Toca Pet Doctor presents children with a waiting room full of cartoon animals looking sorry for themselves, with kids having to work out how to cure their ailments.

The Guardian - Tech

It is tempting to think that when Biggs returned to Britain, humbled and looking sorry for himself, he was merely doing a Cagney.

The Guardian

A ewe refuses to come when Rebanks and his sheepdog round up the flock for feeding; she skulks by a tree instead, looking sorry for herself.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Look, sorry.

The New Yorker

He looks sorry for what he did.

The New Yorker

When you say sorry, look sorry.

The Guardian - Film

PREMINGER (trying to look sorry): I will wait.

The New Yorker

Well at least he at least appeared to look sorry.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's emotional state, use "looking sorry" to convey a sense of regret, sadness, or remorse that is visible in their expression or demeanor.

Common error

Be cautious about assuming someone is genuinely remorseful simply because they are "looking sorry". Their outward appearance might not accurately reflect their true feelings or intentions. Look for other behavioral cues to confirm sincerity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking sorry" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that someone or something has an appearance of sadness, regret, or remorse. It describes a visible emotional state. As Ludwig AI points out, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "looking sorry" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe someone's visible state of sadness or regret. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. Its usage is most prevalent in news and media contexts. While it's a useful descriptor, remember to avoid assuming genuine remorse based solely on appearance. Related phrases like "appearing remorseful" or "seeming regretful" can offer nuanced alternatives. Be mindful to consider the context when using this phrase, as misinterpreting the visible emotion can lead to inaccurate assumptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appearing remorseful

Focuses more on the internal feeling of remorse being visible.

seeming regretful

Highlights the feeling of regret that is apparent.

appearing apologetic

Emphasizes the outward display of seeking forgiveness.

looking dejected

Focuses on the state of being disheartened or low-spirited.

seeming crestfallen

Highlights the disappointment and sadness in appearance.

looking downcast

Emphasizes the lowered gaze and posture of sadness.

appearing sad

A general expression of sadness being visible.

seeming unhappy

A broader term indicating a lack of happiness.

appearing melancholic

Indicates a prolonged state of pensive sadness.

looking pained

Emphasizes the visible suffering or distress.

FAQs

How can I use "looking sorry" in a sentence?

You can use "looking sorry" to describe someone's appearance when they seem regretful or sad. For example, "After the argument, he was "looking sorry" and avoided eye contact."

What are some alternatives to saying someone is "looking sorry"?

Alternatives include "seeming regretful", "appearing apologetic", or "looking dejected". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "looked sorry" instead of "looking sorry"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Looking sorry" describes a current state or appearance, while "looked sorry" refers to a past appearance or state. For example, "He is "looking sorry" now," versus "He "looked sorry" after he broke the vase."

What's the difference between "feeling sorry" and "looking sorry"?

"Feeling sorry" refers to an internal emotion of regret or sadness. "Looking sorry" describes the outward appearance of someone who may or may not be feeling sorry. Someone can be "feeling sorry" without "looking sorry", and vice versa.