more sorry for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more sorry for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a greater level of regret or sympathy towards someone or something. Example: "I am more sorry for the inconvenience this has caused you than for my own mistakes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Sorry, but I don't feel any more sorry for Jones, who has two children and another husband and is reported to be broke, than I do for Landis, who recently became the first winner of the Tour de France to lose his title because of a positive test.

The New York Times - Sports

I felt a bit more sorry for myself.

The Guardian - Money

I couldn't feel more sorry for her, he might say.

The New Yorker

But I feel even more sorry for Lennox".

The Guardian - Sport

"You are more sorry for yourself than for the victims," he said.

The New York Times

Hare recalls one subject who stabbed someone, yet seemed to feel more sorry for himself.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Feel more sorry though for the likes Jane and Chris Appleton, who rarely miss a game of league in London, let alone a Broncos home match, but were absent at a Christening that Sunday.

The Guardian - Sport

Like I said, it's a stunning conclusion to the trilogy, but if it isn't a trilogy, I itch for more (sorry, I had to use that pun there).

The Guardian

But I feel more sorry in a way for the country because it's such a colossal waste of money and it is genuinely is not needed".

BBC

"Dear Bob," it read, "I am so pleased that you want me to speak for you and more sorry than I can say that I have no free time before election".

The New York Times

"The church people who came to volunteer were much more about feeling sorry for poor people," Mr. Kao recalled.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more sorry for", ensure the comparison is clear and logical. Specify who or what you feel more sorry for in relation to something else to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "more sorry for" without a clear point of comparison. Saying "I feel more sorry for the situation" is vague. Instead, clarify: "I feel "more sorry for" the victims than for the company's reputation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more sorry for" serves as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying an implied subject and expressing a stronger feeling of sorrow or regret towards a specific person, thing, or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and used to express a heightened level of sympathy or remorse.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more sorry for" functions as a comparative expression of sorrow or regret, used to indicate a stronger feeling toward a specific subject. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct and commonly found in neutral contexts such as news and media. For alternative expressions, one could consider ""more regretful about"" or "more sympathetic towards" depending on the specific nuance desired. When using the phrase, ensure the comparison is clear to avoid ambiguity, specifying what or whom you feel more sorry for relative to something else. While versatile, avoid using in highly formal/scientific contexts without careful consideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more regretful about

Focuses specifically on regret rather than a broader sense of sorrow or sympathy.

more apologetic for

Specifically emphasizes the act of apologizing, highlighting the expression of remorse.

more remorseful for

Highlights a deep and painful regret for past actions.

feel greater sorrow for

Uses "sorrow" to emphasize a deeper emotional pain and sadness.

deeper sense of regret for

Emphasizes the depth of feeling rather than comparison.

more compassion for

Shifts the focus towards understanding and empathy for someone's suffering.

greater empathy for

Focuses on understanding and sharing the feelings of another.

more pity for

Conveys a sense of feeling sorry, often with a slight condescending tone.

feel worse for

A more informal way of expressing sympathy or regret.

more sympathetic towards

Highlights understanding and care for someone's feelings or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "more sorry for" in a sentence?

You can use "more sorry for" to express a greater degree of sympathy or regret for someone or something compared to someone or something else. For example, "I am "more sorry for" the victims of the crime than for the perpetrator".

What's the difference between "more sorry for" and "more regretful about"?

"More sorry for" generally conveys a broader sense of sympathy or sorrow, while "more regretful about" focuses specifically on feeling regret or remorse for an action or event. The phrase "more regretful about" suggests a personal responsibility or connection to the cause of regret.

Which is correct, "more sorry for" or "sorrier for"?

Both "more sorry for" and "sorrier for" can be correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "More sorry for" emphasizes the degree of sorrow through the use of 'more', while "sorrier for" is a direct comparative form. Both are acceptable, but the choice depends on the desired emphasis.

What are some alternatives to using "more sorry for" in professional writing?

In professional contexts, consider using alternatives like ""more regretful about"", "more sympathetic towards", or "more compassionate for" to maintain a formal tone while expressing sympathy or regret. These phrases convey respect and understanding.