pretty sad

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pretty sad" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a mild level of sadness or disappointment about a situation or event. Example: "I found it pretty sad that so few people showed up to the charity event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Pretty sad.

The New York Times

Its pretty sad.

The New Yorker

"It was pretty sad.

The New York Times

That's pretty sad".

The New York Times

"I felt pretty sad".

The New York Times - Sports

He sounded pretty sad".

The New York Times - Sports

Things looked pretty sad.

The New Yorker

It's pretty sad, really.

The New Yorker

I was feeling pretty sad.

The New York Times

I think it's pretty sad.

Independent

It made me pretty sad".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pretty sad" to express a moderate degree of sadness or disappointment without being overly dramatic. It's suitable for everyday conversations and informal writing.

Common error

Avoid relying on "pretty sad" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "quite unfortunate" or "rather disappointing" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pretty sad" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of mild sorrow or disappointment. Ludwig examples show its usage across various contexts, indicating its versatility in expressing subjective feelings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pretty sad" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a sense of mild disappointment or sorrow. According to Ludwig, it's suitable for a range of contexts, particularly within news and media, and maintains a neutral register. When writing, consider using synonyms to prevent repetition and tailor your language to the formality of the situation. While it is perfectly correct it is always good to have alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite unfortunate

Emphasizes the unlucky or unfavorable nature of the situation.

rather disappointing

Focuses on the failure to meet expectations.

somewhat disheartening

Highlights the loss of enthusiasm or morale.

a bit depressing

Suggests a mild lowering of mood or spirits.

fairly regrettable

Indicates a feeling of sorrow or remorse about something.

mildly upsetting

Focuses on the emotional disturbance caused by the situation.

slightly sorrowful

Highlights a gentle sense of grief or sadness.

kind of gloomy

Emphasizes the somber or pessimistic atmosphere.

somewhat tragic

Implies a smaller scale of unfortunate events.

a touch melancholic

Suggests a subdued and reflective state of sadness.

FAQs

How can I use "pretty sad" in a sentence?

"Pretty sad" is typically used to describe a situation or event that evokes a sense of mild disappointment or sorrow. For example, "It's "pretty sad" that the event was canceled due to low attendance".

What are some alternatives to saying "pretty sad"?

You can use alternatives like "quite unfortunate", "rather disappointing", or "somewhat disheartening" to convey a similar sentiment with slightly different nuances.

Is it appropriate to use "pretty sad" in formal writing?

While "pretty sad" is widely understood, it's generally more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "quite unfortunate" or "rather disappointing".

What's the difference between "pretty sad" and "very sad"?

"Pretty sad" indicates a moderate level of sadness, while "very sad" suggests a stronger emotional response. The choice between the two depends on the intensity of the feeling you want to express. For a more intense feeling use alternatives like "heartbreaking" or "devastating".