profoundly sorry

USAGE SUMMARY

'profoundly sorry' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you feel truly sorry for something and want to express your sincere regret. For example: "I am profoundly sorry for the mistake I made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm just profoundly sorry.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I am profoundly sorry.

The Guardian

"I am profoundly sorry," he said.

The New York Times

HSBC said it was "profoundly sorry".

The Guardian

Theresa May herself was "profoundly sorry".

The Guardian - Opinion

We are profoundly sorry for our role".

The Guardian

Witness F said: "We are profoundly sorry about what happened.

Independent

We are profoundly sorry to have said goodbye so soon.

The New York Times

Gulliver says he is "profoundly sorry" for the failures.

The Guardian - Business

Clinton declares himself "profoundly sorry" and willing to accept censure.

The Guardian

"We have said we are profoundly sorry for them, and we do so again.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "profoundly sorry," follow it with a clear explanation of what you are apologizing for to ensure sincerity and accountability.

Common error

Avoid using "profoundly sorry" in casual or trivial situations. It can sound overly dramatic or insincere if the situation doesn't warrant such a strong expression of regret. Opt for simpler phrases like "I'm sorry" or "My bad" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "profoundly sorry" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a subject, expressing a deep sense of regret or remorse. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It intensifies the feeling of being sorry, indicating a more significant level of contrition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "profoundly sorry" is a powerful expression of regret, used to convey a deep and sincere apology. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, noting its frequent use in formal contexts. Primarily found in News & Media and Formal & Business settings, it signifies a higher level of contrition than a simple "sorry". When writing, reserve "profoundly sorry" for situations that warrant a serious and heartfelt apology to avoid sounding insincere or overly dramatic. Alternatives like "deeply regretful" or "sincerely apologetic" can be used depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely regretful

Uses "extremely" instead of "profoundly" to express a high degree of regret.

sincerely apologetic

Highlights the sincerity of the apology.

genuinely remorseful

Focuses on the feeling of remorse and guilt.

deeply regretful

Emphasizes the feeling of regret in a more formal way.

truly contrite

Indicates a feeling of deep sorrow and repentance for one's sins or wrongdoing.

I offer my sincerest apologies

A more formal way of offering an apology.

utterly ashamed

Emphasizes the feeling of shame and embarrassment.

I am filled with remorse

Emphasizes the internal feeling of remorse.

I am deeply saddened

Expresses sorrow in a more personal and emotional way.

I deeply lament

A formal way of expressing sorrow and regret.

FAQs

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

You can use "profoundly sorry" to express deep regret or remorse for something you have done. For example, "I am profoundly sorry for the mistake I made" or "The company is profoundly sorry for the inconvenience caused."

What are some alternatives to saying "profoundly sorry"?

Alternatives to "profoundly sorry" include "deeply regretful", "sincerely apologetic", or "genuinely remorseful", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "profoundly sorry"?

It is appropriate to use "profoundly sorry" in formal contexts where a sincere and deep apology is required, such as in official statements, apologies for significant errors, or when expressing remorse for serious wrongdoings.

Is "profoundly sorry" more formal than "very sorry"?

Yes, "profoundly sorry" is generally considered more formal and carries a stronger sense of regret than "very sorry". It is used to express a deeper level of remorse.