quite sorry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite sorry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong sense of regret or apology in a more formal or emphatic manner. Example: "I am quite sorry for the misunderstanding that occurred during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

I feel quite sorry for Hari.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I feel quite sorry for them.

The Guardian

By then I felt quite sorry for him.

The Guardian

Today, he insists he actually feels quite sorry for Cameron.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I actually feel quite sorry for the lady.

The Guardian - Sport

I feel quite sorry for the judges, actually.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Then she got in touch with about 260 applicants to say no, sorry, their failures were not quite bad enough.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

LANGELLA: Not quite as sorry as I am.

The Guardian - Film

"I hit the wall quite hard, sorry," he told his engineers over the radio.

Independent

Hartley finally has an international batting average - but it's been quite a sorry batting display by England.

BBC

"It was in quite a sorry state when it arrived - it had been used as a shed and had a toilet attached at the end.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite sorry" when you want to express a sincere apology or regret in a slightly more formal or emphatic way than simply saying "sorry". It adds a touch of seriousness to your expression.

Common error

Avoid using "quite sorry" in very casual conversations. In extremely informal settings, a simple "sorry" or "my bad" might be more appropriate and sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite sorry" functions primarily as an expression of apology or regret. It combines the adverb "quite", which modifies the adjective "sorry", intensifying the feeling. As noted by Ludwig, it's a correct and usable phrase, serving to convey a sincere sense of remorse.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Lifestyle

12%

Books

12%

Less common in

Film

8%

Sport

4%

Opinion

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite sorry" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express sincere regret or apology. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, highlighting its frequent appearance in various contexts such as news articles, lifestyle pieces, and books. While more formal alternatives exist, "quite sorry" strikes a balance between sincerity and politeness, making it suitable for a wide range of situations. When writing, remember that while correct, it's less casual than a simple "sorry", and choosing the right register is vital for effective communication. The phrase is a useful tool for conveying genuine remorse in a clear and considered way.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceedingly sorry

Uses a stronger adverb to intensify the feeling of being sorry.

terribly sorry

Emphasizes the intensity of the feeling of being sorry.

very regretful

Replaces "sorry" with a more formal and emphatic adjective, focusing on the feeling of regret.

truly regretful

Emphasizes the truthfulness of the regret being expressed.

deeply apologetic

Emphasizes the act of apologizing rather than just feeling sorry.

particularly regretful

Highlights that the regret is especially strong in the given situation.

sincerely remorseful

Highlights the genuineness of the feeling of being sorry.

extremely contrite

Suggests a higher degree of remorse and repentance.

genuinely saddened

Focuses on the sadness caused by the situation, implying regret.

utterly ashamed

Indicates a strong feeling of shame and guilt.

FAQs

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

You can use "quite sorry" to express a sincere apology or regret, as in "I am "quite sorry" for the misunderstanding" or "We are "quite sorry" this has happened".

What are some alternatives to "quite sorry"?

Alternatives to "quite sorry" include "very sorry", "deeply regretful", "sincerely remorseful", or "terribly sorry", depending on the level of formality and emphasis you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "I'm quite sorry"?

Yes, "I'm quite sorry" is a correct and commonly used expression. It is a slightly more formal way of saying "I'm sorry" and conveys a sincere feeling of regret.

What's the difference between "quite sorry" and "very sorry"?

Both "quite sorry" and "very sorry" express a strong sense of regret. "Quite" can sometimes imply a slightly more subdued or reserved tone compared to the more direct emphasis of "very", but the difference is often minimal.