really sorry

USAGE SUMMARY

"really sorry" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to apologize for something. For example: "I'm really sorry that I hurt your feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"No, I'm really sorry.

The New York Times

Just, I'm really sorry.

Harvard Business Review

I wasn't really sorry.

The New York Times - Travel

"I'm really sorry, man.

The Guardian - Music

"I'm really, really sorry".

The New York Times

" 'We are really sorry.

The New Yorker

She said, "I'm really sorry.

The New Yorker

"I'm really sorry," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

"I'm really sorry he's gone".

The New Yorker

"I'm really sorry," I said.

The New Yorker

They're really sorry 4 everything.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "really sorry" to express genuine regret or sympathy in various contexts, from informal apologies to more formal expressions of remorse. Be mindful of your audience and the severity of the situation.

Common error

While "really sorry" is acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing it in very formal settings where a more sophisticated expression of regret might be appropriate. Consider using phrases like "sincerely regretful" or "deeply apologetic" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "really sorry" functions as an intensifier (really) modifying an adjective (sorry), expressing a heightened state of regret or apology. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, suggesting its role in conveying sincere emotions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "really sorry" is a common and generally acceptable phrase used to express regret or sympathy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for many situations but may be replaced with more formal alternatives like "sincerely regretful" or "deeply apologetic" in professional contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media, showing its wide applicability. To ensure appropriate usage, consider the audience and formality of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely sorry

Replaces "really" with "extremely" to increase the intensity of the feeling.

genuinely sorry

Highlights the authenticity and sincerity of the apology.

terribly sorry

Emphasizes the degree of regret using "terribly".

extremely regretful

Replaces "really" with "extremely" to increase the intensity of regret.

very apologetic

Uses a more common synonym of regret, emphasizing the action of apologizing.

sincerely apologetic

Combines sincerity with the act of apologizing for a stronger, more formal tone.

deeply apologetic

Similar to "sincerely regretful" but emphasizes the act of apologizing.

sincerely regretful

Replaces "sorry" with a more formal and intense expression of regret.

truly remorseful

Emphasizes the feeling of deep regret and guilt.

I profoundly apologize

Expresses a formal and deep apology.

FAQs

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

You can use "really sorry" to express your apologies or sympathy, for example, "I'm "really sorry" for your loss" or "I'm "really sorry" that happened to you".

What are some alternatives to saying "really sorry"?

Alternatives include "sincerely regretful", "deeply apologetic", or "genuinely sorry" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "really sorry" in a professional setting?

Yes, "really sorry" can be used in a professional setting to express empathy or apologize for a mistake. However, be mindful of the specific situation and consider using a more formal expression if necessary.

What's the difference between "really sorry" and "extremely sorry"?

Both phrases express a high degree of regret, but "extremely sorry" might convey a slightly stronger sense of remorse compared to "really sorry".