saddened to inform

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "saddened to inform" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in formal communication to express regret about delivering bad news or unfavorable information. Example: "I am saddened to inform you that the event has been canceled due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Hi [name removed], On behalf of the entire team here at Shuddle, we are saddened to inform you that Shuddle will be ceasing operations and closing business as of end-of-the-day Friday, April 15th.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Strategic Investors & Advisors, I am saddened to have to inform you that an employee of our company has engaged in what we believe to be an attempt to extort over $1M from the company.

TechCrunch

We are deeply saddened to have lost our dear aunt.

The New York Times

RIP Saddened to hear the news of Michael Meacher's passing.

Independent

"I am deeply saddened to disappoint you".

The Guardian - Film

We are saddened to have lost our Uncle Ronny.

The New York Times

"I'm saddened to see him leave," Chaney said.

The New York Times - Sports

We are appalled, angered and saddened to be powerless.

The New York Times

We are deeply saddened to learn of his passing.

The New York Times

I was saddened to see the departure of Andy Robinson.

The Guardian - Sport

Cooper said he was "saddened" to hear Gambaccini's attack.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "saddened to inform", follow it with a clear and concise explanation of the situation to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "saddened to inform" in casual conversations or informal emails. It can sound overly dramatic or insincere in relaxed settings. Opt for simpler phrases like "I'm sorry to say" or "I have some bad news."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "saddened to inform" functions as an introductory verb phrase signaling the delivery of bad or unwelcome news. As Ludwig AI states, it is typically used in formal communication to express regret about delivering unfavorable information. This phrase sets a tone of empathy before presenting potentially disappointing details.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "saddened to inform" is a grammatically correct and formal way to introduce bad news. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is best suited for professional or formal settings, where it conveys empathy and respect. While acceptable, overuse in informal contexts may sound insincere. Related phrases, such as "regret to announce" or "sorry to say", offer alternative tones and levels of formality. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Formal & Business communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regret to announce

Replaces "saddened" with "regret", focusing solely on the feeling of regret. It is often used in formal announcements.

with deep regret, I must inform you

Adds "deep regret" for emphasis and uses a more formal tone.

sorry to say

Uses "sorry" instead of "saddened", making it slightly less formal while still expressing regret.

I'm sorry to let you know

A more casual alternative using "sorry" and "let you know" for a softer approach.

it is with sorrow that I inform you

Emphasizes the sorrowful feeling more directly through a rephrased sentence structure.

I am grieved to report

Substitutes "saddened" with "grieved", implying a deeper sense of sorrow. "Report" is used instead of "inform".

it is my sad duty to tell you

Presents the act of informing as an obligation, tinged with sadness.

it pains me to announce

Highlights the speaker's emotional discomfort in delivering the news.

I have the unfortunate task of informing you

Focuses on the unpleasant nature of delivering the news, rather than the speaker's feelings.

reluctantly informing you

Highlights that you are informing against your own will.

FAQs

How can I appropriately use "saddened to inform" in a sentence?

Use "saddened to inform" to convey bad news in a formal or professional setting. For example, "I am saddened to inform you that your application was not approved."

What are some alternatives to "saddened to inform" that I can use?

You can use alternatives like "regret to announce", "sorry to say", or "it is with sorrow that I inform you", depending on the desired level of formality.

Is "saddened to inform" suitable for informal communication?

While grammatically correct, "saddened to inform" is generally too formal for casual conversations. Simpler phrases like "I'm sorry to tell you" are more appropriate.

How does "saddened to inform" differ from "sorry to inform"?

"Saddened to inform" conveys a slightly deeper sense of sorrow or regret than "sorry to inform", which is more commonly used and generally acceptable in both formal and semi-formal contexts.