severely sorry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "severely sorry" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward to some readers.
It can be used to express a strong sense of regret or remorse, but it is more effective to use "deeply sorry" instead. Example: "I am severely sorry for the inconvenience caused by my mistake."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

(Seriously, sorry).

Huffington Post

P.M.S.: Sorry, sorry, sorry!

The New Yorker

Sorry, sorry, sorry.

The New Yorker

To everyone suffering from autism, either mildly or severely, I am sorry".

Independent

But when he placed his greenish-brown eyes in front of the scanner, a red light flashed and an electronic voice intoned severely: "We are sorry.

The New York Times

The goodwill built up by years of attractive football was severely depleted by 120 sorry minutes.

The Guardian - Sport

Practically any other candidate would have fired Lewandowski, or at least severely reprimanded him; said sorry to Fields; and tried to move on.

The New Yorker

"We are sorry to have to speak thus severely on the works of a lady, but we feel compelled to do so in the interest of the art".

Huffington Post

He said: "We are sorry that many of our passengers had severely disrupted services last week due to the snow and icy conditions on the track.

BBC

"I am profoundly sorry for the families of a newborn baby who died and another who was severely affected after the wrong gas was dispensed through a neonatal resuscitation outlet at Bankstown-Lidcombe hoSkinner" saidner said on Monday night.

The Guardian

"I was severely depressed.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to convey profound regret, consider alternatives like "deeply sorry" or "extremely remorseful", as "severely sorry" can occasionally sound awkward in contemporary English.

Common error

While "severely sorry" can be appropriate, avoid using it in casual or lighthearted situations. Opt for simpler expressions like "really sorry" or just "sorry" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severely sorry" functions as an intensifier (adverb "severely") modifying an adjective ("sorry"). It's intended to amplify the expression of remorse or regret. Ludwig indicates this phrase can come off as awkward to some readers.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while grammatically sound, the phrase "severely sorry" is not commonly used, and Ludwig suggests it might sound awkward to some. It functions to intensify an apology or expression of regret and is most suitable for neutral to formal contexts. Alternatives such as "deeply sorry", "sincerely sorry", or "extremely remorseful" may be more appropriate in many situations. When aiming to express profound regret, it's crucial to consider the context and audience to ensure the chosen phrase effectively conveys the intended sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sincerely sorry

This alternative conveys genuineness in the apology, focusing on sincerity.

truly regretful

Similar to "sincerely sorry", but focuses more on the regret itself.

extremely remorseful

This alternative focuses on the feeling of remorse and is suitable for serious situations.

deeply regretful

This alternative emphasizes the feeling of regret rather than a direct apology.

earnestly regretful

This alternative emphasizes the sincerity and seriousness of the regret.

profoundly apologetic

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of apologizing.

intensely apologetic

This highlights the intensity of feeling sorry and offering apologies.

terribly sorry

This alternative is more informal but still expresses a strong sense of regret.

genuinely contrite

This phrase implies a deep sense of guilt and repentance for one's actions.

bitterly sorry

This alternative suggests a deep, painful regret, often tinged with sadness.

FAQs

What's a more common alternative to "severely sorry"?

Alternatives such as "deeply sorry" or "sincerely sorry" are more frequently used to express strong regret in contemporary English.

Is "severely sorry" grammatically incorrect?

No, "severely sorry" is not grammatically incorrect, but it's less common. Choosing a more conventional phrase like "extremely remorseful" might be preferable.

When is it appropriate to use "severely sorry"?

"Severely sorry" is most appropriate when you want to emphasize the intensity of your regret, but be mindful that other options can sound more natural. It's also advisable to reflect on the audience you are communicating with.

What's the difference between "severely sorry" and "truly sorry"?

"Severely sorry" emphasizes the degree of regret, while "truly sorry" stresses the sincerity of the feeling. "Truly sorry" is generally a safer and more versatile choice.