sorry folks

USAGE SUMMARY

"sorry folks" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to express one's apology to a group of people. For example, "Sorry folks, I'm not going to be able to make it to the meeting this afternoon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

You can only attend if you are invited, sorry folks.

Independent

"I'm sorry, folks, I have to go," he said.

The New Yorker

I said, I'm sorry, folks, but we have to take care people that don't have money.

Independent

I was just sweating and I was about to say: 'I'm sorry, folks.

The Guardian

"I'm sorry, folks, but our love seats are for display purposes only".

The New Yorker

Trump translated this passage for the crowd: "Whoever is President can say, 'I'm sorry folks, not now, please.

The New Yorker

"I was not referring to sexuality directly or indirectly regarding the David Beckham ad, and I'm sorry folks took it otherwise," he wrote.

The New York Times

And I'm sorry, folks, but let me just say I'm going to focus on the policies here and leave personnel to the president.

The Washington Post

I can only say: sorry, folks, but it doesn't work to declare the government a kind of foreign power, whose rise can't really be explained.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Many people would balk at the very thought of watching a bunch of sorry folk stitched bunghole-to-mouth being forced to pass multi-digested excrement through their successive digestive systems, while being brutalized and tormented by a villainous figure.

Vice

Many people would chuck a whitey at the very thought of watching a bunch of sorry folk stitched bunghole-to-mouth being forced to pass multi-digested excrement through their successive digestive systems, while being brutalised and tormented by a villainous figure.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sorry folks" when addressing a group of people, especially in informal settings or when aiming for a friendly tone. It's suitable for delivering minor bad news or expressing slight regret.

Common error

Avoid using "sorry folks" in highly formal or professional communications. Opt for more formal expressions like "I apologize" or "we regret to inform you" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sorry folks" serves as an interjection used to express apology, regret, or acknowledgement of an unfortunate situation to a group of people. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a common expression used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sorry folks" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey apology or regret to a group of people. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and wide application. While generally informal, it appears across various contexts, particularly in news and media, aiming to establish a connection with the audience. While "sorry folks" is suitable for conveying minor bad news, consider formal alternatives such as "apologies to all" or "regret to inform you" in professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sorry everyone

This alternative is a more direct way of addressing a group, conveying the same sense of apology or regret.

my apologies everyone

This alternative is a slightly more formal expression of regret directed towards a group.

apologies to all

This alternative is a formal way of saying "sorry" to a group of people.

regret to inform you

This alternative conveys bad news or disappointment in a formal manner.

we regret to announce

This alternative is often used in formal announcements of unfortunate events.

excuse me, everyone

This alternative is a polite way of interrupting or excusing oneself before addressing a group about something potentially disappointing.

i'm afraid to say

This alternative is used before delivering bad news or an unpleasant statement, expressing reluctance.

unfortunately

This single word conveys the same sense of regret or bad luck about something that is true.

i hate to break it to you

This alternative is used to soften the blow of delivering bad news, often with a tone of empathy.

bad news, everyone

This alternative is a direct way to announce something unpleasant to a group.

FAQs

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

You can use "sorry folks" to express mild regret or disappointment to a group. For example, "Sorry folks, the show is sold out" or "Sorry folks, but we're out of coffee."

What are some alternatives to "sorry folks"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "sorry everyone", "apologies to all", or "regret to inform you".

Is "sorry folks" appropriate for formal communication?

While "sorry folks" is a common expression, it's generally considered informal. In formal settings, it's better to use more professional alternatives like "I apologize" or "we regret to inform you".

When should I use "sorry folks" instead of "I'm sorry"?

"Sorry folks" is used when addressing a group, whereas "I'm sorry" is generally used when addressing an individual. For example, you'd say "I'm sorry for your loss" to one person, but "Sorry folks, the train is delayed" to a crowd.