sorry for him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sorry for him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express sympathy or pity for someone in a particular situation. Example: "After hearing about his recent struggles, I really feel sorry for him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I felt sorry for him".

The New York Times - Books

I feel sorry for him".

The New York Times - Sports

But sorry for him?

The Guardian - Sport

I'm sorry for him.

The Guardian - Sport

"I do feel sorry for him".

The New York Times

"We really felt sorry for him.

The New York Times - Sports

"I just felt very sorry for him.

Independent

I felt so sorry for him.

The New York Times - Sports

And the guy feels sorry for him.

The New Yorker

"I feel sorry for him," he added.

The New York Times - Books

We all felt sorry for him.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sorry for him", ensure that the context clearly indicates the reason for feeling sorry, providing specific details about the person's situation to make your sentiment more meaningful and relatable.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "sorry for him" without providing sufficient context or explanation. Overusing it without specifics can make your sentiment seem insincere or superficial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sorry for him" functions as an expression of empathy or pity. It indicates that the speaker feels sadness or compassion for someone else's unfortunate situation. Ludwig's examples showcase its frequent usage in expressing these sentiments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sorry for him" is a common and grammatically sound expression of empathy or pity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage, particularly in news and media, where it effectively conveys sympathy for someone facing difficulties. While versatile, ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for your sentiment to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "feel sympathy for him" or "pity him" can offer nuanced ways to express similar feelings. Avoid overuse without context to maintain sincerity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel sympathy for him

Emphasizes the compassionate aspect of feeling sorry.

pity him

Directly expresses a feeling of sorrow and compassion.

feel compassion for him

Highlights the emotion of deep caring and understanding.

feel regret for him

Focuses on the feeling of sadness or disappointment for his circumstances.

feel sadness for him

Expresses the emotion of being unhappy about his situation.

have compassion for him

Indicates a sense of deep sympathy and willingness to help.

be sympathetic towards him

Highlights the act of showing empathy and understanding.

feel for him

A more concise way of expressing sympathy.

be sorry about his situation

Shifts the focus to the specific circumstances causing sorrow.

lament his fate

A more formal and dramatic way of expressing sorrow for his situation.

FAQs

How can I use "sorry for him" in a sentence?

You can use "sorry for him" to express sympathy or regret for someone's situation. For example, "After hearing about his accident, I felt really sorry for him."

What's the difference between "sorry for him" and "sympathy for him"?

"Sorry for him" implies feeling sadness or regret about someone's situation, while "sympathy for him" denotes a more detached understanding and compassion. "Sorry" is more emotional, while "sympathy" is more understanding.

Which is more appropriate, "feel sorry for him" or "felt bad for him"?

Both "feel sorry for him" and "felt bad for him" are appropriate, but "feel sorry for him" is slightly more formal. "Felt bad for him" is more casual and conversational.

What can I say instead of "sorry for him" to sound more empathetic?

To sound more empathetic, consider using alternatives like "feel his pain", "deeply compassionate", or "my heart goes out to him". These phrases convey a stronger sense of emotional connection and understanding.