sorry state of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sorry state of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation or condition that is unfortunate, poor, or in disarray. Example: "The city is in a sorry state of disrepair, with potholes and crumbling infrastructure everywhere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a sorry state of affairs.

Independent

"It's a sorry state of affairs".

Independent

This is the sorry state of C.E.O.

The New Yorker

The sorry state of it.

The Guardian - Sport

What a sorry state of affairs.

Princeton University

A consistent theme is the sorry state of English letters.

The New Yorker

It's a sorry state of affairs," he said.

Independent

But for many, it is a sorry state of affairs.

The New York Times

It was time to rectify this sorry state of affairs.

Independent

That is a rather sorry state of affairs.

The Economist

This sorry state of affairs reflects what we have become.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sorry state of", ensure the context clearly indicates what is in a poor or unfortunate condition. Avoid vague references; be specific about the subject and its issues. This provides clarity and strengthens your argument or observation.

Common error

While "sorry state of" is generally acceptable, avoid using it in highly formal or technical writing where a more precise and objective term would be more appropriate. For example, in a scientific report, prefer "deteriorated condition" over "sorry state of affairs".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sorry state of" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically modifying a noun to express a negative assessment of its condition or situation. It highlights that something is in a poor or undesirable state, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sorry state of" is a common and acceptable expression used to describe an undesirable or unfortunate condition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's best used when you want to express disappointment or concern about a situation. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "unfortunate situation" or "deplorable condition". Remember to be specific about what's in a "sorry state of" to ensure clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfortunate situation

Replaces "sorry state" with a more general term, focusing on the unfavorable nature of the situation.

deplorable condition

Emphasizes the negative and unacceptable nature of the condition, adding a stronger sense of disapproval.

lamentable circumstances

Uses more formal language to express regret about the circumstances, suitable for serious or formal contexts.

pitiful situation

Highlights the aspect of evoking pity or sadness due to the negative state.

regrettable affair

Indicates that the situation is a matter of regret, often used for specific events or occurrences.

unhappy predicament

Focuses on the unpleasant and difficult nature of the situation, suggesting someone is trapped or facing hardship.

dire straits

Implies a severe and urgent situation of distress or difficulty, often suggesting imminent danger.

tragic plight

Highlights the unfortunate and often heart-wrenching circumstances of someone's situation.

difficult dilemma

Replaces 'state' with 'dilemma', focusing on the problematic or perplexing nature of the situation.

poor condition

Simplifies the phrase to a more straightforward description of something being in bad shape.

FAQs

How can I use "sorry state of" in a sentence?

Use "sorry state of" to describe something that is in a poor, unfortunate, or deteriorated condition. For instance, "The "sorry state of the economy" has led to widespread job losses", or "The "sorry state of the building" made it uninhabitable".

What are some alternatives to "sorry state of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "unfortunate situation", "deplorable condition", "lamentable circumstances", or "pitiful situation" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "sorry state of affairs" a formal or informal expression?

"Sorry state of affairs" is generally considered a neutral to slightly informal expression. It is suitable for many contexts, including news reporting, general writing, and some business communications, but may be less appropriate for highly formal academic or scientific writing.

What does "sorry state of" imply about the speaker's perspective?

Using "sorry state of" implies that the speaker views the situation or condition as undesirable, regrettable, or unfortunate. It suggests a negative evaluation and can convey a sense of disappointment or concern.