sorry to inform

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sorry to inform" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to convey unfortunate news or information to someone in a polite manner. Example: "I am sorry to inform you that your application has not been successful this time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

"WE ARE sorry to inform you that your aeroplane has been struck by lightning.

The Economist

So I am sorry to inform you that currently this device is not available for everyone.

The New York Times

Hensley e-mailed Lance Plyler: "I am very sorry to inform you that Tamba Snell is positive".

The New Yorker

You're essentially asking, "Is it ethical for me to slowly and legally murder my unlikable neighbor?" I'm sorry to inform you that it is not.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We are to sorry to inform you that a religious scholar who was teaching at the mosque was seriously wounded," Sheik Ali said.

The New York Times

If so, then I'm sorry to inform you that your publication is perpetuating a privilege-based upward mobility, and it's ruining journalism.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

The editor is terribly sorry to have to inform the reader that "our poor Miss Brennan" has died - indeed she shot herself ("in the back with the aid of a small handmirror") at the foot of the main altar of St Patrick's Cathedral on Shrove Tuesday.

The Guardian - Books

If you answered yes to only one of the questions, then I'm sorry to have to inform you that more research is in order.

TechCrunch

Ladies, I'm sorry to have to inform you that the War on Women persists and you have been drafted into the fight whether you like it or not.

Huffington Post

The most common professional consequences for second victims were: concerns about the legal consequences of an AE, the potential damage to their professional standing due to the incident, having to say sorry to patients and having to inform to managers (Table  5).

BMC Health Services Research

It aims to inform.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sorry to inform", ensure that the information you are delivering is clear and concise. Avoid ambiguity to prevent further confusion or distress.

Common error

Avoid using "sorry to inform" for minor inconveniences or trivial matters. The phrase carries a weight of seriousness, and overusing it can diminish its impact and appear insincere. Reserve it for genuinely unfortunate or significant news.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sorry to inform" functions as an introductory expression used to soften the impact of delivering bad or unwelcome news. As Ludwig indicates, it sets a tone of regret or sympathy before presenting the information.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sorry to inform" is a commonly used phrase to introduce bad news or unwelcome information with a degree of politeness and empathy. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's considered grammatically correct and appropriate in neutral to formal contexts, especially in news and media. While alternatives such as "regret to announce" or "sadly report" exist, choosing "sorry to inform" depends on the specific nuance and level of formality required. Avoid overusing it in trivial situations to maintain its sincerity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regret to announce

Formally expresses regret while communicating information.

sadly report

Focuses on the sadness associated with the information being shared.

it pains me to say

Emphasizes the speaker's personal discomfort in delivering the news.

I'm afraid I must tell you

Highlights apprehension or reluctance in sharing the information.

it is with deep regret that

Emphasizes the extent of sorrow involved in the message.

we regret to advise

A formal way of conveying bad news or an unfavorable decision.

unpleasant news to share

Focuses on the unpleasantness of the news itself.

must inform you with regret

Formally conveys the information while emphasizing the regret felt.

it grieves me to tell

Emphasizes a deeper sense of sorrow compared to simple regret.

I have some unfortunate news

Directly indicates the bad nature of the news without explicitly expressing regret.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "sorry to inform"?

Use "sorry to inform" when you need to deliver bad or unwelcome news in a polite and formal way. It's suitable for situations where sensitivity and empathy are required.

What are some alternative phrases to "sorry to inform"?

You can use alternatives like "regret to announce", "sadly report", or "it pains me to say", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "I'm sorry to inform you that..." grammatically correct?

Yes, "I'm sorry to inform you that..." is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules for expressing regret while delivering information.

What's the difference between "sorry to inform" and "afraid to inform"?

"Sorry to inform" expresses regret or sadness while delivering news, while "afraid to inform" suggests apprehension or fear about the recipient's reaction. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize your regret or your anticipation of a negative response.