sorry to learn

USAGE SUMMARY

"sorry to learn" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when someone tells you bad news or when you regret to hear something. Example: I was sorry to learn that you were laid off from your job.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

I was sorry to learn, that Grabendorfer is dead.

University of California, Berkeley

I was sorry to learn of Muhammad Ali's death.

University of California, Berkeley

We are sorry to learn, at this date, that there was nothing to it.

The New Yorker

"I am sorry to learn of Lady Thatcher's death," said Lord Heseltine, her most formidable rival.

The Economist

Many were fans, and they were sorry to learn that he was retiring.

The New Yorker

They've had a tough year, you may be sorry to learn.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

It is possible to learn those very complex cues if sorry.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I was sorry, however, to learn that the outsize nature of her new heartthrob will mean that, as Ms. Parker says, "Carrie gets bigger, too".

The New York Times

We are sorry you had to learn it in this manner.

The New Yorker

I am deeply sorry and I promise to learn from this mistake," he said.

Independent

In an essay that was published posthumously, Said wrote, "Reading Ahmed's pathetic tirade makes one feel sorry that she never bothered to learn her own language".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sorry to learn", follow it with a specific reference to what you learned, to avoid ambiguity. For example, "I am sorry to learn of your father's passing" is clearer than simply, "I am sorry to learn".

Common error

Avoid using "sorry to learn" in situations where a more direct expression of concern or support is needed. Overusing the phrase can make your response seem insincere or formulaic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sorry to learn" functions as an empathetic expression, typically used to convey sympathy or regret upon receiving news, often of an unfortunate nature. Ludwig AI confirms that this expression is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sorry to learn" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey regret or sympathy upon hearing news. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academia, it serves to acknowledge someone's situation and offer a polite expression of concern. Alternatives like "sad to hear" or "disappointed to hear" offer similar sentiments. When using "sorry to learn", it's crucial to ensure the context is appropriate and to specify what you are referring to. Avoid overuse to maintain sincerity. With its frequent use and wide acceptance, "sorry to learn" remains a versatile tool for expressing empathy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sorry to hear that

Adds a pronoun to make it more specific.

sad to hear

Focuses more directly on the emotional response to the news.

I am saddened to learn

Adds 'I am' to be more personal, and it's similar to the first person-perspective of original phrase.

saddened to hear

A more emphatic version of "sad to hear".

disappointed to hear

Emphasizes a feeling of disappointment rather than general regret.

regret to hear

More formal and emphasizes the act of regretting the information.

unfortunate to hear

Highlights the unfortunate nature of the news itself.

distressed to learn

Emphasizes a feeling of being troubled or worried upon learning of it.

it's a shame to hear

Expresses that the news is a regrettable situation.

it grieves me to learn

Expresses deep sorrow upon learning the news.

FAQs

How can I use "sorry to learn" in a sentence?

You can use "sorry to learn" to express your regret or disappointment when you hear bad news. For example, "I was "sorry to learn" about your job loss" or "We are "sorry to learn" of your recent illness".

What are some alternatives to "sorry to learn"?

Alternatives include "sad to hear", "disappointed to hear", or "regret to hear". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to use "sorry to learn" in a formal setting?

Yes, "sorry to learn" is generally acceptable in formal settings, although phrases like "regret to hear" might be considered slightly more formal. Choose the phrase that best suits the overall tone of your communication.

What's the difference between "sorry to learn" and "sorry to hear"?

While both express sympathy, "sorry to learn" is often used when the information was conveyed through written means or some indirect method. "Sorry to hear" is more common when the information is shared verbally or in person. In many cases, they are interchangeable.