sorry to report

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sorry to report" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when conveying unfortunate news or information that may be disappointing to the recipient. Example: "I'm sorry to report that the project deadline has been pushed back due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a lesser bliss, I'm sorry to report.

The New York Times

"I'm a bit hungover, I'm sorry to report," he said.

The New Yorker

I am sorry to report that I forget what happened to the stool.

The New York Times - Arts

In my case, I'm sorry to report, that last element has yet to be delivered.

Independent

We are sorry to report that will still center on Rodriguez.

The New York Times - Sports

This entry, I'm sorry to report, falls firmly in the second category.

The New York Times

I am very sorry to report that Phil Converse died December 30th in Ann Arbor.

The Washington Post

May: But nothing that could be used to compromise Jerry, I'm sorry to report.

The Guardian - Tech

This turned out to be a bust, I'm sorry to report.

The New York Times

So in some ways, I'm sorry to report that this year will be different.

The New York Times - Tech

Well, I'm sorry to report that I got my first speeding ticket recently.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sorry to report" to soften the impact of negative news. It shows empathy and consideration for the recipient's feelings.

Common error

Avoid using "sorry to report" excessively, especially in close succession. Vary your language to maintain reader engagement. For example, use "unfortunately" or "regrettably" to introduce bad news.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sorry to report" serves as an introductory remark to soften the delivery of unfavorable news. It prefaces the information with an expression of regret, indicating empathy and consideration. As Ludwig AI suggests, it signals that the speaker is aware that the news may be unwelcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sorry to report" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to introduce bad news or unfortunate information. It serves to soften the impact of the news and shows empathy for the recipient. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is appropriate in various contexts, primarily in news and media, but also in formal and business settings. While its use is generally acceptable, overuse should be avoided to maintain reader engagement. Alternatives such as "regret to inform you" or "unfortunately" can be used to vary the language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regret to inform you

Formality is higher, suitable for formal announcements.

I'm afraid to say

Emphasizes apprehension about delivering the news.

it pains me to say

Highlights the speaker's emotional discomfort in delivering the news.

I must sadly report

Emphasizes sadness about the news.

unfortunately, I have to say

Focuses on the unfortunate nature of the information.

I'm sad to say

More direct expression of sadness.

it's with regret that I announce

Formal and emphasizes the feeling of regret.

I'm not happy to report

Expresses a lack of pleasure in delivering the news.

I'm dismayed to announce

Emphasizes feelings of dismay.

it grieves me to say

Highlights the emotional distress of the speaker.

FAQs

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

You can use "sorry to report" to introduce bad news or unfortunate information, such as, "I'm sorry to report that the meeting has been cancelled" or "We are sorry to report a decline in sales this quarter".

What can I say instead of "sorry to report"?

You can use alternatives like "regret to inform you", "I'm afraid to say", or "unfortunately", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "sorry to report"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. It's a common and accepted phrase used to express regret when delivering news, particularly negative news.

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

It is appropriate to use "sorry to report" in situations where you need to convey bad news or disappointing information in a polite and considerate manner. It is commonly used in professional and formal communications.