that is sad

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that is sad" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express sympathy or disappointment regarding a situation or event. Example: "I just heard that the concert was canceled. That is sad."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

What starts as a light-hearted gimmick builds into a beguiling piece of theatre that is sad, funny and heartbreakingly humane.

The Guardian

Sad music brilliantly played, or which is intrinsically brilliant and reminds you of something in your life that is sad, is there to be cherished, not avoided".

The Guardian - Music

Instead, the specifics of the images add up to a larger truth, conveying a diffuse sense of human folly and cost that is sad beyond words.

The New York Times - Arts

It is conformity that is sad.

Huffington Post

A sad brunch is a brunch that is sad.

Vice

If the conclusion of 10 years' work is being described as a dead fish, that is sad.

Los Angeles Times

This is why the rules matter, and when we can no longer hold people accountable for their actions, that is sad.

Huffington Post

Maybe a penguin that is already active in talking, or one that is sad.

WikiHow

Just write what ever comes to your mind that is sad.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

(Boy, that's sad).

The Guardian - Music

"It was a voice that was sad.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience when using "that is sad". While appropriate in many situations, more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "that is unfortunate" or "that is regrettable".

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "that is sad" to express sympathy. Vary your responses with phrases like "I'm sorry to hear that" or "that's truly unfortunate" to sound more sincere and engaged.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that is sad" primarily functions as an exclamatory expression of sympathy or regret. It directly acknowledges an unfortunate situation or feeling. As per Ludwig AI, it is commonly used to express understanding and empathy.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

25%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that is sad" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey sympathy or disappointment. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English. While versatile, it's best to consider the context and choose more formal alternatives like "that is unfortunate" in professional settings. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, its frequency is considered uncommon, suggesting a need to vary your expressions to maintain engaging and sincere communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's unfortunate

Replaces "sad" with a more general term for disappointment.

that's disappointing

Focuses on the feeling of disappointment rather than sadness.

that's a pity

Uses a more old-fashioned expression to convey regret.

it's a shame

Highlights the unfortunate or shameful aspect of the situation.

it's regrettable

Emphasizes the regretful nature of the situation.

that's upsetting

Focuses on the emotional distress caused by the situation.

that's regrettable

Similar to "it's regrettable" but uses "that's" for a slightly different emphasis.

how disheartening

Emphasizes the feeling of losing enthusiasm or hope.

it's a crying shame

Uses a more emphatic and emotional expression of regret.

that's depressing

Uses a stronger term to indicate a more severe feeling of sadness.

FAQs

How can I use "that is sad" in a sentence?

You can use "that is sad" to express sympathy or disappointment. For example, "I heard about your job loss; "that is sad"." It's a direct way to acknowledge someone's unfortunate situation.

What are some alternatives to saying "that is sad"?

Alternatives include "that's unfortunate", "that's disappointing", or "it's a shame". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is it ever inappropriate to say "that is sad"?

While generally acceptable, "that is sad" might be too informal for very formal settings or when addressing someone in a position of authority. In those cases, opt for a more formal expression of sympathy, like "that is regrettable."

What's the difference between "that is sad" and "that's unfortunate"?

While both express sympathy, "that is sad" focuses more on the feeling of sadness, while "that's unfortunate" emphasizes the negative circumstances. "That is sad" can sometimes sound more personal and empathetic.