that sadly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that sadly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express regret or disappointment about a situation or fact that follows it. Example: "The project was canceled, that sadly left many team members without work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All that, sadly, is true.

The Guardian - Books

A dream that sadly never came true.

The Guardian - Sport

Was never inadvertently involved in something unfortunate that sadly occurred?

The New Yorker

Ogali said that, sadly, the reverse was also true.

The New Yorker

"I do believe that sadly the number will rise.

The Guardian

It was a remarkably candid admission - and one that sadly, five years later, remains too true.

The New York Times

Such large-scale migrations are an ecological phenomenon that, sadly, is fast disappearing across the planet.

The New York Times

But that would require courage and commitment, qualities that sadly run a deficit in Washington.

The New York Times

Mr Cameron concluded that, sadly, there could be no equivalent for the Tories.

The Economist

It's an injunction that, sadly, Trevor-Roper seems to have followed.

The New Yorker

This year I think that sadly it is difficult to see another team winning it".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that sadly" to introduce a clause that expresses disappointment or regret about a preceding statement. It adds a slightly more formal tone than simply using "sadly".

Common error

Avoid using "that sadly" excessively in very casual conversations. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly dramatic or stiff in informal settings. Opt for simpler expressions like "sadly" or "unfortunately" when speaking with friends or family.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that sadly" functions as a sentence adverbial, modifying the entire clause that follows it. It serves to express the speaker's or writer's attitude or emotion (specifically, sadness or regret) towards the situation being described. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

9%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that sadly" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to introduce a sense of regret or disappointment. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts. While it can be effectively employed in various forms of writing and speech, it is best suited for neutral to formal settings. When aiming for a more casual tone, opting for just “sadly” or other alternatives might be more appropriate. It's also important to consider source authority and contextual fit when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sadly

A shorter, more direct way to express the sentiment without the "that".

unfortunately

Expresses a similar sentiment of disappointment but is a single adverb.

regrettably

A more formal synonym for "unfortunately", indicating sorrow or regret.

it is unfortunate that

A more elaborate way to express the same sentiment, emphasizing the unfortunate nature of the situation.

it's a pity that

Indicates a sense of sorrow or disappointment about something.

it's regrettable that

Similar to "it is unfortunate that" but with a stronger emphasis on regret.

it's disappointing that

Focuses on the disappointment caused by the situation.

it's a shame that

Indicates that something is unfortunate or regrettable.

to my dismay

Expresses personal disappointment or distress about something.

alas

An exclamation of grief or regret.

FAQs

How can I use "that sadly" in a sentence?

Use "that sadly" to express disappointment or regret about a situation. For example, "The event was cancelled, "that sadly" meant we lost the funding."

What are some alternatives to "that sadly"?

You can use alternatives such as "unfortunately", "regrettably", or "it is unfortunate that" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to include "that" before "sadly"?

No, it's not always necessary. You can often use "sadly" alone for a more direct expression. However, "that sadly" can provide a smoother transition between clauses in certain sentences.

Which is more formal, "that sadly" or "unfortunately"?

Regrettably tends to be the most formal, followed by "unfortunately". "That sadly" falls somewhere in between, adding a degree of formality compared to just using "sadly".